Going around Morocco –
As a solo traveler, it was easier for me to hire a private car and driver. You can find a lot of tour companies offer this option. I used Desert Morocco . For 4 days, the fee is 110 euros per day. I negotiated it for $500. It covers fuel and toll fees, if any too. This fee I believe is per day so if there’s 3 or 4 of you, you can split the cost. When we stop for coffee and lunch, I also offered to pay for my driver Abdellah’s food. It’s minimal anyway. Most of the tour companies actually quoted me $100 more which I do not think is reasonable at all.
You can also rent a car yourself when you get to the airport and drive around. It’s probably cheaper. Since I was traveling solo, this wasn’t ideal for me. However, maybe if I was traveling with a friend or 2 that would be my obvious choice.
There are buses between towns and cities too in case you want to take that route (Supratours bus). The trains can be late though especially in small towns, therefore can be a bit unreliable.
Your other option is to take the train. Train schedules can be found here (ONCF). The trains run often and they are rarely full. The easiest way to purchase tickets is in person. There is a first and second class seating on the train and the price difference between the two classes is minimal. I would suggest booking first class since you will be allocated a specific seat. So if you get in early, you can reserve a window seat!
Safety precautions for female solo travelers –
I actually felt safe the whole time I was in Morocco. However, everyone I met from my Airbnb host to my driver advised me to always keep my belongings where I can see them. I have a sling bag that I always kept in front of my body just to be safe. Besides that, the rest is common sense. Don’t walk in dark alleys, if you need to ask for directions, ask a woman or a store owner (preferably a woman). Driving at night, especially if you are driving yourself, is not advised in towns where some of the roads are not well lit.
Tips –
Tips are not required or expected. However, I think if you received an excellent service, you should give a tip. There is no required percentage of purchase/service cost. I usually tip no more than 5 dirham for good food service.
Dress code –
I read before my trip that since Morocco is mostly a muslim country, you are expected to cover up your knees and shoulders. No cleavage or backless dresses obviously. I found that in Marrakesh and Fes, they are more lax on tourists. In small towns, you can be stared at more and a few looks of disapproval. I err to the side of caution and covered up my legs and shoulders. In the desert, they ask that you dress comfortably. Knowing you will be riding a camel, I guess its safe to say short dresses (no matter how hot the weather is) is definitely inappropriate.
Language –
Most merchants and business establishments speak english, not fluent but understandable so there shouldn’t be any problem for us english speakers there. They speak mostly arabic and french so I tried to learn some basic ones (eg. “shukraan” – thank you). I was told in the northern part of Morocco, they also speak spanish. In the desert everyone at the camp and some moroccans I’ve met in the mid-Atlas also speak Berber.
The Travelling Accountant 