Be Safe in Marrakesh

You have to be especially careful when you travel anywhere in Africa, and Marrakesh is no exception. Drinks and food can cause stomach upsets. There are also some cases where tourists are lured to deserted places and offered drugs.

Safety

Avoid walking on the beach on your own at night and take good care of your valuables, especially in busy areas. Some female tourists have reported having been harassed by tour guides. Morocco is an Islamic country, so women should be modest about what they wear. Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Morocco, so try not to show any displays of public affection if you are travelling with a same-sex partner. Morocco also has strict penalties for those caught buying or using drugs.

Some unsuspecting tourists are forced to take kif, the local marijuana, from locals. There is a strong possibility the police will be on to you in no time if you get involved in any drug dealing.

Health

Unlike other places in Africa, Marrakesh is malaria-free. The only major health problem here seems to be upset stomachs caused by food and tap water. Carry a bottle of mineral water everywhere you go and make sure you look for signs of unhygienic food if you want to buy anything from a street vendor.

Travel insurance

Even though Marrakesh is considered quite safe, with plenty of friendly and helpful locals, you never know what will happen during your trip, so you should be prepared for any unexpected circumstances. Taking out travel insurance is a good way to ensure that any expenses concerning your health and loss of belongings will be covered.