Best of Morocco Birding Tour
Join us as we show you the very best of Morocco, a country celebrated for its diverse bird species and extraordinary scenery. This meticulously curated birding tour invites you to explore the intricate diversity of birdlife in different habitats and landscapes, spanning from the majestic Atlas Mountains to the vast Sahara Desert.
Day 1: Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains (Ashi)
Embarking on our journey from Marrakech in the early morning, we’ll kick off the tour with a bit of birding, spotting species such as Eurasian Hoopoe, Spotless Starling, House Bunting, Dekla Lark, Desert Lark, Desert Wheatear, Grey Shrike, Rock Sparrow, Little Owl, among others.
Following this, we’ll venture to Asni in the Atlas Mountains, encountering remarkable bird species like Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Our next stop is Lac Oukaimeden, where Alpine Chough, Alpine Accentor, Crimson-winged Sparrow, Black Wheatear, Mossier’s Redstart, and a few ducks will grace our birdwatching experience.
Wrapping up the day, we’ll enjoy a delightful meal and find comfort in our Marrakech hotel, capping off a full day of immersive birding.
Where you will be staying: Heure Bleue Palais : Relais & Chateaux
Day 2: Marrakech to the High Atlas Mountains (Tizi-n-Tichka)
On the second day of our birding expedition from Marrakech, we’ll embark on a picturesque drive across the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, offering opportunities to see the sought-after Bonelli’s Eagle and Tristram’s Warbler.
Our journey will then lead us to Amerzagane, where we’ll be on the lookout for the Black Wheatear and the Maghreb Wheatear. Next, we’ll head to the Mansour Eddahbi Barrage, where we’ll be searching for targets such as Ruddy Shelduck, Black-winged Stilt, Marbled Duck, Olivaceous Warbler, among others.
After a fulfilling day of birdwatching, we’ll retreat to our hotel in Marrakech.
Where you will be staying: Heure Bleue Palais : Relais & Chateaux
Day 3: Marrakech to Tagdilt Track
Continuing our birding exploration from Marrakech, our next destination is one of Morocco’s premier birdwatching spots, the Tagdilt track near Boumalne city.
Renowned as the premier destination in Morocco for desert-loving larks and wheatears, this area boasts nearly all the species within this category. Notably, the Red-rumped Wheatear, Temminck’s Horned Lark, and Thick-billed Lark are frequently more abundant here than at any other recognised site. We have an excellent chance of encountering Crowned Sandgrouse in this region, along with the Houbara Bustard and the majestic Pharaoh Eagle Owl. Notably, this has become the most reliable location for spotting the Mourning Wheatear.
This area also promises sightings of uncommon bird species, including the Cream-colored Courser, Trumpeter Finch, Greater Hoopoe Lark, Thick-billed Lark, Desert Lark, and Black Wheatear.
As the day concludes, we’ll return to our hotel for a peaceful night’s rest.
Where you will be staying: Heure Bleue Palais : Relais & Chateaux
Day 4: Dades Gorges
On the early morning of day four, our exploration will lead us to the beautiful landscapes and vibrant birdlife of the Dades Gorges. Amidst the breathtaking surroundings of the gorge, we’ll diligently search for rarities, including Desert Warbler, Rock Bunting, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, and various others.
Following a complete day of immersive birdwatching, we’ll retreat to our hotel nestled in the heart of the Dades Gorges. There, a superb meal awaits us, accompanied by the promise of comfortable lodging, allowing us to unwind and relish the experiences of the day amid the picturesque beauty of our surroundings.
Where you will be staying: Hotel Babylon Dades
Day 5: Todgha Gorge – Merzouga Desert
The next morning, we’ll be visiting Todra Gorge, providing us with a good opportunity to see various targets, such as Black Wheatear, Scrub Warbler, Crag Martin, Blue Rock-Thrush, and the majestic Bonelli’s Eagle, among others.
Continuing our exploration, we’ll proceed to Merzouga, with a chance to see Trumpeter Finch, Thick-billed Lark, and Desert Wheatear. This leg of the journey promises encounters with desert-adapted species, adding to the extensive checklist.
Where you will be staying: Hotel Kasbah Azalay Merzouga
Day 6: Chibbi Dunes – Rissani – Merzouga
Venturing through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, we’ll take an exhilarating drive in pursuit of a diverse array of birdlife, including the Brown-necked Raven, Hoopoe Lark, Rock Sparrow, Desert Sparrow, Desert Warbler, Spotted Sandgrouse, Lanner Falcon, Olivaceous Warbler, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, and the elusive Egyptian Nightjar—all potential sightings.
Our route then extends to Merzouga, where a seasonal lake may reveal various ducks and waders, enhancing the richness of our birdwatching experience. To conclude the day, we’ll spend an unforgettable night amidst the desert’s heart, housed in luxurious tents. Under the stars, a delightful supper awaits, followed by a restful overnight stay in our comfortable accommodations and a delicious breakfast to welcome the new day.
Where you will be staying: Where you will be staying: Hotel Kasbah Azalay Merzouga
Day 7: Draa Valley – Anti Atlas Mountains
The next morning, we’ll head to Tazzarine, exploring the cliffs and hills in the area. Along the road, we’ll make stops to observe the White-crowned Wheatear and Southern Grey Shrike. Our journey will then take us to the Mansour Eddahbi Barrage, providing an opportunity to witness Ruddy Shelduck, Marbled Duck, Olivaceous Warbler, Black-winged Stilt, Dekla Lark, and various waders.
After a full day of birdwatching, we’ll unwind and relax at our Ouarzazate hotel. A fantastic dinner awaits us, and we’ll enjoy a restful night’s sleep. The following morning, we’ll have breakfast and prepare for the next segment of our adventure.
Where you will be staying: Where you will be staying: Hôtel Riad Dar Daïf
Day 8: Ounila Valley – Tizi n Tichka – Marrakech
Our birdwatching adventure concludes today. We’ll make our way back to Marrakech via the famed Tizi n Tichka, which stands at 2260 meters in height. Along the journey, we’ll make several stops to observe birds and appreciate the spectacular vistas of the Atlas Mountains.
Upon arrival in Marrakech, we can arrange a transfer to a place of your choosing or to the airport.
Tour pace
Slow/Medium
Tour difficulty
Easy
Best time of year to visit
Certain Moroccan bird species, particularly specialities, are either absent or notably challenging to locate during the winter and early spring. The Atlas and Sahara regions, which are central to any bird tour in the country, experience cold to very cold temperatures during this period. For the most fruitful Morocco birding tour, encompassing the discovery of all specialities, including the belatedly arriving Atlas Flycatcher, it is recommended to plan the excursion between late April and mid-May. During this timeframe, the temperatures are typically ideal, providing an optimal environment for birdwatching activities.
Deposit
To secure your place on this tour, we’d need a 25% deposit.
Costs
Above price based on a group of 4 & 6. Please enquire if you’d like us to make this into a tailor-made tour.
Single supplement
£620
Sustainability:
At Sustainable Birding, our goal is to ensure that every birding holiday we create contributes positively to bird conservation efforts and local communities. Our determination to promote sustainable travel led us to become founding members of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency. As part of this commitment, we have established the world’s pioneering carbon scoring and offsetting framework for tailor-made holidays. Feel free to request us to carbon score your individual trip!
Tour Leader:
Amar, an accomplished Cadre expert bird guide, brings years of specialised experience in birding, making him a sought-after guide in Morocco. His profound familiarity extends across every corner of the country, with a particular emphasis on the South, the very region from which his Berber roots originate. Raised in a family that reveres and deeply respects the wilderness, Amar seamlessly combines his passion for birding with his cultural heritage.
Fluent in several foreign languages, including his native Berber, Amar’s expertise in ornithology is complemented by his academic background as a tourism specialist, having graduated from the University of Agadir.
Beyond the captivating landscapes, Amar weaves the avian narrative into the tapestry of Morocco’s history, guiding people to the most significant birding locations in this beautiful country.
Immersing in the tranquility of the desert, birders have the unique opportunity to interact with nomadic communities known for their simplicity, warmth, and hospitality. Amar, characterized by his youthfulness, patience, extensive birding knowledge, attentiveness, and respectfulness, ensures a birding experience where every detail is finely tuned to the delight of his customers. For a birding adventure in Morocco, Amar is your dedicated guide, promising an exploration that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper connection to the bird species of the region.
A Few Highlighted Bird Species
• Eurasian Hoopoe
• Spotless Starling
• House Bunting
• Dekla Lark
• Desert Lark
• Desert Wheatear
• Grey Shrike
• Rock Sparrow
• Little Owl
• Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Alpine Chough
• Alpine Accentor
• Crimson-winged Sparrow
• Black Wheatear
• Mossier’s Redstart
• Black-winged Stilt
• Cream-colored Courser
• Trumpeter Finch
• Greater Hoopoe Lark
• Thick-billed Lark
• Brown-necked Raven
• Hoopoe Lark
• Egyptian Nightjar
• Bonelli’s Eagle
• Tristram’s Warbler
• Maghreb Wheatear
• Ruddy Shelduck
• Rock Dove
• Scrub Warbler
• Crag Martin
• Blue Rock-Thrush
• Desert Warbler
• Olivaceous Warbler
• Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
• White-crowned Wheatear
• Southern Grey Shrike
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DepartureMarrakech
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Departure Time28th April 2024
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Return Time5th May 2024
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IncludedAirport transfersPrivate 4WD carAccommodation as shownFull-board basis (breakfast, lunch & dinner)Professional English-speaking guide/driverMineral water in the vehicleMedical emergency evacuation cover
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Not IncludedInternational flightsOptional activities unless specified as includedExcessive baggage chargesSoft drinks & alcoholic beveragesVisas
