agafay.infoIndependent guide to the Agafay Desert

Is Agafay Desert safe? The advice, and how to check your operator

Is Agafay Desert safe to visit? None of the four governments that write travel advice for Morocco puts the Agafay Desert in a higher-risk zone; their sharper warnings are for the border areas and Western Sahara, not for Marrakech. The US State Department sets all of Morocco at Level 2 - Exercise increased caution, with terrorism as its one risk indicator, and Australia's Smartraveller says Exercise a high degree of caution. For a desert day they name quads, operators without a licence and remote ground far from rescue. Moroccan law gives you a check on the operator: a licence number on its website, the ministry's lists and a complaint portal, chikaya.ma.

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The advice and the operator check, on one card

On the left, what each government says about Morocco and the day it last changed its advice. On the right, four checks you can make yourself before you pay for an Agafay tour or a night in a camp, and where to turn if it goes wrong. The same check in short sits on the Agafay tours page, beside the listings.

What four governments say about Morocco

  • US Department of State

    Level 2 - Exercise increased caution

    Issued 4 September 2026. One risk indicator: Terrorism (T).

  • UK Foreign Office (FCDO)

    No region-specific advice beyond Western Sahara and the closed Morocco-Algeria border

    Updated 19 August 2026; shown as still current on 13 November 2026.

  • Australia's Smartraveller

    Exercise a high degree of caution

    Updated 29 July 2026; shown as still current on 14 November 2026. "Do not travel" applies only around the Berm in Western Sahara.

  • France Diplomatie

    Red zone: the border with Mauritania. Yellow zone: Western Sahara, not Marrakech.

    Security advice updated 15 September 2026; alerts page 10 September 2026; zone map 11 March 2026.

The last content change of each government's Morocco advice in 2026: France's zone map in March, Australia in July, the UK in August, the US and France's security page in September. The UK and Australia showed theirs as still current in November.

Four checks on an Agafay operator before you pay

  1. The licence number on its website

    Law 11-16 says no one may work as a travel agent in Morocco without a licence from the administration, and every agent must show its licence number on its website, booking platforms, contracts and correspondence. Selling trips without one carries a fine of MAD 5,000 to 50,000.

    No number on the site or in the listing: ask for it in writing.

  2. The agency in the ministry's list

    The Ministry of Tourism publishes a list of licensed organiser-distributor agencies (in French), by company name, city and address. On 14 November 2026, entries with the city Marrakech numbered 315 agencies.

    Search by the company name on your contract or invoice; a name missing from the list is a question to ask before you pay.

  3. The guide in the approved list

    Guides are governed by Law 05-12. The ministry approves 2 guide categories: guides of cities and tourist circuits, and guides of natural spaces, for mountains and deserts on foot, pack animal or vehicle. Its list of approved guides held 4,620 guides on 14 November 2026.

    Ask for your guide's full name when you book and look it up.

  4. The camp's bivouac authorisation

    Under Law 80-14 a bivouac needs an operating authorisation with a set of specifications, and fire, theft and civil liability insurance. Decree 2-23-441 has the camp apply to the local authority at least 14 days before it opens, for at most 6 months on a reserved site, with a natural-spaces guide's approval and the insurance contract in the file.

    A bivouac need not show a plaque at its entrance, and the ministry's accommodation directory listed no Agafay camp in its bivouac section on 14 November 2026. Ask the camp for the authorisation itself.

If something goes wrong

File a complaint with the Department of Tourism on the national complaints portal chikaya.ma (in French; keep the complaint number), and with the platform you booked on. In Marrakech the Regional Tourism Council is at 42 Rue Cadi Ayad, Imm Jnane Atlas, Gueliz, telephone 0524433407. The Marrakech tourist police have a free line for tourists, open day and night: 05 24 38 46 01 or 05 24 88 86 80.

Where the warnings point, and where Agafay sits

Each government draws its own map. France Diplomatie formally advises against all travel along Morocco's border with Mauritania and puts Western Sahara, not Marrakech, in its yellow zone of heightened vigilance. The UK Foreign Office gives no region-specific advice except for Western Sahara and the closed Morocco-Algeria border. Smartraveller's one higher level, "Do not travel", covers the area around the Berm in Western Sahara. Marrakech, and the stony hills of Agafay beyond it, sit in none of these areas: the advice that applies there is each country's advice for Morocco as a whole.

That advice is sober about terrorism. The UK Foreign Office states that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco, including at places foreign nationals visit. France Diplomatie recalls that the last bomb attack, in April 2011 at Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, killed 17 people, and that on 17 December 2018 two European tourists were murdered in an isolated mountain area of the High Atlas.

Two lines in that advice touch a desert evening directly. The US State Department advises travellers who camp to use guarded campgrounds and not to camp in isolated areas. The Agafay camps page compares the camps that take bookings, and the Agafay at night page covers the hours after dark. And the UK Foreign Office advises that protests can happen across Morocco, mostly in large cities and often without warning; its advice is to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

On the desert day: quads, camps, balloons and the road

The governments' safety pages name the same few things that fill an Agafay afternoon. Their words, by activity:

  • Quads: the UK Foreign Office states

    Quad bike accidents involving British nationals frequently occur in resort areas, and advises always wearing a crash helmet. Adventure providers in Morocco may not meet UK safety standards, and some insurance policies will not cover activities such as quad biking.

  • Quads: Smartraveller states

    Travel insurance may not cover quad bike accidents, and riders and their passengers should always wear a helmet.

  • Rescue: France Diplomatie advises

    Risky sports such as quads and rallies must take into account local rescue capacity that is often reduced, particularly in remote regions.

  • Operators: Smartraveller states

    Transport and tour operators in Morocco, desert excursions included, do not always meet expected safety standards, and advises checking the operator's credentials and safety equipment.

  • Inspections: the US State Department states

    The tourism industry is generally regulated in major tourist areas such as Marrakech, but outside them safety inspections are rare.

  • Balloons: the UK Foreign Office advises

    Book hot air balloon trips in Morocco only through licensed tour operators.

  • The road: France Diplomatie advises

    In general, against driving in Morocco at night, and it describes the mountain motorway between Marrakech and Agadir as very dangerous.

Who answers for which part of an Agafay tripFour parties in a row: the travel agency that sells the trip, under Law 11-16 and the ministry's agency list; the guide, under Law 05-12 and the ministry's guide list; the camp, under Law 80-14 with an authorisation from the local authority; and you, with the complaint portal chikaya.ma and the platform you paid. AgencyLaw 11-16licence number,ministry list GuideLaw 05-12approval,guide list CampLaw 80-14authorisation fromthe local authority Youchikaya.maand the platformyou paid
One evening, three licences: the agency that sells it, the guide who leads it and the camp that hosts it each come under their own law.

Read your travel insurance before a quad or buggy ride, not after: what it says about motor vehicles and adventure activities, and whether it needs the driver to hold a licence. The ages and helmet rules operators state for quads are on the Agafay quad biking page and for buggies on the Agafay buggy page; who may ride what with children is on Agafay with kids. France's advice against driving at night is one reason to leave the road back from a camp dinner to the operator; the drive itself is on getting from Marrakech to Agafay.

Before and after, in Marrakech

Most of what the governments warn about happens in the city, where an Agafay trip starts and ends. The lines that matter for booking and pickup:

Fake agencies
France Diplomatie warns that in Marrakech fake agencies offer discounted trips or "VIP contracts", ask for a card imprint and then make fraudulent transfers. Never give a card imprint to someone selling a trip in the street. Informations utiles
Fake guides
The UK Foreign Office states that people posing as official guides commonly harass tourists; a guide in a medina should have an official badge and permission from the local authority.
Petty crime
Common in tourist areas, the FCDO states, especially in medina quarters and on beaches. France Diplomatie warns that in Marrakech thieves on motorbikes ride on pavements to snatch handbags and mobile phones.
Cards and cash
The FCDO advises care at ATMs and states that credit card fraud and scams are common.
Taxis
The FCDO states that taxis booked through ride-sharing apps may be unregulated and unlicensed; agree a fare in advance or check the taxi uses a meter. France Diplomatie recommends official taxis, which it states generally pose no security problems.
Rentals
France Diplomatie reports more thefts from Airbnb-type rentals in big tourist cities and advises not leaving ID papers there unless there is a safe.
Drinks
The FCDO reports deaths and serious illness in Morocco from alcoholic drinks containing methanol. What a camp evening includes is on the desert dinner page.
Women
The FCDO states that women may receive unwanted attention in Morocco, especially when travelling alone. Clothing for the desert and the city is on the page on what to wear in Agafay.
Photographs
The FCDO states it is illegal to photograph near sensitive political or military sites, and advises asking permission before photographing people, especially children. In the villages on the way to the camps, ask before you photograph anyone.

Emergency numbers: who gives which

The four governments do not print the same numbers. Each column is what that government lists; where a number is given for a mobile or a landline, it says so. Smartraveller adds that most emergency phone operators in Morocco don't speak English, so ask your guide or camp to call for you if you can.

Emergency numbers for Morocco, as each government lists themFrance Diplomatie lists the Gendarmerie royale for areas outside towns; the Agafay camps lie outside Marrakech's built-up area.
ServiceUS State DepartmentUK Foreign OfficeFrance DiplomatieSmartraveller
Police190 from a mobile, 19 from a landline19019, Police Secours in towns190, one number for all services
Ambulance150 from a mobile, 15 from a landline150141, medical emergencies in Marrakech190
Fire150 from a mobile, 15 from a landline15015190
Gendarmerie royale177, which it calls military police177177, outside built-up areasNot listed

In Marrakech, France Diplomatie lists

SAMU Marrakech: 05 24 42 24 46 or 05 24 42 24 51. SOS road accidents: 05 24 40 14 01. Tourist police, a free line open day and night: 05 24 38 46 01 or 05 24 88 86 80. Central police station: +212 5 24 43 19 87. Contacts utiles

From home

The UK Foreign Office's London number, answered day and night, if something has happened to a friend or relative: 020 7008 5000. France Diplomatie lists the French Embassy in Rabat on +212 5 37 68 97 00, and a Consulate General in Marrakech, in the Hivernage quarter.

Health, weather and the 2023 earthquake

The US CDC's travel health page for Morocco, last reviewed on 25 August 2026, shows Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions, for a global measles notice rather than one about Morocco. France Diplomatie posted an alert about a rise in measles cases on 13 March 2026. Read both pages before you travel.

The weather sets its own risks. The UK Foreign Office states heavy rain can cause flash flooding, particularly in the mountains or near rivers during the winter months, and that there is a risk of wildfires in the summer season. Agafay is a stone desert of rocky hills: the heat by month, at the Marrakech station, is on the Agafay weather page. France Diplomatie warns that packs of stray dogs are a recurring threat to pedestrians, especially in the south, and strongly advises against running or walking on waste or remote ground.

The earthquake of 8 September 2023 struck the High Atlas south-west of Marrakech, on the border of Chichaoua and Al Haouz provinces, at magnitude 6.8, according to France Diplomatie. The UK Foreign Office states it killed almost 3,000 people and that there are occasional minor earthquakes. Swimming at Lalla Takerkoust, the reservoir often paired with Agafay, has its own warning: the FCDO advises that open water in Morocco, dams included, can be dangerous because deep mud and steep underwater slopes can trap people and lead to drowning.

The two seasonal hazards the UK Foreign Office namesA year from January to December. Flash floods are marked across the winter months at both ends of the year; wildfires are marked across the summer months in the middle. flash floodsflash floods wildfires JanJulDec
Flash floods in the winter months, wildfires in summer, as the UK Foreign Office puts it; it names seasons, not exact months.

Questions people ask

Is Agafay Desert safe for tourists?

No government that writes Morocco advice puts Marrakech or Agafay in a higher-risk zone. The US State Department sets Morocco at Level 2 - Exercise increased caution, for terrorism, and Smartraveller says Exercise a high degree of caution. For a desert day, the UK, France and Australia name quad accidents, operators below expected standards and reduced rescue capacity in remote areas.

How do I check that an Agafay tour operator is licensed?

Law 11-16 requires every travel agent to show its licence number on its website and booking pages. Find that number, then look the agency up by company name in the Ministry of Tourism's online list of licensed organiser-distributor agencies. For a guide, use the ministry's list of approved guides; for a camp, ask for its bivouac authorisation from the local authority.

What number do I call in an emergency in Agafay?

The governments differ. The UK Foreign Office lists 150 for an ambulance and 190 for police; Smartraveller gives 190 for every service. Outside built-up areas, France Diplomatie lists the Gendarmerie royale on 177. Smartraveller notes that most operators do not speak English, so ask your guide to call.

Do I need a helmet and insurance for a quad in Agafay?

The UK Foreign Office advises always wearing a crash helmet, and Smartraveller says the passenger should wear one too. Both state that travel insurance may not cover quad biking. Read your policy before the ride, check that the listing includes helmets for every rider, and ask whether the route stays off the public road.

Where do I complain about an Agafay tour or camp?

The Ministry of Tourism routes tourist complaints to the national portal chikaya.ma, which has a form for the Department of Tourism; keep the complaint number it gives you. Complain to the platform you booked on as well. In Marrakech, the Regional Tourism Council sits on Rue Cadi Ayad in Gueliz, and the tourist police run a free line open day and night.

Sources

  1. The Australian Government's Smartraveller overall advice level for Morocco is Exercise a high degree of caution. Smartraveller (DFAT), Morocco travel advice, 29 July 2026.
  2. Smartraveller showed its Morocco advice as still current at 14 November 2026. Smartraveller (DFAT), Morocco travel advice, 14 November 2026.
  3. Smartraveller's Morocco advice was last updated (content change) on 29 July 2026. Smartraveller (DFAT), Morocco travel advice, 29 July 2026.
  4. Smartraveller's only higher advice level in Morocco is 'Do not travel' within 30 km of the northern or western side of the Berm and all areas south and east of it, in Western Sahara. Smartraveller (DFAT), Morocco travel advice, 29 July 2026.
  5. Smartraveller gives one number for police, medical emergencies and fire and rescue in Morocco (the UK FCDO and the US State Department list 150 for ambulance and fire and 190 for police). Smartraveller (DFAT), Morocco travel advice, Local contacts, 29 July 2026.
  6. Smartraveller states most emergency phone operators in Morocco don't speak English. Smartraveller (DFAT), Morocco travel advice, Local contacts, 29 July 2026.
  7. Smartraveller states transport and tour operators in Morocco, including for desert excursions, do not always meet expected safety standards and advises checking the operator's credentials and safety equipment. Smartraveller (DFAT), Morocco travel advice, Tours, 29 July 2026.
  8. Smartraveller states travel insurance may not cover quad bike accidents and advises riders and their passengers to always wear a helmet. Smartraveller (DFAT), Morocco travel advice, Motorcycles, 29 July 2026.
  9. The US Department of State's travel advisory level for Morocco is Level 2 - Exercise increased caution. US Department of State, Morocco Travel Advisory, 4 September 2026.
  10. The US Department of State's current Morocco travel advisory was issued on 4 September 2026. US Department of State, Morocco Travel Advisory, 4 September 2026.
  11. The US Department of State lists one risk indicator for Morocco's Level 2 advisory Terrorism (T). US Department of State, Morocco Travel Advisory, 4 September 2026.
  12. The US Department of State gives the Moroccan police number from a mobile phone as 190. US Department of State, Morocco country information, Safety and security, 13 August 2026.
  13. The US Department of State gives the Moroccan police number from a landline as 19. US Department of State, Morocco country information, Safety and security, 13 August 2026.
  14. The US Department of State gives the Moroccan ambulance (Civil Defense, also fire) number from a mobile phone as 150. US Department of State, Morocco country information, Safety and security / Health, 13 August 2026.
  15. The US Department of State gives the Moroccan ambulance and fire number from a landline as 15. US Department of State, Morocco country information, Health, 13 August 2026.
  16. The US Department of State gives the number for the Gendarmerie Royale, which it calls military police, as 177. US Department of State, Morocco country information, Safety and security, 13 August 2026.
  17. The US Department of State advises travellers who camp in Morocco to use guarded campgrounds and not to camp in isolated areas. US Department of State, Morocco country information, Safety and security (Terrorism), 13 August 2026.
  18. The US Department of State states the tourism industry is generally regulated in major tourist areas such as Marrakech, but outside major tourist areas safety inspections are rare. US Department of State, Morocco country information, Tourism safety, 13 August 2026.
  19. The UK FCDO Morocco travel advice page shows it as still current at 13 November 2026. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, 13 November 2026.
  20. The UK FCDO Morocco travel advice was last updated (content change) on 19 August 2026. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, 19 August 2026.
  21. France Diplomatie's Morocco 'Dernières minutes et alertes' page was last updated on 10 September 2026. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Dernières minutes et alertes, 10 September 2026.
  22. France Diplomatie's Morocco tabs Sécurité, Entrée/séjour, Santé, Informations utiles and Contacts utiles were each last updated on 15 September 2026. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  23. France Diplomatie's Morocco vigilance-zone map (zones de vigilance) was last refreshed on 11 March 2026. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 11 March 2026.
  24. France Diplomatie formally advises against (red zone) all travel along Morocco's border with Mauritania. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  25. France Diplomatie puts in its yellow (heightened vigilance) zone the area south of the border with Algeria and the Western Sahara, where any route off the coastal tarmac road needs prior agreement of the Gendarmerie royale or the armed forces; zone Western Sahara. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  26. The UK FCDO gives region-specific advice for Morocco only for Western Sahara and the closed Morocco-Algeria border. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Regional risks, 19 August 2026.
  27. France Diplomatie's Morocco alerts list a 'Hausse des cas de rougeole' (rise in measles cases) alert posted on 13 March 2026. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Dernières minutes et alertes, 13 March 2026.
  28. The US CDC's travel health notice level shown on its Morocco page (a global measles notice, not Morocco-specific) is Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions. US CDC Travelers' Health, Morocco (traveler view), 25 August 2026.
  29. The US CDC Travelers' Health Morocco page was last reviewed on 25 August 2026. US CDC Travelers' Health, Morocco (traveler view), 25 August 2026.
  30. The UK FCDO advises that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco, including at places visited by foreign nationals; FCDO terrorism level wording is likely. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  31. France Diplomatie states the last bomb attack in Morocco was in April 2011 at Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, which killed 17. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  32. France Diplomatie states that on 17 December 2018 two European tourists were murdered in an isolated mountain area of the High Atlas; date 17 December 2018. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  33. The UK FCDO advises that protests can occur across Morocco, particularly in large cities, often without warning; FCDO advice is to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  34. The UK FCDO lists the emergency number for an ambulance in Morocco (the US State Department gives 150 from a mobile and 15 from a landline; Smartraveller gives 190 for all services) as 150. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Getting help, 19 August 2026.
  35. The UK FCDO lists the emergency number for fire in Morocco (the US State Department gives 150 from a mobile and 15 from a landline; France Diplomatie lists 15) as 150. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Getting help, 19 August 2026.
  36. The UK FCDO lists the emergency number for police in Morocco (the US State Department gives 190 from a mobile and 19 from a landline; France Diplomatie lists 19 for Police Secours in towns) as 190. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Getting help, 19 August 2026.
  37. The UK FCDO lists the emergency number for the Gendarmerie (military police) in Morocco as 177. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Getting help, 19 August 2026.
  38. France Diplomatie lists Police Secours (in towns) in Morocco (the US State Department gives 19 as the landline number and 190 from a mobile; the UK FCDO lists 190) as 19. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Contacts utiles, 15 September 2026.
  39. France Diplomatie lists the Gendarmerie royale number for outside built-up areas (hors agglomérations) as 177. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Contacts utiles, 15 September 2026.
  40. France Diplomatie lists the fire brigade (pompiers) in Morocco (the US State Department gives 15 from a landline and 150 from a mobile for ambulance and fire; the UK FCDO lists 150) as 15. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Contacts utiles, 15 September 2026.
  41. France Diplomatie lists Marrakech medical emergencies (urgences médicales) as 141. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Contacts utiles, 15 September 2026.
  42. France Diplomatie lists SAMU Marrakech as 05 24 42 24 46 or 05 24 42 24 51. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Contacts utiles, 15 September 2026.
  43. France Diplomatie lists SOS road accidents (SOS accidents de la circulation) in Marrakech as 05 24 40 14 01. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Contacts utiles, 15 September 2026.
  44. France Diplomatie lists the Marrakech central police station (commissariat central) as +212 5 24 43 19 87. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Contacts utiles, 15 September 2026.
  45. France Diplomatie lists the Marrakech tourist police (police touristique), a free 24-hour line for tourists, as 05 24 38 46 01 or 05 24 88 86 80. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Contacts utiles, 15 September 2026.
  46. The UK FCDO's 24-hour London number for urgent help when something has happened to a friend or relative abroad is 020 7008 5000. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Getting help, 19 August 2026.
  47. France Diplomatie lists the French Embassy in Rabat (1, rue Ibn Hajar, Agdal) telephone as +212 5 37 68 97 00. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  48. France Diplomatie states the 8 September 2023 earthquake struck the High Atlas 70 km south-west of Marrakech (distance from the epicentre, no measure stated), on the border of Chichaoua and Al Haouz provinces, at Richter magnitude 6.8. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  49. The UK FCDO states the last major earthquake in Morocco, in 2023, killed almost 3,000. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  50. The UK FCDO states petty crime (pickpocketing, bag-snatching, drive-by motorcycle theft) is common in tourist areas, especially in medina quarters and on beaches. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  51. France Diplomatie warns that in Casablanca and Marrakech thieves on motorbikes ride on pavements to snatch handbags and mobile phones. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  52. The UK FCDO states people posing as official tourist guides commonly harass tourists; a guide in a medina should have an official badge and permission from the local authority. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  53. The UK FCDO advises being cautious when using ATMs in Morocco and states credit card fraud and scams are common. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  54. France Diplomatie warns that in Marrakech fake agencies offer discounted trips or 'VIP contracts' and ask for a card imprint, then make fraudulent transfers. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Informations utiles, 15 September 2026.
  55. France Diplomatie reports a rise in thefts from Airbnb-type rentals in big tourist cities and advises not leaving ID papers there unless a safe. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  56. The UK FCDO reports deaths and serious illness in Morocco from alcoholic drinks containing methanol. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  57. The UK FCDO states quad bike accidents involving British nationals frequently occur in resort areas and advises always wearing a crash helmet. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  58. The UK FCDO states recreational and adventure providers in Morocco may not meet UK safety standards and that some insurance policies will not cover activities such as quad biking. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  59. The UK FCDO advises booking hot air balloon trips in Morocco only through licensed tour operators. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  60. France Diplomatie advises that risky sports such as quad and rallies must account for often reduced local rescue capacity, particularly in remote regions. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  61. The UK FCDO advises that swimming in open water in Morocco, including dams and rivers, can be dangerous because deep mud and steep underwater slopes can trap people and lead to drowning. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  62. The UK FCDO states heavy rain can cause flash flooding in Morocco, particularly in the mountains or near rivers during winter months. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  63. The UK FCDO states there is a risk of wildfires in Morocco during the summer season. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  64. The UK FCDO advises that taxis booked through ride-sharing apps in Morocco may be unregulated and unlicensed, and to agree a fare in advance or check the taxi uses a meter. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  65. France Diplomatie recommends preferring official taxis, which it states generally pose no security problems. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  66. France Diplomatie describes the mountain motorway between Marrakech and Agadir as a route known to be very dangerous and advises in general against driving in Morocco at night; advice: not at night. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  67. France Diplomatie warns that packs of stray dogs are a recurring threat to pedestrians, especially in the south, and strongly advises against running or walking on waste or remote ground. France Diplomatie (MEAE), Conseils aux voyageurs Maroc, Sécurité, 15 September 2026.
  68. The UK FCDO states women may receive unwanted attention in Morocco, especially when travelling alone. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  69. The UK FCDO states it is illegal in Morocco to take photographs near sensitive political or military sites and advises asking permission before photographing people, especially children. UK FCDO, Morocco travel advice, Safety and security, 19 August 2026.
  70. Morocco's Law 11-16 sets the fine for selling travel services without a travel-agent licence at MAD 5,000 to 50,000 (MAD 50,000 to 100,000 and 2 to 6 months' prison on a repeat) MAD 5,000 to 50,000. Law no. 11-16 regulating the profession of travel agent, Dahir 1-18-107 of 9 January 2019, BO no. 6750 (FR) of 7 Feb 2019 (Ministry of Justice, adala), 9 January 2019.
  71. The Ministry of Tourism's organiser-distributor travel agent list, as published on 14 November 2026, shows entries with the city Marrakech numbering 315 agencies. Ministry of Tourism, Liste des Organisateurs-Distributeurs de Voyages.
  72. The Ministry of Tourism states that the tourist guide profession is governed by Law 05-12, amended by laws 133.13, 93.18, 67-21 and 19-22. Ministry of Tourism, page 'Guides de tourisme'.
  73. The Ministry of Tourism distinguishes two licensed guide categories: guide of cities and tourist circuits, and guide of natural spaces (mountains and deserts, on foot, pack animal or vehicle) 2. Ministry of Tourism, page 'Guides de tourisme'.
  74. The Ministry of Tourism publishes an online list of approved tourist guides, which on 14 November 2026 held this many names 4,620. Ministry of Tourism, 'Liste des Guides de Tourisme agréés par le Département du Tourisme'.
  75. Decree 2-23-441 states a bivouac operating authorisation is requested from the competent local authority at least 14 days before the bivouac is set up. Decree no. 2-23-441 of 13 July 2023 applying Law 80-14, BO no. 7462 (FR) of 4 Dec 2025, pp. 3186-3195 (ministry PDF, image scan read by OCR), 13 July 2023.
  76. Decree 2-23-441 states a bivouac operating authorisation is valid for at most six months for a bivouac on a reserved site, and one month for a trek-stage bivouac 6. Decree no. 2-23-441 of 13 July 2023 applying Law 80-14, BO no. 7462 (FR) of 4 Dec 2025, pp. 3186-3195 (ministry PDF, image scan read by OCR), 13 July 2023.
  77. The Ministry of Tourism publishes a directory of tourist accommodation by type and category; its 'Bivouac' section listed one establishment nationwide (Errachidia) and none in Marrakech Prefecture, Al Haouz or Agafay on 14 November 2026; directory https://mtaess.gov.ma/fr/annuaires/annuaire-des-etablissements-dhebergements-touristique/. Ministry of Tourism, Annuaire des établissements d'hébergement touristique.
  78. The Moroccan National Tourist Office lists the Regional Tourism Council of Marrakech at 42 Rue Cadi Ayad, Imm Jnane Atlas, Gueliz, tel. 0524433407. Moroccan National Tourist Office (visitmorocco.com), Marrakech page, 'Where to find out more'.