A genuine guide to the question of whether Morocco is safe for single men travelling alone
It makes sense that most information on safety in Morocco centres on solo women, even though solo men do ask the same question and therefore deserve a clear and precise answer rather than just having it mentioned in a footnote somewhere else. So here is the answer. Yes, Morocco is generally safe for lone men travellers, perhaps even easier on a day-to-day basis than it is for women, since you’re likely to encounter much less persistent verbal attention. Of course that doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks; the dangers that solo men do face here are just of a different nature, not fewer in number.
What the Official Advisories Say
According to the latest update, the US State Department has rated Morocco at Level 2, which means that increased caution should be exercised and this applies generally throughout the country, indicating a state of general alert in busy tourist areas and transport hubs rather than issuing a warning that is specific to any kind of traveller. The same rating is given to a number of popular destinations in Europe, and it should be understood as ordinary awareness advice, not as a serious warning. Morocco is regularly ranked as one of the safest countries in Africa and in the Arab world for tourists, and violent crime against visitors is truly uncommon.
The Real Risks for Solo Men
Here the main worries are petty theft and scams, not violent crime. Just as it applies to other people, lone men are just as likely to be approached by persistent vendors near tourist areas who offer unsolicited directions or try to lead you to a shop so that they can earn a commission, and in such cases you should politely say no to any unsolicited assistance and then keep on going. The vast majority of sensible precautions can be taken by keeping valuable items secure in crowded souks and medinas and by avoiding poorly lit, deserted streets in the late evening, especially when you’ve left bars or are in an unfamiliar part of the city.
The Scam Specifically Worth Knowing as a Man
There is a scam which particularly targets individual male travellers and it is important to understand it thoroughly rather than just pass it over in silence. In a number of particular locations, most notably Chefchaouen in the Rif area where cannabis is grown, a local who appears friendly will at times offer you hashish, sometimes in a very open and repeated manner. If you take it, another person who is acting as a police officer may show up a short while later and threaten to arrest you if you do not pay a large bribe immediately, the two people being in cahoots. Even apart from the scam itself, cannabis is still illegal in Morocco and people can be punished with sentences ranging from one month to five years for possessing it, so even if we ignore the scam altogether, it would not be worth taking such a risk under any circumstances. Whenever you are approached, the best thing to do is firmly say no and continue walking, and if at any time someone tells you they are police in this situation, you should insist on going to an official police station rather than making any arrangements on the street.
Alcohol and Local Etiquette
Morocco is a country where Muslims form the majority and, apart from licensed hotels, bars and the larger supermarkets in the bigger cities, alcohol is not available in most local shops or restaurants. Although it can be obtained if one wishes, it is not to be found at every corner cafe and it is not considered appropriate to drink alcohol openly in public outside of licensed places. While this is only a small adjustment and not a real restriction on your visit, it is worth knowing in advance so that you are not caught unprepared.
Hammams for Men
For a single male traveler, traditional public hammams offer a real worthwhile experience, with men generally going separately from women—either at different times or by using separate areas. It is normal at most of the public hammams visited by tourists to wear shorts or underwear inside rather than go completely naked, and it’s a good idea to bring your own flip flops for the wet floor. The atmosphere is relaxed and low-key, making it a pleasant cultural experience to include on a solo trip.
Social Invitations and Genuine Hospitality
The hospitality shown in Morocco is genuine, and the majority of invitations—whether to have a cup of tea, to eat together, or to chat in a café—are truly friendly and not merely a pretext. Nevertheless, if an invitation promptly leads you to a particular shop, a “family cooperative”, or suggests a business opportunity, it is advisable to exercise a little more caution, since this follows the same basic pattern as the scams described earlier—that of unsolicited friendliness ending in a sales pitch. As solo travellers generally find, relying on their instincts in such situations becomes simpler after a few days.
Getting Around Safely
It is perfectly normal and safe to use taxis, but you should either make sure the meter is working or agree on a price before getting in, as the problem of being overcharged is much more common than any real safety issue. If you are arriving late or are unfamiliar with the route at night, it is advisable to arrange transportation through your riad rather than trying to hail a taxi on the street, since this eliminates a bit of inconvenience especially during your first few days in a new city.
Where Things Feel Different, City by City
In Marrakech and Fes you’ll find the most crowded areas and the most persistent vendors, so allow yourself a bit more patience. Chefchaouen is in fact one of the more relaxed and low-pressure destinations in the country as a whole, the only particular risk being the hashish situation already mentioned, not a general level of scams. Since it is Morocco’s principal ferry port from Europe, Tangier has a well-established reputation for street hustling, and just as in any other place there is the usual awareness needed regarding fake guides and unsolicited assistance.
A Note From Living Here
Real hospitality is the rule in this country, not the exception, and in most of the encounters that single male travelers have in Morocco there is genuine warmth and no hidden intentions at all. It is only by being aware of the few particular patterns mentioned above that you are able to relax and accept the hospitality rather than suspecting every friendly stranger.
Quick Answers
Would it be safe for a man to travel alone in Morocco? Generally yes, since there are fewer gender-related worries than solo women usually encounter, although the standard precautions regarding scams, theft, and areas at night still apply.
The greatest scam risk for individual male travellers is the scheme involving a offer of hashish followed by a false demand for a bribe from the police, a scam most closely associated with Chefchaouen, and one which specifically and unfairly targets men; the best way to avoid it is to firmly refuse any offer of drugs.
Is it possible for me to drink alcohol in Morocco? Yes, it can be found in licensed hotels, bars, and larger supermarkets in the bigger cities, even though it is not available in most local restaurants or shops, and it is not suitable to drink alcohol in public outside of licensed venues.
Is Chefchaouen safe for single men travelling there? Yes, it is generally one of Morocco’s more relaxed destinations, the only thing to be aware of being the hashish and fake police scam and not the general level of danger.
Ought I to be wary of locals who are too friendly? Although the hospitality shown in Morocco is entirely genuine, it is worth noting the case of friendliness that soon turns into an attempt to sell you something from a shop, a cooperative, or otherwise.
