8 THINGS FEMALE TRAVELLERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MARRAKECH BEFORE VISITING

Marrakech is a city of chaos and beauty, and is sometimes nicknamed the ‘Red City’ due to the reddish-pink ochre that it is bathed in. If you’re looking for a trip that will keep you on your toes, then Marrakech is the place, but there’s a couple things to be aware of before you visit – especially if you’re a solo female traveller.

clothing

There isn’t exactly a dress code exactly in Marrakech, but certain outfits will make you stick out more. It’s also important to be aware of the way that the locals around you are dressing, so that you can dress respectfully and not attract any unwanted attention. I suggest wearing long, loose shirts with long shorts or trousers, keeping yourself modest. If you’re entering a religious site, whilst it might not be compulsory, it’s still a good call to cover your hair out of respect.

photos

The idea that you should never take photos of people without their knowledge is even more prominent in Marrakech. If you’re walking through a souk and stumble upon someone soldering pipes, melting metals, or dyeing leathers (AKA, taking part in their own personal livelihoods) then it’s merely the respectful thing to not take photos without their consent. Try not to treat the locals like commodities, and if you do so, be prepared to either pay a large sum or get yelled at.

food and water

I was lucky enough that my introduction to the city was from Khalid, my fantastic food tour guide (shout out to Moroccan Food Adventures, my personal favourite local food tour company), as he immediately taught me about all the do’s and don’t’s of the city. We stopped at some of the most incredible local food stops, tried arguably the best tea of the country, and he advised me on several things:

• Do not drink the tap water: even if you are offered a glass at a cafe, it’s best to avoid if you don’t want to be sick during your trip.
• Be cautious with raw vegetables and fruits: Street vendors may sell cut-up fruit or vegetables, but these are often washed with tap water, so it’s safer to avoid them or buy them from trusted sources.
• Try to eat at places with a high turnover of customers: The more popular a food spot is, the more likely it is to serve fresh and safe food. Crowds (of locals, of course) are often a good indicator that the food is both delicious and safe to eat.
• Be mindful of local sweets and pastries: Moroccan sweets like baklava and pastilla are delicious, but make sure they’re prepared fresh.
• Don’t ignore food allergies or sensitivities: Moroccan food can be rich in spices, so if you have any allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients (like saffron, cumin, or cilantro), make sure to ask about the ingredients beforehand. Personally, I’m intolerant to onion, dairy, and tomato (thanks, Crohn’s), so Khalid taught me how to order food without these.
• Choose freshly squeezed juice over pre-made options: Fresh juices are a Moroccan staple, but some pre-made juices may not be stored correctly. Stick to juices that are squeezed right in front of you to ensure freshness and safety.

walking by yourself

Whilst Marrakech is generally a safe place, make sure that you’re aware of your surroundings – especially at night. My friends and I were followed down an alleyway one evening, and whilst the men were friendly and maintained a safe distance, they did harass us for money.

Ensure that if you’re going to be walking around by yourself, try to avoid going to the Medina at night, Jemaa el-Fna after dark, the outskirts near the bus and train station, and the northern edge of the Medina near Bab Doukkala.

henna

Speaking of scams, one of the worst in Marrakech involves women who aggressively offer henna tattoos in the souk. They’ll often grab your hand without permission, apply the tattoo, and then demand a high price for their poor work. These tattoos are done with black henna which contains harmful chemicals like gasoline and paraphenylenadiamine, causing burns, blisters, and allergic reactions. It’s a horrific experience but can be easily avoided if you snatch your arm away and refuse.

animals

If a sad monkey on a chain catches your eye or you’re tempted to take a photo with it, please reconsider. The Barbary monkeys are often stolen from the Atlas Mountains and subjected to terrible conditions, and the more I’ve read about these, the sadder it is. Similarly, the snakes in the Medina have their mouths sewn shut to prevent attacks, and they often die soon after being captured. If you care about animals, it’s best to avoid supporting these practices.

“i know the way”

Be cautious of locals who approach you claiming to know the way to your destination. While some may have good intentions, others may try to lead you astray, only to demand payment later. We had one particular encounter with a small child, who, upon telling him that we actually knew the way to Bahia Palace, proceeded to swear at us and raise his tiny fist in the air, with onlookers staring at us as we walked away. It’s always wise to be skeptical in these situations.

money

Be mindful of who is offering services to you and their intentions. On a trip to the Atlas Mountains, we stopped at a roadside where goats were eating Argan nuts from the trees. After I took some photos, the farmer asked for money in exchange, and looked displeased with each subsequent euro I handed him until I cleared my pockets. He smiled and said, “thank you, shukran” – but in essence, I had just been mugged by a goat farmer and his camels.

Marrakech is a truly beautiful city, but it’s also one where, especially if you’re not used to travelling alone, you should ensure that you’ve taken the right precautions in. Be aware of where you are and how you’re acting, follow these above rules, and you’ll be fine. After all, Morocco is filled with generous, caring people <3

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