Tours

12 Days Birding Tour to the Atlas Mountains, Sahara, and Atlantic Coast

Explore Morocco’s Avian Wonders with Birds of Morocco Tours

Bird Species in Morocco

Morocco Birding Tour to the Atlas Mountains, Sahara, and Atlantic Coast

 

Tour Dates: Flexible, available from September to May. Contact us for specific dates!
Starting/Ending Point: Marrakech Airport, Morocco
Price: Customized based on group size. Contact us for a detailed quote.

 

Tour Overview

Embark on a 12-day birding adventure across Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert and the vibrant Atlantic Coast. This tour is designed for bird enthusiasts seeking to spot endemic and migratory species in diverse habitats, including forests, deserts, wetlands, and coastal regions. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics, this trip promises an unforgettable birding experience.

 

What’s Included

  • Comfortable 4×4 transportation throughout the tour

  • 11 nights of hotel accommodation with half-board (breakfast and dinner)

  • Expert birding guide services

  • All entrance fees to national parks and reserves

  • Breakfasts and dinners included daily

What’s Excluded

  • International and domestic flight tickets

  • Lunches and drinks

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses and tips

  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Key Bird Species

This tour offers the chance to spot a wide range of endemic, resident, and migratory bird species, including:

  • Endemics: Moussier’s Redstart, African Crimson-winged Finch, Atlas Flycatcher, Tristram’s Warbler, Maghreb Lark

  • Desert Specialties: Desert Sparrow, African Desert Warbler, Fulvous Babbler, Hoopoe Lark, Cream-colored Courser

  • Raptors: Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Barbary Falcon, Lanner Falcon

  • Wetland Species: Marbled Duck, Audouin’s Gull, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo

  • Coastal Birds: Northern Bald Ibis, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Sardinian Warbler, Brown-throated Martin

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Transfer to Oukaimeden

 

Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, you’ll be transferred to the High Atlas Mountains, where your birding adventure begins. The first stop is Oukaimeden, a small ski resort nestled in the mountains. Here, you’ll search for key species such as the African Crimson-winged FinchMoussier’s RedstartSeebohm’s Wheatear, and Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker. The stunning mountain scenery, with snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, provides a perfect backdrop for birding. Overnight stay in Oukaimeden.

 

Day 2: High Atlas Mountains – Ifrane

 

After a morning of birding in the High Atlas, you’ll descend and drive northeast to Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its alpine architecture. Along the way, you’ll stop to spot species like White StorkBlack Kite, and the distinct Maghreb Magpie. The journey takes you through rolling cultivated plains and into the Middle Atlas, where you’ll spend the night in Ifrane.

 

Day 3: Full Day Birding in Ifrane

 

Today is dedicated to exploring the Middle Atlas forests around Ifrane. This area is a haven for endemic species, including the Atlas FlycatcherBarbary Partridge, and Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker. Other notable birds in the region include Ferruginous DuckFirecrest, and Hawfinch. The mix of coniferous forests and rocky uplands makes this a diverse and rewarding birding destination. Overnight in Ifrane.

 

Day 4: Ifrane – Zaida – Midelt

 

Leaving Ifrane, you’ll journey south to Midelt, passing through increasingly arid landscapes. Along the way, you’ll stop to search for Ruddy Shelduck, the Atlas Long-legged Buzzard, and the elusive Dupont’s Lark. The high plateau around Midelt is a unique habitat, offering a chance to spot this lesser-known but fascinating species. Overnight in Midelt.

 

Day 5: Midelt – Errachidia – Merzouga

 

Today’s drive takes you further south through dramatic mountain scenery to the edge of the Sahara Desert. You’ll pass through the lush Ziz Valley before arriving in Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi await. Key species to look for include Desert LarkWhite-crowned Wheatear, and Tristram’s Warbler. Overnight in Merzouga.

 

Day 6: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Rissani

 

Spend the day exploring the Sahara Desert around Merzouga and Rissani. The palm groves, stony plains, and sand dunes are home to specialties like African Desert WarblerDesert Sparrow, and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. You’ll also have the chance to spot Hoopoe Lark and Cream-colored Courser. Overnight in Merzouga.

 

Day 7: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Boumalne Dades

 

After an early morning photo session in the dunes, you’ll head to Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon where you can spot Bonelli’s Eagle and Black Wheatear. Later, visit the Tagdilt Track for Thick-billed Lark and Temminck’s Lark. Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

 

Day 8: Boumalne Dades – Ouarzazate

 

Today’s birding focuses on desert species like Cream-colored Courser and Trumpeter Finch. You’ll also visit El Mansour Eddahabi Barrage, a wetland area teeming with waterbirds such as Marbled Duck and Black-winged Stilt. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

 

Day 9: Ouarzazate – Anti-Atlas Mountains – Agadir

 

A long drive west takes you over the Anti-Atlas Mountains and into the Souss Valley. Along the way, you’ll look for Black-crowned Tchagra and Laughing Dove. The day ends in Agadir, where you’ll spend the next three nights.

 

Day 10: Oued Massa National Park

 

Spend the day exploring the rich wetlands of Oued Massa National Park. This area is a hotspot for species like Marbled DuckAudouin’s Gull, and Moussier’s Redstart. The mix of resident and migratory birds makes this one of the most productive birding sites in Morocco. Overnight in Agadir.

 

Day 11: Cap Ghir – Tamri

 

Today, you’ll explore the Atlantic Coast near Agadir, with a focus on finding the endangered Northern Bald Ibis. Other species to look for include European Bee-eaterSardinian Warbler, and Brown-throated Martin. Overnight in Agadir.

 

Day 12: Agadir – Marrakech – Departure

 

On the final day, you’ll return to Marrakech, with birding stops along the way. The journey takes you back across the Atlas Mountains, offering one last chance to enjoy Morocco’s stunning landscapes. Transfer to Marrakech Airport for your departure.

 

Accommodation

  • Comfortable hotels with en-suite rooms throughout the tour.

  • Meals: Breakfasts feature fresh bread, butter, honey, jam, and tea/coffee. Lunches are picnic-style in the field, and dinners include local and international dishes.

Walking and Physical Requirements

  • The tour involves leisurely walks, occasionally over rough terrain. Most birding is done close to the vehicle, with optional walks for mountain species.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Expert local guides with in-depth knowledge of Morocco’s birdlife.

  • Flexible itinerary tailored to weather conditions and birding opportunities.

  • A mix of endemic, desert, and coastal species in stunning landscapes.

Book Now!

Contact us to reserve your spot on this unforgettable birding adventure. Let us handle the details while you focus on spotting Morocco’s incredible bird species!

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Plan Your Dream Birdwatching Experience Now!

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