Visiting Morocco During the Gen-Z Protests: A Local’s Honest Perspective

Visit Morocco during Gen Z Protests? I know this phrase has probably been swirling through your mind if you’ve been planning a trip here lately. Let me be completely honest with you: I understand the worry. When you see news headlines about protests in any country, your first instinct is to reconsider your travel plans. But here’s what I want you to know from someone who’s actually here, walking these streets, breathing this air, and living through what’s happening right now in my beloved homeland.

The truth is more nuanced—and frankly, more reassuring—than what you might be reading in sensationalized news reports. Morocco isn’t burning. Our cities aren’t in chaos. Life continues with its beautiful, messy, vibrant rhythm that I’ve always loved about this place. Yes, there are protests. Yes, young Moroccans are making their voices heard. And yes, you can still have the trip of a lifetime here. Actually, you might witness something historically significant while you’re at it.

I’ve been in the heart of these demonstrations. I’ve walked alongside the young protesters in Rabat, watched the security forces maintain order without aggression, and even saw something that brought tears to my eyes—young demonstrators offering flowers to police officers. That image alone should tell you something about the nature of what’s happening here right now. This isn’t the kind of unrest that should keep you from discovering the magic of Morocco.

Understanding the Gen-Z Movement in Morocco: What’s Really Happening

Before we dive into whether it is safe to visit Morocco during protests, let me give you the context that most news articles skip over. The Gen Z protestation and tourism concern isn’t about anti-tourist sentiment or general chaos—it’s about young Moroccans advocating for their future, their economy, and their role in shaping the country. This is democracy in action, and honestly? It’s beautiful to witness, even if it makes potential visitors nervous.

The movement started with some tension, I won’t lie to you. Those first couple of days in late September saw scattered incidents that genuinely concerned me. But here’s what changed everything: swift action by authorities, community leadership stepping up, and the protesters themselves committing to peaceful demonstration. Within days—literally days—the entire character of the protests shifted. What could have spiralled into something dangerous instead became organized, peaceful gatherings with clear routes, designated times, and mutual respect between demonstrators and security forces.

I stood in Rabat’s main avenue last week, watching a sea of young faces marching with purpose and passion. The security presence was there, yes, but they weren’t there to suppress—they were there to escort, to protect both the protesters and the public. It reminded me of something my grandmother used to say: “The youth aren’t our future; they’re our present.” And right now, Morocco’s present is young people peacefully demanding to be heard.

The Gen Z travel to Morocco protest has actually had minimal impact on the tourism infrastructure. Hotels are operating normally. Restaurants are full. Tour guides are still taking groups through the medinas and out to the Sahara. The protests happen during specific times, in particular locations, and they’re announced in advance. It’s not spontaneous combustion—it’s organized civic engagement.

My Personal Experience: Standing Among the Protesters

Let me take you to a moment that really crystallized everything for me. It was October 1st, around 4 PM, and I was near Hassan Tower in Rabat. I’d been working on finalizing some tour itineraries when I heard the chants growing louder. Instead of going home, I walked toward the sound—partly out of journalistic curiosity, partly because this is not my city and I needed to see for myself what was happening.

The crowd was predominantly young, maybe 18 to 30 years old, though I spotted some older Moroccans there too. They carried signs, some in Arabic, some in French, and a few in English. “Notre Avenir” (Our Future). “Listen to Your Youth.” Nothing inflammatory, nothing violent. Just… passionate hope, if that makes sense.

What struck me most was the organization. Designated marshals were keeping the crowd orderly. Water stations had been set up. First aid volunteers wore bright vests. And the police? They walked alongside the protest route, not in front of it or against it, but almost with it. One officer I spoke with—yes, I actually chatted with him—told me they’d been briefed to facilitate, not confront. “These are our children,” he said in Darija, gesturing to the protesters. “We want them safe.”

Then came the moment I mentioned earlier. A group of young women approached a line of police officers with bouquets. Simple carnations and roses. They thanked the officers for their professionalism and for protecting their right to demonstrate. I watched grown men in uniform—men who probably have daughters the same age—accept those flowers with visible emotion. If that scene doesn’t tell you about the nature of these protests, I don’t know what will.

Morocco isn’t a monolith. What happens in Rabat during a scheduled protest doesn’t define the entire country any more than a parade in New York defines all of America. The best places to visit Morocco during unrest are actually… most of them. Because calling this “unrest” feels increasingly inaccurate.

The Reality of Safety: Current Conditions Across Morocco

Now let’s address the elephant in the room directly: Morocco youth movement travel concerns are valid, but they need to be proportionate to actual risk. I’m not going to blow sunshine at you and pretend everything is perfect—I respect you too much for that. But I am going to give you the unvarnished truth based on what I’m seeing, experiencing, and hearing from colleagues across the country.

The violent incidents from the early days? Those individuals have been arrested and prosecuted. The authorities took swift action precisely because they understood how quickly things could deteriorate if left unchecked. Since then—and we’re talking about nearly three weeks now—the protests have been entirely peaceful. Not “mostly peaceful” (that phrase always makes me suspicious), but genuinely, fully peaceful.

I check in regularly with my network of guides, hotel owners, and restaurant managers in different cities. None—and I mean none—have reported any impact on their businesses beyond having to route tourists around protest areas during demonstration hours occasionally. That’s not a crisis; that’s a minor inconvenience comparable to avoiding traffic during rush hour.

The safe cities in Morocco Gen Z protests question gets asked a lot, and here’s my answer: all the major tourist destinations remain safe. Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and Merzouga—tourism continues as usual. I’ve had clients arrive in Marrakech just last week, worried sick before they came, who messaged me on their third day saying they hadn’t even noticed any protests and wondered if they’d been exaggerated.

Yes, protests happen primarily in major cities where government buildings are located. That makes sense logistically—you don’t demonstrate in the middle of the Sahara when you want your voice heard in the capital. But even in these cities, the protests are contained to specific areas, usually around government districts or central squares. Your raid in the Marrakech medina? Completely unaffected. That beautiful hotel in Fes with the view of the old city? No issues whatsoever.

Travel to Marrakech During Protests: The Red City Stays Vibrant

Let me talk specifically about Marrakech because it’s Morocco’s tourism heartbeat, and many of you have trips planned there. Travel to Marrakech during protests continues without significant disruption, and I want to explain why.

Marrakech is, first and foremost, a city that depends heavily on tourism. The entire economy—from the tanneries in the medina to the luxury resorts in the Palmeraie—runs on visitors. There’s a collective understanding here that tourism must be protected, not just for economic reasons but because it’s part of Marrakech’s identity. This city has welcomed travellers for over a thousand years; it’s not stopping now.

The protests that do occur in Marrakech happen primarily around administrative buildings and in the newer, modern districts—nowhere near Jemaa el-Fnaa, the souks, or the tourist areas. I walked through the main square just yesterday afternoon. Snake charmers were out (though honestly, I wish tourists would skip that particular attraction for ethical reasons, but that’s another conversation). The orange juice vendors were squeezing fresh juice. Henna artists were setting up their stations. The storytellers were gathering their evening audiences. Life was exactly as it always is—chaotic, colourful, loud, and wonderful.

One of my recent tour groups actually witnessed a small peaceful demonstration from their hotel rooftop terrace in Gueliz. They watched it like they might watch any street festival—with curiosity and interest. The march passed by in about twenty minutes, chanting and waving flags, then dispersed. The cafe below never even paused service. My clients later told me it actually enhanced their trip and gave them a sense of experiencing “real Morocco” beyond the tourist version.

The Majorelle Garden still opens daily (get there early; it gets crowded—some things never change). The souks are as pushy and fascinating as ever. The Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and El Badi Palace are all operating on normal schedules. I’ve been taking clients through these sites throughout this entire period, and not once has a protest interfered with our itineraries.

I’ve noticed the hospitality industry has become even more attentive. Hotel staff go out of their way to reassure guests, restaurants are eager to maintain their standards, and guides are hyper-aware of routing tours to avoid any potential demonstration areas (though honestly, most tourists wouldn’t encounter them anyway). The people of Marrakech want you here. They need you here. And they’re working hard to ensure your experience is everything you dreamed it would be.

Travel to Fes During Protests: The Ancient City Continues Its Timeless Rhythm

Travelling to Fes during protests presents even less concern than Marrakech, in my experience. Fes has seen minimal protest activity, partly because the city’s geography and structure don’t lend themselves well to large demonstrations—try organizing a march through the Fes el-Bali medina with its narrow, winding alleyways, and you’ll understand why.

I was in Fes two weeks ago, staying with a family friend who runs a traditional guesthouse near Bab Boujloud. We sat on her roof terrace in the evening, drinking mint tea (because some clichés exist for a reason—they’re true), and she told me she’d barely noticed any impact from the protests. One small gathering near the prefecture building, she said, which lasted a few hours and dispersed peacefully. That was it.

The medina of Fes—that glorious, maddening, UNESCO-protected labyrinth—continues exactly as it has for over a thousand years. The tanners still work their pits with traditional methods that would make a modern safety inspector have a heart attack. The Chouara Tannery viewing terraces still overflow with tourists pinching their noses against the smell (pro tip: the mint sprigs they offer you actually help). The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD and continuously operating ever since, doesn’t pause for protests.

Fes has always felt insulated from Morocco’s modern political movements, perhaps because it’s so deeply rooted in tradition. The city’s identity isn’t tied to contemporary politics—it’s tied to centuries of scholarship, craftsmanship, and spiritual significance. The protests happening in other cities feel almost distant when you’re standing in Fes el-Bali, surrounded by medieval architecture and the cacophony of artisan workshops.

My colleague who runs historical tours in Fes told me his bookings haven’t dropped at all. If anything, he’s seen an uptick from travellers who specifically want to visit now, either because they’re getting better deals (hotels have been offering discounts to counter negative perceptions) or because they’re curious about experiencing Morocco during this particular moment in its history.

The practical reality for visitors is this: you’ll spend most of your time in Fes inside the medina anyway, which is where all the magic happens. The tanneries, the madrasas, the pottery workshops, the carpet cooperatives, the endless maze of souks—all completely unaffected. The new city (Ville Nouvelle) has some modern protest activity occasionally, but that’s not where tourists typically spend their time anyway, except maybe to eat at a French-style cafe or shop at Carrefour for snacks.

Travel to Casablanca During Protests: Morocco’s Economic Hub Stays Open for Business

Travelling to Casablanca during protests requires a slightly different analysis because Casablanca isn’t primarily a tourist city—it’s Morocco’s economic powerhouse, its commercial heart. The protests here have been more frequent than in tourist cities, but they’ve also been more… businesslike, if that makes sense. This is a city that moves to the rhythm of commerce and productivity, and extended disruptions don’t align with that identity.

I was in Casa (as we call it) just after the large demonstration on October 5th in support of Gaza. The march was massive—tens of thousands of people. And yet, the next morning, when I walked through the city, you’d barely know anything had happened. Shops were open, trams were running on schedule, and the Hassan II Mosque was welcoming tourists as always. The city had absorbed this enormous expression of public sentiment and then continued functioning.

The Hassan II Mosque, by the way, remains one of the most breathtaking sights in Morocco, and protests haven’t affected visitor access at all. I took a group there last week, and our guide shared something interesting. He said the protests have actually sparked more conversations among tourists about contemporary Morocco, moving beyond just admiring the architecture to understanding the country as a living, evolving place with an engaged citizenry. Several tourists told him they found that aspect fascinating—seeing a country where young people feel empowered to protest peacefully.

The Corniche—that beautiful Atlantic coastline with its cafes and restaurants—continues buzzing with life. The Morocco Mall (Africa’s largest shopping centre, if you’re into that sort of thing) operates normally. The Art Deco architecture of downtown Casablanca still draws photography enthusiasts. The nightlife in Ain Diab hasn’t skipped a beat.

One thing I’ve noticed in Casablanca more than in other cities: there’s a distinct separation between “protest spaces” and “everything else.” The demonstrations tend to occur in specific downtown areas near government buildings or in designated squares. The rest of the sprawling city—and Casablanca is huge—goes about its business. This isn’t a city under siege; it’s a city where civic engagement happens in parallel with daily life.

Business travellers, who make up a significant portion of Casa’s visitors, haven’t stopped coming. If companies were genuinely concerned about safety, they’d be cancelling conferences and business trips. They’re not. That should tell you something about the actual risk level, because corporate risk assessment departments are notoriously conservative about these things.

Morocco Travel Safety Gen Z Protests: Separating Perception from Reality

Let’s address Morocco travel safety and Gen Z protests head-on with some critical thinking. When we talk about travel safety, we need to compare apples to apples. What’s the actual risk profile of visiting Morocco right now versus, say, visiting Paris (which regularly has larger, sometimes less peaceful demonstrations), or London, or even major U.S. cities?

I’ve travelled extensively—it comes with my job—and I can tell you that the peaceful protests happening in Morocco right now pose less risk to tourists than the normal petty crime concerns in many major European tourist destinations. You’re statistically more likely to have your pocket picked in Barcelona’s Las Ramblas than to encounter any issues related to protests in Morocco.

The violent incidents from the early days were primarily property damage in specific locations during specific confrontations. They weren’t random acts targeting civilians or tourists. Since those individuals were arrested and the protest movement reorganized around strictly peaceful principles, there have been zero incidents of violence. Zero. For nearly three weeks now.

I’m not saying Morocco is without any challenges. Like anywhere, you need to practice common sense. Don’t carry your passport and all your cash in an easily accessible pocket. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t wander alone into unfamiliar areas at 3 AM (honestly, why would you do that anywhere?). But these are universal travel precautions, not specific responses to the current protest situation.

The Moroccan government has been extremely proactive about maintaining tourist confidence, and not just for economic reasons. There’s genuine national pride at stake here. Moroccans want the world to visit, to see our beautiful country, and to experience our culture. The thought of tourism suffering because of misperceptions about safety genuinely bothers people here, from government officials down to the guy selling carpets in the medina.

I’ve also noticed increased security presence in major tourist areas—not aggressive or intimidating, just… present. More police walking through Jemaa el-Fnaa. More security at major monuments. It’s actually made some of my more nervous clients feel safer, knowing there’s an enhanced protective presence.

The U.S. State Department hasn’t issued any travel warnings specifically about these protests (as of my last check). Neither has the UK Foreign Office. These are organizations that err on the side of caution—sometimes frustratingly so. If they’re not ringing alarm bells, that should provide some reassurance.

What to Expect: Practical Advice for Your Morocco Trip

Let’s get practical because I know that’s what you really need. You’ve decided to come to Morocco (good choice!), but you want to know specifically what to expect and how to navigate the current situation. Here’s my honest, practical advice based on daily reality here, not theoretical concerns.

First, flexibility is your friend. Most protests are announced in advance, and they happen during specific time windows—usually late afternoon or early evening. If your hotel or guide knows about a planned demonstration near your location, they’ll adjust timing or routes. This might mean visiting the Hassan Tower in Rabat in the morning instead of the afternoon or taking a slightly different route back to your riad in Marrakech. These are minor adjustments, not major disruptions.

Stay informed, but don’t obsess. Check local news or ask your hotel concierge about any planned protests. The Moroccan news outlets report on these demonstrations matter-of-factly—”Youth march planned for Friday afternoon from Point A to Point B”—not with breathless crisis coverage. Follow their lead in treating this as normal civic activity rather than an emergency.

Your accommodation is your best resource. Hotel and riad staff live here. They know what’s happening, where it’s happening, and how to navigate around it. I’ve been in constant contact with tourism colleagues, and every single one has told me they’re proactively communicating with guests, providing updates, and ensuring nobody feels unsafe or uninformed.

If you happen to encounter a protest while walking around—which is unlikely but possible—just… don’t be dramatic about it. You’re witnessing democracy in action. Watch if you’re curious (from a respectful distance), or walk in a different direction if you prefer to avoid crowds. Don’t try to walk through the middle of a demonstration (that’s just common sense in any country). Don’t photograph protesters without permission (also basic respect). And absolutely don’t engage in the protest yourself—you’re a tourist, not a participant in Moroccan domestic politics.

The protest routes are generally well-marked with security presence, making them easy to identify and avoid if desired. In Rabat, demonstrations typically move through specific government districts. In Marrakech, they’re usually in Gueliz or near administrative buildings, nowhere near the medina. In Fes, they’re minimal and localized. In Casablanca, they occur in downtown commercial districts that tourists don’t typically frequent anyway.

Transport continues normally. Trains run on schedule. Internal flights haven’t been affected. Road trips to the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains, or the coast proceed as usual. The protests are urban phenomena—once you leave the cities, you won’t even think about them. Morocco is a big country, and the vast majority of it continues exactly as it always has.

One unexpected benefit: this might be a great time to get better hotel deals. Some accommodations have reduced rates to counter perception problems, even though the actual situation doesn’t justify the fear. If you’re flexible with dates and willing to book now, you might snag some excellent bargains on luxury riads and hotels that are normally out of budget.

The Bigger Picture: Morocco’s Democratic Evolution

Here’s something that gets lost in safety discussions: what you’re potentially witnessing in Morocco right now is significant. This isn’t chaos or instability—it’s a young generation engaging with their democracy, pushing for change through peaceful means. That’s actually remarkable, especially in a region where such engagement often takes less peaceful forms.

The Gen Z movement in Morocco represents educated, connected, globally aware young people who love their country and want to improve it. They’re not rejecting Morocco—they’re fighting for its future. The protests advocate for economic opportunity, transparency, and reform. These are mature, sophisticated demands being made through organized, peaceful channels.

As someone who has loved Morocco my entire life, I find this movement… hopeful. These young people represent the best of what Morocco can be: passionate but peaceful, demanding but respectful, and traditional yet modern. When I watch them march, I don’t see crisis—I see potential.

For you as a traveller, this adds an extra layer of depth to your visit. You’re not just seeing postcard Morocco (though you’ll certainly get plenty of that—the sunsets over the Sahara aren’t protesting anything). You’re seeing living, breathing, evolving Morocco. You’re visiting during a moment when the country is actively shaping its future. That’s actually pretty special.

I’ve had several conversations with tourists who initially worried about the protests but then found themselves fascinated by what they represented. One couple from Canada told me it made them think more deeply about Morocco as a real place with complex contemporary issues, not just an exotic backdrop for Instagram photos. They left feeling more connected to the country, not less.

Regional Variations: Where Tourism Remains Completely Unaffected

Let me paint you a picture of where the protests don’t factor into your travel experience at all. The coastal towns—Essaouira, Asilah, and Agadir—continue with their laid-back beach vibes completely undisturbed. I was in Essaouira last weekend (mixing business with pleasure, as I often do), and the biggest disruption I encountered was the wind being too strong for the beach umbrellas. That’s it.

The mountain regions—whether you’re trekking in the High Atlas, visiting Imlil, or exploring the Rif Mountains—remain pristine and peaceful. Mountain Berber villages have seen no protest activity whatsoever. If you’re planning a trek or mountain experience, this entire discussion barely applies to you. The mountains exist in their own timeless space where contemporary politics feel very far away.

The Sahara Desert experiences continue exactly as always. The camps in Merzouga and M’hamid still welcome travellers for camel treks and nights under those impossibly starry skies. The Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and the ancient kasbahs along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs remain accessible and magical. Desert tourism hasn’t hiccupped at all.

Chefchaouen—that impossibly blue town in the Rif Mountains that Instagram built into a phenomenon—remains blissfully peaceful. The protests are an urban phenomenon, and Chefchaouen is decidedly not urban. It’s a small mountain town where the biggest excitement is usually which shade of blue someone is repainting their door. The tourists keep coming, the cats keep lounging in blue doorways, and life continues with its gentle, painted rhythm.

Even in larger cities, once you’re inside the medinas, the ancient hearts of these places, you’re largely insulated from contemporary political movements. The medinas operate on their own logic, at their own pace. A thousand years of history doesn’t pause for a few weeks of protests. The artisans still hammer copper in Fes. The spice vendors still pile their colourful pyramids in Marrakech—the leather workers still tan hides using medieval methods that haven’t changed in centuries.

My Honest Recommendation: Should You Visit or Wait?

After everything I’ve shared, here’s my bottom-line recommendation as both a Morocco expert and someone who genuinely cares about providing honest advice: come. Unless your trip is scheduled during a specifically announced major demonstration in a city centre (and even then, it’s more inconvenience than danger), there’s no compelling safety reason to postpone your Morocco plans.

I’m not saying this because I have a vested interest in tourism (though I do—it’s my livelihood, and it supports countless Moroccan families). I’m saying it because it’s the truth based on current conditions. The Morocco you’ve been dreaming about is still here, still magical, still welcoming. The tajines still taste incredible. The sunsets over the dunes still take your breath away. The hospitality still wraps around you like a warm blanket.

If you’re the type of traveller who gets anxious about any deviation from perfect stability, maybe wait a few more weeks until the protest movement winds down (which it likely will—these movements typically have a natural arc). But if you’re reasonably flexible and comfortable with understanding that peaceful civic demonstrations are a normal part of modern democratic societies, then there’s no reason to delay your trip.

I’ve been leading tours, hosting travellers, and moving around the country freely throughout this entire period. Not once have I felt unsafe. Not once have my clients experienced any negative impacts beyond occasionally hearing about a protest that happened somewhere else. The gap between perception (scary demonstrations!) and reality (peaceful, organized civic engagement) is enormous.

Consider this: Morocco has welcomed millions of tourists over the past month. Hotels, riads, and tour operators—they’re all still operating, still hosting guests, and still delivering excellent experiences. If there were genuine danger, the entire tourism infrastructure would be in crisis mode. It’s not. That should tell you something important about the actual situation versus the perceived problem.

The protests will eventually wind down—they always do. But Morocco’s magic is eternal. The Sahara isn’t going anywhere. The Atlas Mountains will still be there next year. But this particular moment, this specific time in Morocco’s evolution? That’s unique. There’s something special about visiting a place during a significant moment in its history, as long as that moment isn’t actually dangerous (which it isn’t).

Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Your Specific Concerns

Let me tackle some specific questions I’ve been getting repeatedly from worried travellers and travel agents.

Looking Forward: Morocco’s Resilient Spirit

As I wrap up this admittedly long explanation (but you deserved thorough honesty, not superficial reassurance), I want to leave you with something more philosophical. Morocco has weathered countless challenges throughout its history—invasions, political changes, and economic shifts. What remains constant is the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture.

The Gen Z protesters I’ve spoken with aren’t anti-Morocco—they’re pro-Morocco. They want their country to thrive, to provide opportunities, and to claim its place on the world stage. That’s a sentiment any traveller can respect, regardless of where you’re from or what your political views are. These young people want you to visit. They want you to see their beautiful country. They want to share their culture with you.

I think about my children, who are part of this generation, and I’m proud of their engagement and their commitment to peaceful change. I think about the future Morocco they’re working toward, and I want you to be part of experiencing this moment. Not despite the protests, but because of what they represent: a vibrant, evolving, democratic society where young voices matter.

Morocco isn’t perfect—no country is. But it’s authentic, it’s alive, and it’s one of the most magical places on Earth to visit. The current protests don’t change that fundamental reality. If anything, they add a layer of contemporary significance to your visit.

So yes, visit Morocco during the Gen Z protestation. See this beautiful, complex, fascinating country during an interesting moment in its history. Walk through the souks, get lost in the medinas, watch the sunset over the Sahara, drink too much mint tea, bargain for carpets you don’t need, and eat tajine until you can’t eat anymore. And if you happen to hear the distant sounds of peaceful protesters chanting for their future? Consider it a bonus cultural education.

The magic is still here. The welcome is still warm. Morocco is ready for you.