Tours

Tour Dates: Available from September to May. Please contact us for your preferred dates!

Price: The price varies based on the number of participants. For detailed pricing, please get in touch with us!

Starting/Ending Location: Marrakech Airport, Morocco

Price Includes:

• Comfortable transport
• 6 nights of hotel accommodation with half-board (breakfast & dinner)
• Professional guiding services and general assistance throughout the tour
• All transportation during the tour
• Breakfasts and dinners

Price Excludes:

• Flight tickets
• Lunches & drinks
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses & tips

Join us for an unforgettable 7-day birdwatching adventure through Northern Morocco and the Zaida Plain. This tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Morocco’s rich birdlife and diverse landscapes while soaking in cultural gems and natural beauty. Get ready for a memorable blend of rare bird sightings and captivating scenery.

Detailed Itinerary for the 7-Day Birdwatching Tour:

Day 1: Marrakech to El Jadida

The adventure begins as we meet you at Marrakech Airport in the morning, or we can arrange pick-up from anywhere in Marrakech. From there, we’ll travel northwest toward the coastal city of El Jadida. As we drive, we’ll make birdwatching stops, keeping an eye out for White Stork, Cattle Egret, Calandra Lark, Little Swift, and a variety of other species, including Common Bulbul and Spotless Starling. In the evening, we’ll check into our accommodation in El Jadida, where we’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.

Day 2: El Jadida to Casablanca to Rabat

Today, we’ll rise early to explore the Atlantic coast, hoping to spot the elusive Small Buttonquail—though there’s no guarantee, we’ll visit known spots where sightings have occurred. Along the way, we’ll also observe species such as African Reed Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, and Sardinian Warbler. Later in the afternoon, we’ll head to Casablanca for a quick visit before continuing on to the Moroccan capital, Rabat, where we’ll have dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Rabat to Zaers to Sidi Boughaba Lake

An early start takes us southeast of Rabat, heading into the King’s hunting forest, Zaers, where we’ll search for the secretive Double-spurred Francolin. This forest is also home to a variety of woodland species such as Black Crowned Tchagra, Pied Flycatcher, and Barbary Partridge. Afterward, we’ll visit Lac de Sidi Boughaba, a freshwater lake that’s ideal for spotting waterfowl. Expect to see Red-knobbed Coot, Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, and Western Marsh Harriers as they patrol the reed beds. We’ll return to Rabat for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Merdja Zerga Lake & African Marsh Owl

Today’s birding adventure takes us to Merdja Zerga, a wetland south of Tangiers that is a haven for migratory birds. While this area is known for being the last place where the now-extinct Slender-billed Curlew was seen, the wetland still supports a rich variety of birdlife. We’ll watch for Green Shank, Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel, and Avocet, among many others. Later, we’ll venture into the reeds in hopes of spotting the rare Moroccan Marsh Owl, one of the most elusive birds in the region. After an exciting day, we’ll head back to Rabat for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Rabat to Meknes to Middle Atlas Mountains to Zaida

We’ll leave Rabat behind and travel southeast toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop in Azrou, a town known for its rich birdlife, to search for the Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker and the Atlas Flycatcher. The Cedar Forests around Azrou provide the perfect habitat for these species, and we may also spot Wood Lark, Firecrest, and the local races of Great Spotted Woodpecker. We’ll also have a chance to see the famous Barbary Apes that roam these forests. Our journey continues to Zaida for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Birding in Zaida Plain

Today, we’ll dedicate the day to birdwatching in the Zaida Plain, where we’ll search for the rare Dupont’s Lark, a species that can be difficult to spot as it blends in with the grassy terrain. We’ll also be on the lookout for Seebohm’s Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Red-rumped Wheatear, and Black-Bellied Sandgrouse. If the weather allows, we’ll explore the plain in detail to observe species like Spectacled Warbler, Thekla Lark, and Short-toed Lark. After an exciting day of birding, we’ll return to our accommodation in Zaida for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: Zaida to Marrakech via Middle Atlas Mountains

On our final day, we’ll drive back to Marrakech, stopping along the way in the Middle Atlas Mountains for any additional birdwatching opportunities. We’ll arrive in Marrakech by the late afternoon and have some free time to visit the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square. This iconic market square is the heart of the old medina, offering an unforgettable sensory experience with its street performers, spice stalls, and lively atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure, bringing the tour to an end.

Key Bird Species to Look Out For:

Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to spot some rare and unique bird species, including:

• Small Buttonquail
• African Marsh Owl
• Double-spurred Francolin
• Atlas Flycatcher
• Dupont’s Lark
• Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker
• Black-crowned Tchagra
• Seebohm’s Wheatear
• Red-knobbed Coot
• Marbled Duck
• Greater Flamingos
• Black Wheatear
• Lesser Kestrel
• Moussier’s Redstart
• Spectacled Warbler

Accommodation:

Throughout the tour, we’ll stay in comfortable hotels with en-suite rooms, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of birdwatching.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Fresh bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee, and fruit juice.
• Lunch: Picnic lunches during field trips.
• Dinner: A variety of traditional Moroccan and international dishes.

Walking:

The tour is designed to be easy-going, with leisurely walks over moderately rough terrain. Most birding will be done from the vehicle, but some walking is necessary to access mountain species.

Important Information:

This is a flexible itinerary, subject to adjustment based on weather conditions, bird activity, and arrival/departure times. You’ll be accompanied by an expert local guide who will provide informative commentary and insights into the birds and their habitats, making this a truly educational experience.