AsliBabeli

Hello to all! I am 21 years old and plan to take a tour of Morocco next year. I'm so excited! Brushing up on my French and some Arabic phrases! My question is, as an African American female, will I be able to fit in more and go unnoticed while walking around the souks? Or will I be immediatley pegged as an American tourist? I just wondered what kind of experiences African Americans have had. Whether it be in the cities or out in the country side. Thanks!

Luisah

Hi Asli,

Interesting question. You write that you are taking a tour; will you be with other people? Are you concerned about going to the souks alone?

I can't answer your question from experience and will be watching for other responses, but my guess is that being pegged as an "American tourist" will depend more upon what you wear and your accent than being an African American.

sandi

You'll be pegged a tourist as soon as you open your mouth, even if attempting to speak French or Arabic. Remember, the Moroccans themselves come in every hue.

Because many of the souks can be confusing and a place where it's easy to get lost (even with a map as soon as you open it, yells "tourist&quot, it's a good idea to have a guide with you. If traveling on your own you can always arrange for a guide through your hotel at a very very reasonable cost, plus a tip.

Being African-American or just an American won't be a problem. It's just a good idea to be respectful in your manner of dress (no exposed skin) - jeans, slacks, skirts and tops that cover your arms will be just fine. Shoes that are comfortable for walking and easy to remove if allowed into mosques; also a head scarf for this same purpose.

Happy travels.

DonTopaz

Hi -- I'm sure that you'll have a great time in Morocco.

You will almost certainly be easily identified as a tourist by your apparel and because you are wandering around the souks by yourself (or with others who will clearly look like tourists). However, you'll almost certainly be taken as some type of Western tourist. Morocco has far more European tourists than North American tourists, and there are plenty of African-origin citizens from the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and other Euro countries.

AsliBabeli

Thanks for your very insightful responses guys. Yes, I will be taking an Intrepid Travel tour, where it's a smaller group and we will have more freedom to do independent exploring & really try to get a feel of the culture. I will surely dress accordingly, but with my backpack and me probably being slack jawed in awe of everything, I won't be fooling anyone! Haha. Thanks again.

mwatson

On a recent trip, I think as an african american female I was able to get by with a lot less attention. I really did not have any problem at all in the souks. We never had anyone approach us with offers to act as tour guides My friend, a blue eyed brunette and her husband had more than her share of attention. They had constant offers from individuals offering servies as tour guides. The retailers were agressive as well. Once you stop and look at something in a shop all bets are off they will try to get the sale.