Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by asoulwindow
Table of Contents
Is it safe to travel to Morocco?
Is Morocco safe for Indian Tourist? With growing awareness and posts by travel bloggers and social media content creators like me, more and more Indian tourists are waking up to the charms of Morocco. Exciting tourism offerings, enhanced accessibility, and creating tailored experiences which cater specifically to Indian tourists are only adding fire to the fuel.
However, one common myth regarding the safety issues in Morocco persist due to the lack of good information on the same, on the web. Let me address all your questions and worries around the safety concerns regarding travel in Morocco in this comprehensive blog. I have already explained at length, the charms of Morocco in my detailed blog on 2 days itinerary of Marrakech.
Growing Indian Tourists in Morocco
The Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO) has always had an ambitious plan to capitalize on India’s rapidly growing outbound travel sector. Constant efforts are being made by Morocco Tourism to lure more and more Indian travellers to Morocco. Indian tourist arrivals in Morocco have surged by 41% up to June 2024, according to the Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO).
This is good news for both tourism professionals in Morocco as well as the discerning Indian travelers who want to explore beyond the regular destinations such as Dubai, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Australia, and Thailand etc.
Traveling in Morocco with a tour company is the safest
🚗 Is it safe to drive in Morocco? Morocco is one of those countries which is best experienced on a road trip. Exploring Morocco in a rental car is fun. Many tour companies offer safe drives around the country. Discovering Morocco’s hidden gems is a thrilling experience, and renting a car is a great way to do it. Consider opting for a 4WD or 4×4 vehicle, which will give you the freedom to venture off the beaten path and explore the country’s rugged mountains and unpaved roads.
The best part of travelling with a tour company in Morocco is that you can rest assured of the safety measures taken by them. A good travel company and tour agent will take care of all your needs and will also be ready with essentials such as supplies, special needs, dietary preferences, first-aid kit and even medical emergencies.
🚗Trusted tour companies of Morocco not only ensure high safety standards for their clients but also delight them with local immersive experiences, you would have not even read about in travel guidebooks. I recommend Discovery Desert Tours, a trusted tour company of Morocco. A scroll on their website and you will get a quick idea of the several exciting places they take trips to in Morocco. Needless to say, safety is guaranteed!
Soul Window Thoughts
I am traveling solo and independently across the world since 2008. I am a very experienced traveller but personally, in a foreign country, even as a solo male traveller in his 40s, I feel safer and unstressed with a tour company. They take care of everything, while I sit back, enjoy the place, soak in the local atmosphere and engage meaningfully with the local people.
Is it safe to travel in Morocco with family and kids?
Indians love traveling in large group, especially with their close friends and family members. Child safety is the utmost priority of Indians traveling with their families. I know many experienced Indians who travel with kids and parents to various far away countries. Many Indians have already travelled confidently to many countries in Asia and Africa. Traveling in Morocco with kids and family is equally safe. The inimitable hospitality of Moroccans is already well-known! So, worry not. Booking with a tour agent will take care of any of your worries anyways if you are still not comfortable traveling around Morocco independently.
How are Indian tourists treated in Morocco?
Why this even needs to be asked? Local people in most places in Morocco are as friendly as you would expect a person to be in Delhi or Mumbai or Lucknow. The local people of Morocco get thrilled whenever they spot Indian tourists in various destinations of Morocco. Interestingly, not many know that despite the distance, many Moroccans have a deep fascination with Indian culture.
Many Indians are confused regarding the safety issues in Africa. But my experience of traveling in Africa has been very safe and enjoyable. The nearby Ghana, also in North Africa,already has a thriving Hindu culture which instantly comforts Indians. I also felt very safe while traveling in Kidepo National Park, Kampala, or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, another beautiful African nation. Now, come to think of it! Why would Morocco feel any lesser safe? Even in a small town of Morocco, the Indian tourists are met with curiosity and awe but never with ill-will.
Moroccans have a deep affection for the colourful Indian culture, with many women enjoying Indian soap operas and men being huge fans of Bollywood movies. When locals encounter a large group of Indians, they often can’t help but be fascinated and may even stare out of curiosity.
However, they always maintain a warm and respectful attitude, recognizing the importance of tourism to Morocco’s economy and striving to make visitors feel welcome and valued. So, I don’t think Indian tourists should be intimidated and should rather ask for a selfie and break the ice. It is also great for Instagram, isn’t it? Moroccans also love Indians due to their unique costumes such as saris and kurta pyjamas and of course, the very popular, Bollywood movies! Soft Power of India always win abroad.
What do Moroccans think of Indians?
In Moroccan Arabic, there is a common idiom: sh’aar al-hindiya which translates to “hair of an Indian woman”. Amusing though it may sound but the soft power of India also lies in our unusual (for others) appearance. When not wearing western costumes, we Indians, clad in our sartorial best such as sari, bandgala, salwar suits and kurta pajamas, easily stand out in a foreign country.
What do Moroccans think of India?
Most Moroccans view India as an ancient civilisation with a rich history and heritage. Present-day Indians are seen as cool, family oriented, spiritual, prosperous and talented people. India has been rapidly progressing economically, which is also why more and more travellers are exploring far-away exotic destinations like Morocco.
How are Indian tourists treated in Morocco?
Is Morocco safe for Indian Tourist? Indian tourists receive the same warm welcome as visitors from other countries, and they often enjoy a special affinity with the locals, who have a deep admiration for Indian culture, particularly Bollywood cinema or Hindi cinema and Indian TV Serials. In fact, Indian film stars are often more revered in Morocco than their Hollywood counterparts. These days, Indian travel Youtubers and travel bloggers who post about Morocco are also getting very popular in both India as well as Morocco.
Selfie with Soul Window
The growing strength of India never goes unnoticed by people around the world. For example, while traveling in Jordan, another beautiful Islamic country, the local people stopped me on the streets of Petra and told me about their love for Bollywood. Another local Jordanian in Amman joined hands in respect when I told him that I am from India.
Similarly, in Shymkent (Near Tashkent in Uzbekistan) in Kazakhstan, I was mobbed by the giggling locals for a selfie. And those are some of my best memories! This is exactly how Indians are treated in Morocco! With love and smiles. So, don’t think too much. Just book your flight to Marrakech and transport yourself to this fun North African country.
Misunderstandings due to language difference
Another major safety concern which makes Indian people jittery is that will they be able to communicate properly. There are occasions when wrong communication can end up in a scuffle anywhere in the world. Let me break the myths for you here. Sometimes a misunderstanding may happen between Indians and Moroccons due to language difference.
However, while Arabic and French are the primary languages, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making communication easier for Indian travellers since most Indians can understand and speak very good English. Sometimes, small cultural differences may arise, particularly regarding social norms. Indian tourists are encouraged to approach these situations with respect and an open mind.
Of course, when all else fails, translation apps come to the rescue! Such translation apps helped me big time in countries like Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka and Uganda where on many occasions, the local people didn’t understand English.
Food Safety in Morocco: For the Vegetarian traveller
India is the only country in the world with such a huge vegetarian population. The number one safety concern of Indians traveling abroad is the availability of vegetarian and vegan food. But worry not, below are some of the naturally vegetarian and vegan food of Morocco which are also delicious.
If all else fails, from my experience, I highly suggest that you should ask your tour company to take you to an Indian restaurant or look up on apps where they show the nearest vegetarian/vegan restaurant.
However, it is easy to find vegetarian and vegan food in Morocco.
- Tagine: A slow-cooked stew made with vegetables, spices, and sometimes chickpeas or lentils. It is vegan-friendly when prepared without meat or animal fats.
- Couscous: A traditional dish often served with steamed vegetables and spices. Be sure to confirm it’s made without meat broth or butter for a vegan version.
- Harira: A tomato-based soup with lentils and chickpeas, often served as a starter. Check if it’s made without meat stock for a vegetarian or vegan option.
- B’stilla (Vegetarian Version): A savory pie traditionally filled with meat but increasingly available in vegetarian versions, using spiced vegetables or nuts.
- Zaalouk: A smoky eggplant and tomato salad, served as a dip with bread. Naturally vegan and bursting with flavor.
- Moroccan Salads: A variety of fresh salads, such as cucumber-tomato salad, carrot salad with orange and cinnamon, and beet salad, typically vegan.
- Olives and Bread: Served as appetizers at most restaurants, they are usually vegan and made fresh locally.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchinis, or tomatoes stuffed with spiced rice and vegetables, a common vegetarian dish.
- Vegetable Pastilla: A pastry filled with seasoned vegetables, nuts, and sometimes sweetened with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
- Mint Tea: A staple beverage in Morocco, made with green tea and fresh mint leaves, vegan by default.
- Snacks and Street Food: Roasted corn, nuts, dried fruits, and fresh juices are widely available and vegan-friendly.
💡 Tips:
- As a vegetarian myself, I always confirm with the restaurant or the host to ensure dishes are free from animal fats, fish oils, dry fish, powders of animal parts, gelatine, lard, Renette in cheese, even wines with animal parts, meat stocks, or dairy.
- Many Moroccan meals can be easily customized to suit vegetarian or vegan preferences.
Why Indians visit Morocco in large numbers?
With an area of 446,550 km², Morocco is a pretty large country. To put things to perspective, Rajasthan, the largest Indian state has an area of 342,239 km². To give more context to the size of the country, you can cover the 2267 kilometers between the famous Tangier (near Spain) in northern most part of Morocco and Tichla in southern most part of Morocco under 27 hours.
This makes Morocco an ideal destination for both week-long trips as well as month long trip. Since many interesting destinations like Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Sahara Desert, Marrakech, Fes etc are located close from each other, Indians with only a week at hand can easily plan an epic trip to these places.
You can also make day trips from Marrakech to fascinating offbeat places such as Ourika valley, Kasbah ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Ouzoud waterfalls, Asni, Ouirgane, Essaouira and Lake Lalla Takerkoust. With so many tourist attractions, located very close to each other, it makes it very easy for Indians to see more places in Morocco in a short span of time if they book a tour with a good travel agency.
Which places do Indians visit in Morocco?
As mentioned above, there are so many places of interest which Indians love to visit in Morocco. But let me break it up for you below to enable easier understanding of what attracts you more. You can choose from below or consult with a tour agent on how to organize the best possible customized Morocco tour for you.
Natural Wonders
1. Chefchaouen: A picturesque blue-painted town nestled in the Rif Mountains.
2. Erg Chebbi: A stunning desert landscape with towering sand dunes.
3. Todra Gorge: A breathtaking canyon with crystal-clear waters.
Imperial Cities
1. Marrakech: A vibrant city known for its bustling souks, stunning architecture, and rich history.
2. Fez: A historic city with a well-preserved medieval old town.
3. Rabat: The capital city, featuring a mix of Islamic, Arabic, and French influences.
Coastal Towns
1. Essaouira: A charming coastal town with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant arts scene.
2. Tangier: A historic city with a mix of Moroccan, French, and Spanish influences.
3. Casablanca: A bustling metropolis with a stunning mosque and a rich cultural heritage.
Other Tourist attractions in Morocco which Indians visit are as below:
1. Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th-century palace in Marrakech.
2. Hassan II Mosque: A breathtaking mosque in Casablanca.
3. Roman Ruins of Volubilis: A historic site featuring ancient Roman ruins.
Acclimatisation for Morocco for first time travellers
Do you still have butterflies in stomach and looking for a place where you will easily acclimatise for Morocco? Well, Casablanca has a distinctly European flavor, with its modern architecture and French-inspired layout giving it a familiar feel if you have visited Pondicherry near Tamilnadu in South India.
However, the presence of mosques, including the impressive new Hassan II Mosque, Arabic accents, and vibrant spice markets adds a unique Moroccan twist. As a result, Casablanca makes for a great introduction to Morocco, easing visitors into the local culture. Also, Rabat is another good starting point.
Conclusion: Tourist Safety in Morocco
So, is Morocco safe for Indian Tourist? Indian tourists often enjoy exploring Morocco’s vibrant history, stunning architecture, and diverse landscapes, from the vast Sahara Desert to the majestic Atlas Mountains to pristine lakes, gorgeous valleys and historical sites. Guided tours are a popular choice, adding depth to the experience.
As I have mentioned above already, Moroccans generally have a warm appreciation for Indian culture, fostering positive interactions. Some locals might even know a few words of Hindi or have familiarity with Indian cinema, which can create a sense of connection.
Major tourist hubs such as Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca are well-equipped for visitors, offering facilities like Indian restaurants with vegetarian options to help Indian travelers feel at home.
As in any destination, it’s important to remain mindful of your surroundings and follow standard safety precautions. To sum it up, Indian tourists can look forward to a positive experience in Morocco, filled with opportunities for exploration and meaningful cultural exchange. If you are still thinking about that trip to Morocco, think no further. Just get in touch with a tour operator and get packing for that memorable Morocco trip!
Related Blogs
Related posts:
Top Travel Blogger from India