Is Marrakesh dangerous for women travelling on their own without tour operator?

Question

I was planning to go to Marrakesh at the end of March for a weekend with my sister and a girlfriend. We were going to buy a cheap flight and book an hotel there for a couple of nights. I have been told however that Marrakesh is a dangerous city for women travelling on their own and you should only go with a tour operator. Please advice! honestly! Thanks

Answer 1

I had my camera stolen in my villa there. I'd say yes

Answer 2

I am a local and I think you should be OK traveling with your sister and girlfriend to Marrakesh. I would of course follow some simple rules that goes for any traveling abroad such as being aware of your environment, watching for pickpockets, and respecting local customs. Tips that are more specific to Morocco would be to: dress modestly in traditional areas, bargain prices down at the open market (jamaa el fna), do not hesitate to ask what's acceptable and what's not (you'll find the hotel staff to be really useful with that). I would definitely opt for a safe hotel in the center of the city. This being said Marrakesh is a lot of fun: the nightlife is awesome, it is full of local treasure and the Moroccan hospitality is world famous. It is always good to befriend locals as they'll show you the best places to go to and make your experience much more enjoyable. Whatever you decide to do have fun and be safe :)

Answer 3

I am marketing manager of a tour operator and one of our best products is Morocco.
That´s why I´m visiting this beautiful country many times throughout the year: To check hotel quality, check excursions, see how guides work, how service is doing etc... I always try to do something new while staying there, like finding alternative routes, etc.
Many times I just hire a car and go around.
Really, there is absolutely NO problem to travel alone being a female in Morocco.
The men in Morocco do respect women and nobody would do any harm to you.
Marrakesh is a really fascinating city and all I can say is: Forget about these stupid fairy tales, get the flight and enjoy.

Answer 4

Marrakesh is just a city that sums up most of Morocco's unique North African attraction, notice it with hotelbye . The city's name presented the basis for the name of the nation itself, punctuation out that town's significance down the ages. Within the hustle of the town core you'll find previous and new clashing and mixing, which can make some tourists very nearly dizzy. Snake charmers and smooth shop touts equally compete for your attention amid a noisy, colourful bustle that encapsulates Morocco's vivid soul. For all visitors, Marrakesh's labyrinth Medina (Old City) section is the town's celebrity attraction. The slim alleyways really are a kaleidoscope of colours, smells and sounds. Is bound to function as the sightseeing spotlight of your journey; along with the just wandering is meant to busy maze.

Answer 5

Marrakesh is a haven for tourists so you should be safe there. As far as crime and violence, I live in Morocco and I never hear of any. You will have thieves, but they are everywhere, all over the world, so just be aware. Also, dress modestly. Keeping the majority of your body covered is a good idea. I wouldn't recommend shorts, short skirts or tank tops. Capris and t-shirts are fine. This will help reduce any unwanted attention.

More than anything, be careful, be alert and use common sense. And enjoy your trip!

Answer 6

A combination of Western values ( the way Western woman dress and present themselves ) and the fair complexion of Western woman attract all th ewrong behavour in Morocco ( and many other countries ). For sure don't wander around on your own at night and even in the day stay in places where lot's of tourists are. Anywhere - not just Marrakesh.

Either find a trusted male friend to go with you, or go down the organised tour path.

Book your hotels ahead and use a reputable booking service like Cheaperthanhotels - Morocco , wo have local offices across Europe , US , Asia and Australia/NZ

Answer 7

This is absolute nonsense. Except for closed-loop cruises you require a passport whenever you leave the US, though you may not need a visa. European Union countries recognise each others' national identity cards (where they have them - some countries like the UK and Ireland don't) in place of passports, but that doesn't apply to you. Airlines will not even let you on the plane without a passport, as not only do they have to transport passengers who are refused entry back to their country of origin at their own expense, but the airline will often be fined for carrying them in the first place (£2000 per passenger in the case of the UK).

Answer 8

You will be perfectly safe, Marrakech is an amazing city and you'll have a great time!
You just need to use common sense as you would if visiting any foreign country especially a busy city. Bear in mind the local customs, dress sensibly/modestly (as mentioned in the answer above me) and you will be fine.
There's so much to see and do there, you don't need a tour operator. I have been to Marrakech many times and wouldn't hesitate going there with my female friends.
Hope this helps!
x

Answer 9

Generally speaking no, it is not dangerous.

This assumes you have your wits about you and recognize you will be in a different culture and one in which women have a status somewhere between a camel and a prize goat.

The entire Islamic habit (which is cultural and not religous) of veiling women is based on the assumption that women are temptresses who lure men to wickedness. That is why you hear of Muslim men murdering their sisters or daughters who have been the victims of rape. It is assumed that the women is at fault. Nothing in more instructive when considering the situation of women in places like Morocco.

When European or American women travel, without a male relative, dress in a manner which local people consider scandalous, and behave in ways that are normal in the West but unthinkable in the Muslim world, there is a tendency for local men to regard them as little better than prostitutes.

Keep that in mind and adjust your behavior accordingly. If you can do that you will not likely have any problems.