Is Morocco Safe To Visit? A Simple Travel Guide For Families

Things to Know Before Travelling to Morocco with kids

Morocco is one of Africa’s favourite destinations for families looking for adventure, cultural experiences, and good weather on an affordable budget. But is Morocco safe to visit with kids?

Whether you want to go sandboarding in the Sahara Desert, climb gorges in the Atlas Mountains, or shop in the medinas of Marrakech, the answer is yes. We found Morocco to be a safe and friendly country for our family adventure.

That said, there are a few simple things you should consider to keep your family safe while exploring this beautiful, diverse country.

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Is Morocco Safe To Visit With Children?

Morocco is a safe country to visit with children. The crime rate is relatively low, although families should remain cautious of pickpockets and scams, especially in tourist hot spots.

With millions of visitors annually, Morocco has become the most visited country in Africa. Locals are friendly and welcoming, especially in popular tourist areas like Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira, and Merzouga.

As with any country, caution should be exercised when choosing a place to stay, crossing roads, driving, selecting food, and sourcing drinkable water.

A few natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, flash flooding, and very high summer temperatures, should be considered when planning your family trip. While not frequent occurrences, listen to locals and check the weather for a safe and enjoyable adventure with kids.

Safety Tips for Visiting Morocco with Kids

When travelling, especially with kids, it is essential to stay aware of your surroundings. By following a few common safety tips, your family’s trip to Morocco will be memorable for the right reasons.

• Street Safety In Morocco •

Moroccan streets, especially in busy cities, can be manic with fast-moving traffic, motorbikes, and crowded narrow markets. This creates pollution and hazardous areas for children to walk in.

Plan your route, seek local advice, and take transport if it is safer than walking. We found the streets and alleys in Marrakech Medina were busiest with motorbikes in the morning and evening when extra care is needed with young children.

Like almost any major city in the world, pickpockets are rife in souks and busy tourist areas. Keep valuables secure and children close, as they are easy targets.

Despite this, the colourful, cultural souks in Morocco are are well worth visiting.

Family Safety Tip #1: Cross the road with kids at designated crosswalks and hold hands with younger children in busy areas.

• Avoiding Scams and Touts •

Tourist hot spots can attract aggressive street vendors and unofficial guides offering their services. Families can pay for unofficial tours from locals, who make quick money, in return for inadequate service.

Be polite but firm with vendors if you are not interested in purchasing their goods; avoid showing interest if you have no intent to buy.

If you wish to purchase a Moroccan souvenir or tour, agree on what to expect and confirm the total price before commencing. This will help avoid being overcharged later for add-ons.

Family Safety Tip #2: Only book tours and guides through reputable companies with insurance. If you are approached on the street, politely decline if you are unsure.

• Food and Water Safety •

Morocco is famous for its mix of aromatic spices, which smell divine. These spices are used in dishes, including tagines, couscous, tanjia, bastilla, maakouda, medfouna, Berber pizza, brochette, and chakra.

While most food is safe to eat, you should be aware of hygiene while travelling in Morocco. To reduce your risk of getting ill, eat at reputable restaurants, cafes, hotels, and be cautious with street vendors.

Tap water in Morocco is generally safe, but families are advised not to drink it to prevent unwanted illnesses.

Family Safety Tip #3: Avoid stomach upsets by being cautious with street food, eating at reputable restaurants and drinking bottled water.

• Respect Moroccan Customs •

Morocco is a Muslim country where visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions.

Families should dress modestly in Morocco to avoid unwanted attention and show respect. Shoulders and knees should be covered, especially for women and teenage girls.

Displays of public affection should be avoided, and alcohol consumption should only be enjoyed discreetly in designated tourist areas.

Family Safety Tip #4: When visiting Morocco, all family members should dress modestly to show respect and avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

• Safe Transport In Morocco •

Morocco has a safe and efficient transport network between major cities, allowing families to travel to different areas. However, journeys can be long, and buses and trains are often crowded. It may be more comfortable hiring a car or arranging a private transfer.

When renting a car, always use car seats for young children and ensure the driver has appropriate paperwork to drive in Morocco. The roads are generally in good condition, but remain extra cautious on narrow, winding mountainous roads.

While road-tripping through Morocco, we encountered many police checkpoints. Stopping is mandatory, and while we were usually waved on, they also performed spot checks.

Family Safety Tip #5: Check that your vehicle is roadworthy and has all of the necessary paperwork to ensure your safety when travelling in Morocco.

• Be Cautious with Animals •

Morocco is an African country, so expect to encounter reptiles, such as snakes and geckos. Larger mammals, such as lions and elephants, no longer roam the country. Instead, you may encounter safer wild animals like camels, goats, boars, monkeys and dogs.

Snake charmers, Berber monkey displays, and camel rides are common across Morocco. These animals are captured from the wild and used to entertain families in places such as Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert.

It’s safest to admire wild animals from a distance in their natural environment. Avoid engaging in animal interaction, as these animals are often poorly looked after.

Family Safety Tip #6: Avoid paying for souvenir photos with snakes and monkeys. Pickpockets often conceal themselves in the crowds that invariably gather around them.

Common Health Considerations In Morocco

When travelling to Morocco, it’s important to take basic health precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for the whole family.

Immunisations To Visit Morocco

You don’t usually need any vaccinations to enter Morocco, but it is advised that your family should be up to date with routine boosters. If you plan to stay for an extended period or travel outside tourist areas, you should check requirements at least 6-8 weeks before travelling.

Healthcare Availability

Healthcare in Morocco is limited outside of the major cities. Pharmacies and private health clinics are available across the country if required.

Consider carrying a basic first aid kit and take any necessary medications with you. Ensure your family have travel insurance that will cover you for any medical emergencies.

Avoid Morocco’s Summer Heat

Protect yourself from the sun year-round in Morocco by using sunscreen, wearing hats, and staying hydrated. Regions like the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert can become unbearably hot in summer, while coastal resorts like Agadir remain more comfortable during hot weather.

Can you drink tap water?

Tap water in major cities is usually, but not always safe to drink. To reduce your family’s risk of sickness, it’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water in Morocco.

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FAQ’s Safety In Morocco

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