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The number of tourists visiting Morocco is growing at an astonishing pace. As a consequence of this, every year there is an increase in the degree of security that is present in the nation. In Morocco, violent crime is very uncommon, and it nearly never targets tourists or other visitors. Moroccans are known for their warm hospitality and eagerness to educate visitors from other countries about their rich culture and history. You shouldn't be concerned about being harassed in Morocco if you are worried about it. Rabat, Marrakech, and Casablanca are three of the most touristy towns in Morocco, and all three of these cities have a significant tourist police presence. This specialized task force is committed to ensuring the safety of visitors from other countries.
Moroccans have a habit of avoiding conflict with non-Marocains as much as is humanly feasible. They have a reputation for being highly welcoming, and visitors are treated with respect wherever they go in the kingdom. Even in the event that they got into a fight with a foreigner, they would make every effort to bring the situation back down to a more manageable level. The majority of Moroccans do not engage in violent behavior and want a peaceful resolution to any conflict that may arise with people from other countries.
In spite of this, visitors visiting Morocco should continue to be watchful of their personal possessions, particularly in the larger towns such as Marrakech and Fez. The large squares and marketplaces that may be found in these Moroccan towns are occasionally frequented by pickpockets and other types of petty criminals. They have the ability to pick your pockets, steal your pocketbook, give you the incorrect change, or con you in any other way.
The most unfortunate aspect of the situation is that the majority of those who are victimized are unaware of what took place until someone else points out the absurd amount they paid for a product or until they notice that their phone is no longer in their bag. It's a terrible feeling to be taken advantage of, and it can quickly put a damper on the joyous atmosphere of a vacation.
a diary of nomads found in the market of Marrakesh, Morocco
In the larger marketplaces found in the Medinas, you will need to be on the lookout for pickpockets.
Maintaining a high level of vigilance and a constant awareness of your personal items is the most effective way to prevent becoming a victim of pickpocketing. You should leave all of your critical and precious goods at the hotel and take with you just the things that you really need while you are out and about. You should try utilizing a money belt and keep your wallet and phone in the front pocket of your pants.
When we go to Morocco, we are often questioned about the safety of the country. Continue reading to get an understanding of some of the most crucial aspects of safety that we believe it is critical for you to be aware of before traveling to Morocco.
kasbah des oudaias Sunset at Rabat, from the Journal of Nomads
IS IT SAFE FOR FAMILIES TO TAKE A TRIP TO MOROCCO?
There is no need for concern if you are questioning whether or not it is appropriate to bring children to Morocco. Children are highly valued in Moroccan culture. They consider them to be holy, and within their tradition, they occupy a position of utmost importance. We believe that if you travel with your children, you will have a more positive experience overall. The way in which people in Morocco interact with youngsters will reveal the culture's kind and compassionate side.
Is it safe to go to Marrakech? - Safety in Marrakech
The importance of family in Moroccan culture cannot be overstated. Because Moroccans typically have large families and are extremely warm and welcoming to children, they are an excellent way to break the ice and encourage contact with Moroccans, who are generally very helpful and protective towards families. Children can help break the ice and encourage contact with Moroccans. You won't attract the attention of con artists in Morocco if you're traveling with your children, which is another another advantage of visiting the country with your family.
The following is a list of suggestions that we have for families who are planning trips to Morocco:
Steer clear of the tap water in Morocco.
Although the water from the tap in Morocco is usually thought to be safe, we do not recommend that small children drink it. The human body need some time to get used to the drinking water available in a new region. People of any age might get abdominal pain or diarrhea as a result of its consumption.
In Morocco, you should try to avoid coming into touch with any stray animals.
The country of Morocco is home to a significant number of homeless cats and dogs. Even though they seem harmless and adorable, there is still a risk that they carry rabies. Even a little scratch or bite from such an animal might have very negative repercussions for either you or your kid.
Make sure that your child's standard vaccinations are up to date.
Before entering this country, you should make sure that your children have had all of the necessary vaccinations for their age group. You are exempt from any obligatory immunization requirements if you are an adult traveling in Morocco. On the other hand, being vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid is strongly advised, particularly if you will be traveling to more remote or smaller cities or towns, or if you have an experimental culinary style.
Take a first-aid kit with you if you go to Morocco.
Accidents that result in scratches, scrapes, and minor bruises may occur suddenly and without warning. I would recommend having a first aid package with you that has pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antiseptic wipes, and band-aids. Additionally, the kit should have compresses to apply to wounds and antiseptic wipes.
Cities in Morocco such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes are wonderful destinations for families looking for vacation spots. It is also a wonderful place to go on a tour of the desert or a vacation surfing with your family.
IS MOROCCO SAFE FOR SOLO WOMEN?
Because of the substantial growth in tourism in the country, it is only natural to ponder whether or not Morocco is a secure destination for female travellers. Being a female traveler who is doing it alone in any region of the globe comes with its own unique set of challenges and dangers. Morocco is no different. So, what kind of experiences may lone female travelers anticipate in Morocco? However, it is vital to exercise a little more caution than you would in other areas of the globe if you are traveling alone as a woman in Morocco, even if it is possible to have a wonderful and extremely safe trip there.
The following are some considerations that lone female tourists in Morocco may need to give some thought to:
Catcalling
Unfortunately, the use of catcalls is quite popular in Morocco. It is a nation that is well known for having an exceptionally high incidence rate of street harassment. According to the findings of a poll conducted in 2017, 73% of Moroccan women have been subjected to harassment in public places.
This is an astoundingly large number to consider. However, the overwhelming bulk of the harassment you experience will most likely consist of males telling you how gorgeous you are. Ignore entirely any attempts by males to get your attention, especially if they are approaching you.
Dress code
When traveling across Morocco alone as a woman, it is essential to dress modestly and correctly. If you wish to avoid unwelcome attention, you should steer clear of clothing that is very exposing and instead cover your legs and shoulders. It is also a good idea to avoid going for walks alone late at night. Particularly in the surrounding areas of Morocco's major cities. Make sure you have a plan for where you are going before you go.
If you are a woman traveling alone in Morocco, one of the common cons you could fall victim to is the "Let me assist you discover where you are going" scheme. A Moroccan may approach you and offer their assistance without being asked to do so. They may do things like show you the route to a restaurant or point you the way to a lodging. As soon as you check into the hostel, the con artist will approach you and demand an exorbitant gratuity in return for his assistance.
Take for instance the scenario in which you are carrying a rucksack through the winding alleyways of Marrakech's ancient medina when you are approached by a stranger who offers to show you the way to your hotel. When you get there, he will not depart unless you pay him a tip of at least 30 or 50 MAD for the assistance that he provided to you within the five minutes that it took.
We strongly advise that you download Google Maps into your mobile device well in advance of your journey to Morocco so that you can navigate the Moroccan cities without any difficulty. One of the neat things about Google Maps is that it can be used both online and away from a network connection. You may explore the area of the city you're interested in by connecting to the hotel's Wi-Fi and downloading a map of that specific region. Because this map is compatible with the GPS chip in your phone, it will continue to function even when you are not connected to the internet.
ARE MOROCCAN CITIES SAFE?
There is no reason to believe that large Moroccan cities such as Rabat, Marrakech, or Casablanca are more hazardous than other major towns throughout the globe. It is necessary to maintain a low profile and avoid attracting unwanted attention as a foreigner, just as it is important to do so anywhere else.
In order to avoid danger when traveling through Moroccan cities, keep the following advice in mind.
As a visitor in Morocco, you are free to wear anything you choose; but, in the busy marketplaces and historic medinas, it is impolite to display your riches in any way.
crowd Marrakesh Ramadan iftar - diaries of nomads
The Moroccan souks are known for their crowdedness!
As a result of the high rates of poverty in the nation, many people in Morocco incorrectly believe that all visitors from other countries who come to their country are wealthy. It is essential to avoid giving credence to this misconception and attracting the unwelcome attention of potential criminals by flaunting your pricey possessions.
If it's at all feasible, you should keep all of your valuables locked up in the hotel room. I would also advise against going for walks alone in the late hours of the night in the suburbs of Moroccan cities since it is possible that foreigners may be targeted by muggers.
The vast majority of Moroccans are trustworthy and eager to assist tourists. Having said that, the nation is a highly popular tourist destination, and just like in every other hugely touristy place, taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists is a very frequent practice there. People are generally nice and welcoming around the nation, but if you aren't vigilant, it's not hard to be taken advantage of or fall for a tourist trap if you're not paying attention.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND GOING ON A HIKE IN MOROCCO?
As long as you stick to a few basic guidelines, you shouldn't have any trouble staying safe when hiking in Morocco. If you go hiking in Morocco, you should never trek alone yourself, and you should make sure a local buddy knows where you're going and what time you plan to return.
Bring along a lot of water, some food, a map or a GPS device, and a first aid kit. The fact that you climb Toubkal with a local guide makes it a really safe trip, which is why it is one of the hikes in Morocco that I would suggest to others the most. Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa.
One other trek that I would recommend doing while you are in Morocco is a hike that you can take when you are visiting the Toudra Gorges. The route you choose will take you past some stunning Berber communities. If you're really fortunate, the Berber people could even welcome you to their homes for a cup of tea.
The scenery you'll see when hiking in Morocco is stunning.
8. Is it dangerous to ride camels in Morocco?
Riding camels in Morocco is extremely safe. These creatures are, by their very make-up, exceedingly mild-mannered and quiet. It is possible that you may encounter one that is too anxious or worn out, but in general, they are not harmful. Even in the exceedingly unlikely event that you are thrown from your camel, you will most likely not sustain any injuries since you will be landing on sand. We strongly advise that you go to Merzouga so that you may experience the Sahara desert, a Berber camp, and a camel journey into the desert. Merzouga is located in Morocco.
Photography that is true to life Journal of Nomads from Morocco. Morocco.
A man of the desert with his camel may be seen in the Sahara Desert.
HOW DANGEROUS IS THE DRIVING CONDITION IN MOROCCO?
Driving in Morocco is an extremely risk-free activity. In most cases, people do not drive at exceedingly high speeds. The roads are typically in excellent condition and are regularly maintained, with the exception of certain areas in the south of the nation close to Merzouga and in the high Atlas Mountains close to Toubkal.
If you have your own vehicle and are traveling through the rural areas of Morocco, you should not be too concerned about your safety behind the wheel; on the other hand, navigating the major cities of Morocco may be quite a challenge. Driving in Moroccan cities may often seem like being in the middle of a tumultuous scene. When it comes to driving, you will undoubtedly notice a significant difference between the major cities, the smaller towns, and the more rural locations.
There is a risk of corruption in Moroccan law enforcement, although the problem is more widespread among Moroccan citizens. You'll discover that the Moroccan traffic police are quite kind and helpful to visitors from other countries. Do not be afraid to contact Moroccan law enforcement in the event that you find yourself in need of their help when traveling across the country. If you don't pay attention, it's simple to run a red light or miss a stop sign in Morocco since they are often placed entirely on the far right side of the road. This makes it more likely that you will be involved in an accident. They are sometimes sometimes somewhat concealed by the branches of surrounding trees.
Moroccan Arabic Written on a Street Sign in Morocco
IS IT DANGEROUS TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN MOROCCO?
It is normally safe to travel in city buses and petit taxis in Morocco. On the other hand, grand cabs are not the safest kind of public transportation in Morocco. These are the taxis that link the many cities and towns in the area. They are often older Mercedes Benz models that do not have seatbelts in the back.
Buses provided by CTM and Supratours are excellent options for traveling between cities in Morocco, and we strongly encourage you to use them. They are the most dependable bus operators all throughout the nation, and their vehicles are, by far, the most pleasant options available. Both their pricing and their timetables are pretty comparable to one another. Both organizations allow you to purchase your tickets online, and their respective websites are highly user-friendly and straightforward. For instance, one may read content on the website of the CTM in English.
WONDERING ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE FOOD IN MOROCCO.
Not only is the cuisine in Morocco completely risk-free to consume, but it is also quite tasty.
The flavors, spices, and ingredients that go into Moroccan meals are of the highest quality. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly good for you. The majority of the recipes use fresh vegetables and whole grains, meat that has been recently cooked, spices, and sweet fruits in place of refined sugar. In addition to rice, a lot of Moroccan meals are made using couscous, which is a grain that is significantly better for you than rice. The cuisine of Morocco is distinctive due to the fact that it was shaped by the culinary traditions of Andalusia in Spain, Arabia, and France. The result is a delectable fusion of exquisite tastes.
where to dine and what to eat in Marrakech
Tagines are a popular dish in Morocco. It has the consistency of a stew but is packed with flavor and is seasoned in the usual manner. It is prepared by using a traditional cooking method in a piece of cookware that, coincidentally, shares its name with the finished meal. A tagine is a stew that is often made with meat, chicken, or fish, and it also typically contains vegetables or fruit. In addition, the tagine may be used to prepare vegetables on their own.
The cuisine in Morocco is also known for being extremely reasonably priced. One person that exemplifies this is B'ssara. Breakfast is considered the best time to enjoy this hearty bean soup. On top of it, there is a swirl of olive oil and some cumin sprinkled on top of that. It is often served with bread and may be had at a cost of only a few pence each bowl.
However, if you have a stomach that is easily upset, you should exercise care and take certain preventative measures. While in Morocco, you will be presented with foods, microorganisms, and water that are utterly foreign to you. It is a good idea to carry some probiotics with you on vacation, whether in pill or powder form, if you want to be able to completely enjoy yourself without being interrupted by trips to the restroom.
A word of caution about consuming food from vendors on the streets of the Jemaa el Fena plaza in Marrakech is the last thing I want to say. The Jemaa el Fena plaza is an exceedingly fascinating location that will stimulate all of your senses to the fullest. There are always stalls around selling Moroccan street cuisine, and dining at one of these stalls is an experience in and of itself.
However, I would like to suggest that you give it more thought. These food vendors have subpar sanitation, and as a result, customers often report experiencing symptoms of food poisoning after eating at one of them. Instead, we recommend that you have a lunch at one of the restaurants that are located around the plaza.
DO YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH IF YOU DRINK THE WATER IN MOROCCO?
You may safely drink the water from the tap in Morocco, but only if you find out in advance whether or not the town or city in which you are staying adequately filters its water. Even though many of Morocco's largest towns are equipped with effective water filtration systems, there are still those that do not.
The authorities in Morocco are getting more worried about the pollution produced by plastic water bottles as this issue continues to receive more attention. A good number of hotels provide their guests with filtered water that has been made safe for consumption.
During your first few days in Morocco, it is best to either drink water that has been bottled or filter the tap water using a water bottle that has a built-in filter. This is because you do not know how your body will respond to the bacteria that is found in the local water. It is not difficult to locate a store that sells bottled water in any part of the nation.
Directions from Chefchaouen to the Akchour Waterfalls in the Rif Mountains in Morocco Journal of Nomads - trekking path to the Akchour Waterfalls - the tiny waterfall of Akchour -
ARE THERE ZONES IN MOROCCO That You Ought to Stay Away From?
Even while much of Morocco is quite secure, there is one region that you should attempt to stay away from at all costs. This part of the Western Sahara is located close to the borders with Algeria and Mauritania.
Don't get the Sahara desert confused with the Southern Western Sahara area of Morocco; they're two very different places.
The legal status of the land and the question of its sovereignty are still unsettled in the Western Sahara region, which is located in the most southern portion of Morocco. This region is known as the Western Sahara. From the shoreline, a little distance north of Dakhla, all the way to the Sahara's eastern border, the northern boundary of the Western Sahara may be found there.
The Moroccan government's troops and the POLISARIO Front, which is currently fighting for the territory's independence, fought bloody battles in this region for a long period. It was the location of an armed war for most of that time. There are still hundreds of unexploded mines buried in the Western Sahara, which is another reason why this region is hazardous for those who are not careful enough to avoid them. There have on occasion been reports of mines going off unexpectedly, which has resulted in several fatalities and serious injuries. In addition, there have been intermittent allegations of violence in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, which have been attributed to political rallies and sports events respectively.
It is not a good idea to go in this region of Morocco unless you are with a local guide who is familiar with the surroundings. If you have no choice but to go across Western Sahara, your best chance is to stay on the major route that runs between Dakhla and the border with Mauritius.
Existe-t-il des actes terroristes in Maroc?
There are a number of official sources and internet blogs that provide conflicting opinions regarding the level of terrorism in Morocco, and this may make things very difficult to understand. Here is the information that you need.
The threat of terrorism is present in Morocco, unlike other other countries. However, instances of terrorist activity inside the nation are very uncommon.
In 2011, a terrorist explosion took place in Marrakech's main plaza, and the target of the attack was a tiny bistro. The incident resulted in the deaths of 17 persons, the vast majority of whom were tourists.
In 2018, militants of ISIS were responsible for the murders of two young women from Scandinavia who were traveling near Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains. A great number of individuals were frightened and questioned whether or not Morocco is a risky location to visit.
Over the course of the years and across the whole of the nation, the Moroccan government has reacted to this danger of terrorism by implementing increased security measures. As a result, Morocco is in a far safer position than it was in the past.
Having said all of this, Morocco is a location that is far safer than a lot of other destinations across the globe.
The Global Terrorism Index corroborates the low level of terrorist activity that has been seen (GTI).
This research ranks 163 out of 195 nations throughout the globe based on how severely they are affected by acts of terrorism on an annual basis.
According to the 2018 study, Morocco had a "very poor" score. Morocco came in at a higher position than both Norway (123), and Iceland, with a rating of 132. (130).
Even though terrorist attacks occurred in Morocco in the past, the nation is today more secure than it has ever been, so tourists no longer need to be concerned about their safety while seeing the country's stunning towns and countryside.
We hope that this page assists you in preparing for your trip to Morocco and makes you more aware of the realities there.
Traveling there is not only possible but also highly recommended. If you are worried about it, our best advice is that you sign up for a guided tour so that you may be looked after by a person who is familiar with the area.
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