Question 1

Can non-Muslims enter mosques in Morocco — like the Koutoubia?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, no — Moroccan mosques, the Koutoubia included, are closed to non-Muslims. The grand exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, built with guided visits in mind, and it rewards the trip. Elsewhere you admire the minarets from outside — and visit the madrasas (Ben Youssef, Al-Attarine), which are open to everyone and often more ornate inside.

Question 2

Is Marrakech safe for women travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with city sense: violent incidents involving tourists are rare, and thousands of women travel solo here every month. The realities are verbal attention in the souks and the occasional over-friendly 'guide' — a firm 'la, shukran' (no, thank you) ends most of it. Dressing like the locals' smarter casual lowers the volume, licensed guides remove it entirely, and our departures are private door to door.

Question 3

Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Morocco is one of the most-visited countries in Africa and, with ordinary city common sense, feels notably safe on the ground. On our tours you are with a driver-guide who knows every stop; petty hustle in tourist zones is the main annoyance, and a private guide removes most of it.

Question 4

Is it safe for women travelling solo?

Accepted Answer

Thousands of solo women travel Morocco every year, and a private tour is the most comfortable way to do it: your driver is with you between cities, and riads are welcoming, family-run spaces. Dressing a notch more modestly than at home reduces unwanted attention in the medinas.

Question 5

Can I drink the tap water?

Accepted Answer

Stick to filtered or bottled water for drinking — your vehicle carries large refillable containers precisely so nobody has to buy piles of small plastic bottles. Tap water is fine for brushing teeth in cities.

Question 6

Will the food make me ill?

Accepted Answer

Moroccan food is cooked fresh and mostly cooked through — tagines, grills, soups — which makes it gentler on travellers than its reputation. Ease into street food with busy stalls (turnover is your friend), peel fruit, and carry a basic rehydration kit just in case.

Question 7

Do I need vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

No special vaccinations are required for entry; standard travel advice is to be current on routine immunisations. For personal medical questions, speak to your doctor or a travel clinic — we are guides, not physicians.

Question 8

Are pharmacies easy to find?

Accepted Answer

Every city and town has green-cross pharmacies with trained staff, and a duty rota covers nights and Sundays. Bring your regular medication in its original packaging, plus a copy of any prescription.

Question 9

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it is listed as not included on every tour, and we genuinely recommend it: medical cover plus cancellation cover is cheap compared to a missed trip. Check that desert activities and, if relevant, trekking above 3,000 m are covered.

Question 10

What happens if something goes wrong mid-tour?

Accepted Answer

You are never alone: your driver-guide handles the immediate situation and our Marrakech office is on WhatsApp seven days a week. Morocco's emergency numbers are 19 (police, in cities), 177 (gendarmerie, on the road) and 15 (ambulance).

Question 11

Is altitude a concern on your routes?

Accepted Answer

Only on the Toubkal trek (4,167 m), which includes an acclimatisation night at the refuge. The driving routes cross passes around 2,200 m — enough to notice the cool air, not enough to cause problems.

Health & safety

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8. Health & safety