Is Merzouga Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Merzouga is generally considered safe for women traveling alone. However, as anywhere else, it's important to take certain precautions. Try to dress modestly in order to respect the local culture, and avoid walking alone at night especially in isolated areas. Locals are usually helpful and respectful. Tourist scams can occasionally happen, so be sure to book tours through reputable agencies. There is a constant police presence which also lends to the feeling of safety.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Moderate

Merzouga generally has a welcoming and safe atmosphere for tourists. Local people are friendly and often keen to help. However, it's not recommended to walk alone at night especially in less crowded areas. Always use a reliable taxi service if you need to move around after dark. Remember, this is a standard precaution in any foreign city you're not familiar with.

Public transportation:Safe

Merzouga generally offers reliable and safe public transportation. Buses are the most common mode and are typically efficient. They may not always have a set timetable and might get crowded, but incidents involving safety are relatively rare. However, it's always important to be vigilant about your belongings to avoid pickpocketing. Taxis are also available and should be used with a negotiated, agreed upon price before travel. Language can sometimes be a barrier in communication, so having a translation app is advisable.

Street harassment:Low

Merzouga, being a small Sahara Desert village in Morocco, isn't as populated or bustling as the bigger cities. The interaction with locals is generally respectful, as tourism is essential for their livelihood. However, remember that you are in a different culture, so maintaining awareness and respecting local customs is necessary. The chances of street harassment are rare but not completely absent. It's always recommended to dress modestly and act confidently.

Petty crimes:Low

Merzouga is generally considered a safe destination for solo female travelers. While like in any tourist destination, low-level crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, these incidents tend to be rare. Visitors are encouraged to exercise typical precautions such as not flashing valuables in public, keeping their belongings close, and avoiding poorly lit or deserted areas late at night.

Tap water:Unsafe

Tap water in Merzouga is not recommended for drinking. Although it's used by locals, travelers might experience discomfort or even sickness due to the different water purification systems and bacteria. It's preferable to buy bottled water for drinking purposes.

Is Merzouga safe to travel?

Is Merzouga safe right now?

Before your visit to Merzouga, it's essential to check travel advisories for Morocco, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
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United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises exercising increased caution in Morocco due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 13, 2023
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Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Morocco due to the potential threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 5, 2024
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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution overall in Morocco, due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 11, 2024

Is Merzouga worth visiting?

Solo travel experience

I did Merzouga 3 days/2 nights - one night in a hotel on the way, and one night in the desert. It was magical. We pulled our mats outside the tent and slept under the open sky. Incredible experience.

Posted: May 24, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I did the standard three-day tour from Marrakech with various stops along the way (Aït Benhaddou, Dades Gorges, Tinghir, Todra Gorge), but it was definitely too touristy and really crowded. However, the sunset and sunrise were amazing.

Posted: May 20, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Safety in Morocco