Tangiers, Morocco

We just returned Monday from 10 days traveling most of Morocco. Arrived via Tarifa on ferry to Tangier....made our way to Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Dades and Marrakech. We did not experience or witness any unrest of any sort while we were there. I would not hesitate to visit this exotic country!

Look at what happened back in the spring when the rest of the northern tier came unglued: Morocco had a few demonstrations, came to some fast agreements, and the king decided to move even faster. End of story. It's been a year since I've been in the country, but even with the Western Sarha business that started back in the early eighties or late seventies, I'v wandered all oer the place for years. I can't imagine that it's be any different. Tangier, on the other hand.........well, I think the place is a sucking tourist trap and haven't been up there in years, but it should certainly should be as safe as anywhere else.

Hi Lori, We did a day trip to Tangier last month and had no problems. All indications are that Morocco is pretty stable. Our guide did say tourism is down by some 30% to Tangier. I would keep up on events as things can change. On another issue, we took the ferry from Tarifa that goes right into the port in Tangier. I think the connection from Gibraltar is to the port outside of Tangier. It's about an hours drive between Gibraltar and Tarifa. We ended up loving our day in Tangier. It turned out much better than I thought it might. Have fun.

That's sad that Morocco's economy is suffering because people can't distinguish between the countries of North Africa. That's kind of like people being afraid to travel to Texas because of the killings in Mexico.

To Ed, I have always enjoyed your advice on this helpline. I have noticed your lack of love for Tangier. I wish you would stop in again and tell us if it's better than it was as RS says. My wife and I really enjoyed our visit (much better than a border town visit I worried about).

Hi Lori,
My wife and I were in Tangiers in October and we had a fantastic time. It's much better to get a private guide to show you around. Don't get corralled around like cattle in the group tours. We highly recommend a guy we found here on Ricks site. His name is Abdulatif "Tifo" Cheeba. His email is [email protected] Tifo is a young guy who knows everyone. He walks around like the Mayor of Tangiers. As far as feeling safe. while Tangiers can feel intimidating, it is very safe. People were smiling and saying hello and even giving us peace greetings. We felt very at home. The laws in Morocco are very harsh on locals if they even confront tourists. They can be thrown in jail 'no questions asked' for a very long time. The goverment has very strict enforcement in place for a longtime. Which is why there are no problems. Go and enjoy. We stayed in a Riyad (a moroccan hotel/home) in the old casbah called La Tangerina. The owners make you feel like you're at home with family and the views at breakfast are amazing!

If I may suggest an alternative to Tangier.....it would be to travel to Chefchaouen and if possible spend at least one night there. Although we spent 10 days in Morocco we chose not to spend time in Tangier but we were met by our guide there and started our venture by driving directly to Chefchaouen for several hours before our initial 3 nights in Fes. I think it would give you a better feel for the country and it is 1 1/2 hours each way from Tangier. Much less touristed - a quiet mountain-side town. I wished I had planned to spend a day or 2 here. As far as safety.....we did not feel unsafe at all in Morocco and would not hesitate to return or recommend a visit there.