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Morocco is a country of contrasts. Its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes make it a bucket-list destination for many travelers. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the rose-gold Sahara dunes, Morocco offers unique experiences that captivate visitors. However, traveling here isn’t always easy.
We have traveled extensively in Morocco over the past six years. We know that while many people fall in love with its charm, others find the culture shock overwhelming – it is a country that is very different from our own.
If you value comfort, predictability, and a hassle-free journey, Morocco may not be the best fit for you. Below are some challenges travelers often face when visiting Morocco, and these are things you should consider before booking your trip.
1. Garbage Everywhere
Morocco has a serious waste management problem. While tourist areas like Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa are cleaned regularly, many streets, markets, rural areas, and even beaches are littered with plastic, food scraps, and other waste. The contrast between Morocco’s beautiful architecture and its trash problem can be jarring for first-time visitors.
Waste tips also attract dogs and wild animals and smell awful. According to EcoMENA, there is a lack of waste management infrastructure, and other than burning waste, there is just nowhere for it to go.
Is this your first time visiting Morocco? Get all the information you need in our Morocco Travel Guide, including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!
2. Stray Dogs
If you’re a light sleeper, Moroccan nights can be rough. Stray dogs roam the streets, often barking through the night. Even in smaller towns, the sound of barking can be relentless, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
It doesn’t seem to bother the locals, and despite the barking, many of the dogs we have encountered in Morocco are friendly and even subservient, looking for love more than food.
3. Loud Call to Prayer
Morocco is a Muslim country, and the call to prayer (adhan) rings out five times a day from loudspeakers across every city, town, and village.
The first call by the Muezzin happens at dawn, which can be as early as 5am. If you’re not used to it, this sudden, loud wake-up call might be an unwelcome surprise. Earplugs may be a necessity for light sleepers.
Listen to the Friday evening call to prayer in the Blue City of Chefchaouen.
4. Limited Access to Alcohol
Alcohol is legal in Morocco but not widely available. Outside of major cities and tourist areas, it can be difficult to find.
Many restaurants don’t serve it, and in some towns, your only option is expensive hotel bars or hidden liquor stores. If you enjoy having a drink while traveling, Morocco might feel restrictive.
5. Scammers & Hustlers
Tourists are often seen as walking wallets. In cities like Marrakech and Fes, you’ll encounter aggressive touts, fake tour guides, and shopkeepers using high-pressure sales tactics.
Some common scams include inflated taxi fares, fake ‘helpful’ locals guiding you in the wrong direction, restaurants adding random charges to your bill, and being overcharged.
We are aware the latter happens to us, especially in markets where the pricing can be impossible to work out or understand. We often feel we’re paying European prices, but figure that we can afford it and it’s a small price to pay for enjoying the country.
6. Street Harassment
Women, in particular, often experience unwanted attention. Catcalling, staring, and persistent flirting are common in busy areas. I have experienced this twice, once in Marrakech and once in Tangier. The best way to deal with this is to ignore it and walk on.
Even men can find themselves constantly approached by people selling something or offering unsolicited help. Walking alone, especially at night, can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
7. Persistent Beggars
Begging is common in Morocco, especially in tourist-heavy areas. You’ll frequently be approached by children, elderly people, and even people with disabilities asking for money and food.
It can be emotionally exhausting, especially when you have to say no over and over again.
8. Visible Poverty
Beyond the touristy spots, many areas of Morocco struggle to make ends meet and live a hand-to-mouth existence. Run-down buildings, poor infrastructure, and overcrowded housing are common.
When we’re passing through rural towns, the roads in and out will often be lined with marble pavement studded with palm trees and fancy solar-powered street lights. But once in the tow, look behind to the back streets, and they are dust bowls of wild animals, garbage, and half-finished buildings.
If you’re expecting a polished, Instagram-perfect experience, the reality of daily life in Morocco outside of the big cities will be a shock.
9. Ramadan
If you visit Morocco during Ramadan, you’ll experience a very different atmosphere. During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, which means many restaurants and cafés are closed during the day. Service in shops and businesses can be slow, as people are tired and hungry.
Public transport schedules can change, and alcohol is even harder to find. While evenings come alive with feasts and celebrations, daytime can feel quiet and restrictive. If you’re not prepared, it can make travel more difficult than expected.
10. Heavy Police Presence
There are police checkpoints everywhere, especially on highways and near city entrances. While this helps with security, it can feel unsettling, especially when you’re randomly stopped for passport checks.
In some areas, police officers also monitor tourists closely, which can make you feel like you’re always being watched. On occasion, we have parked our truck in a really rural place along a dirt track, and still the Gendarmerie have found us and asked us to move to a campsite because parking off grid ‘isn’t safe’.
Final Thoughts
Morocco is a fascinating destination, but it’s not for everyone. You might find it daunting and chaotic if you’re easily overwhelmed by noise, crowds, or persistent sellers.
However, if you can look past these challenges, you’ll experience the wonderful hospitality, fascinating culture and natural beauty of Morocco.
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