Morocco

Day 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate.
Welcome to Marrakech, the Gateway to the Atlas Mountains. The journey begins upon arrival at Marrakech International Airport around midday. After landing, a warm welcome from the driver sets the tone for the adventure ahead. Before embarking on the drive south, there is time to savour a refreshing cup of traditional Moroccan tea, immersing in the rich flavours and hospitality that define this vibrant culture.

We will head Southwards on a scenic drive through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, a landscape of rugged beauty and dramatic elevation. Along the route, there’s an opportunity to pause for a leisurely lunch while taking in breathtaking views of Djebel Toubkal, the tallest peak in North Africa, soaring to an impressive 4,167 meters. The snow-capped summits and winding mountain passes create an unforgettable backdrop.

The route offers an excellent opportunity to spot some of the region’s remarkable birdlife. Key species to look for include African Blue Tit, Moussier’s Redstart, Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, Long-legged Buzzard, and African Chaffinch, a recently recognized species.

The Barbary Ground Squirrel, a charismatic and agile rodent, can often be observed and photographed amidst the rugged landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. These squirrels, known for their striking black-and-white striped tails and sociable behaviour, thrive in rocky terrains and open scrublands.

Descending from the Tizi n-Tichka mountain pass, the journey transitions into the strikingly arid and rocky terrain characteristic of the pre-Saharan regions. The dramatic shift in scenery offers a glimpse into Morocco’s diverse landscapes. By late afternoon, the destination of Ouarzazate is reached, providing a chance to relax and recharge in comfortable accommodations. The evening is crowned with a sumptuous dinner, showcasing the rich flavours and aromatic spices of traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dades.
After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the iconic Ksar of Ait Ben-Haddou, a stunning representation of southern Moroccan fortified architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its well-preserved earthen structures and towering defensive walls, which have served as the backdrop for numerous acclaimed films and television productions. Beyond its cultural and historical significance, the area also offers fantastic birding opportunities, with sightings of Trumpeter Finch and White-crowned Wheatear often delighting birders.

After enjoying lunch in Ouarzazate, the journey continues eastward toward Boumalne Dades, the designated destination for the evening. Along the route lies the famous “Tagdilt Track,” an expansive and rugged rocky plateau renowned as one of Morocco’s premier birdwatching locations. This unique habitat offers an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of sought-after species. Highlights include Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, Thick-billed Lark, and Desert Wheatear, alongside other fascinating desert-adapted birds.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades – Merzouga.
The day begins with an exploration of the renowned “Tagdilt Track,” a prime birding location celebrated for its diverse avian life. This rugged expanse provides the perfect setting to observe desert specialties such as Red-rumped Wheatear, Bar-tailed Lark, and Greater Hoopoe Lark. Later, the focus shifts to locating two of the region’s most captivating predators—Desert Owl and Lanner Falcon.

The Tagdilt Track is home to colonies of Fat Sand Rats, a fascinating rodent species adapted to arid environments. These rodents are often spotted in their sandy burrows or foraging for vegetation in the sparse desert landscape.

As the morning unfolds, the journey heads eastward toward the vast Sahara, with planned stops to explore a series of ouadis (seasonal dry rivers) and verdant palm groves. These habitats are perfect for birdwatching, offering a chance to spot iconic species such as Streaked Scrub-Warbler and Brown-necked Raven. By late afternoon, the path leads to Merzouga, a gateway to the desert, where the stunning vistas of the surrounding Sahara dunes create a dramatic backdrop for a relaxing dinner at the hotel, offering both exquisite cuisine and panoramic views of the endless sandscapes.

Day 4: Merzouga.
The day begins with an early start, setting the stage for a thrilling desert adventure at sunrise, guided by local experts in 4×4 vehicles. The first objective is to track down the elusive Desert Sparrow, typically found in the vicinity of camel and goat herder encampments, where the harsh desert landscape meets the daily rhythm of life. Next, the journey takes a turn toward the water sources, where mixed flocks of Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse gather to drink. 

In the vast expanse of this sandy habitat, the Greater Hoopoe Lark is a frequent sight, its distinctive calls and movements adding to the desert’s character. However, finding the elusive Desert Warbler demands a bit more persistence and focus. With the guidance of a local shepherd, a rare and exciting opportunity arises to observe the Egyptian Nightjar in remarkable detail.

The day unfolds with an exploration of the arid plains and undulating dunes near the Algerian border, where the search for the desert’s distinctive wildlife takes center stage. The harsh yet beautiful landscape provides a perfect backdrop for spotting rare and specialised species adapted to the harsh conditions. As the day draws to a close, late afternoon brings a well-earned respite at a hotel nestled beside the dunes, offering a serene environment to unwind and absorb the tranquil beauty of the desert landscape.

At night, spotlighting around the hotel offers an opportunity to observe the elusive Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, a strictly nocturnal species. Renowned for its distinctive long hind legs and tail, which aid in its remarkable hopping locomotion, this small rodent is an icon of desert adaptability.

Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Tinghir.
After a leisurely breakfast, the day begins with one last walk through the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga, savoring the beauty of the desert landscape before saying goodbye. The journey continues toward the lush palm groves of Rissani, a vibrant haven for the striking Blue-cheeked Bee-Eater. In this oasis, attention turns to spotting the elusive Fulvous Babbler and Saharan Olivaceous Warbler, with the possibility of encountering the Maghreb Lark, a true desert treasure.

By mid-morning, the journey takes a new direction as the path leads westward, revealing a rich tapestry of landscapes that shift and evolve, offering stunning views. In the afternoon, attention turns to the iconic Todra Gorge, a natural marvel where towering cliffs rise dramatically above traditional villages. This picturesque setting is home to Bonelli’s Eagles, Blue Rock Thrushes, and Crag Martins, providing a perfect opportunity to immerse in the beauty of both nature and local culture. The day concludes with a relaxing overnight stay in a quaint hotel, nestled in the serene countryside near Tinghir, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.

Day 6: Tinghir – Marrakech.
The journey back to Marrakech begins today, with a long, leisurely yet scenic drive that stretches across a variety of landscapes. Several stops are planned along the way, offering the chance to stretch and explore the rugged plateaus and majestic High Atlas Mountains. These pauses provide an excellent opportunity to soak in Morocco’s diverse and breathtaking scenery, while also continuing the search for its unique avian species, further enriching the experience of the country’s natural beauty.

The journey is expected to bring travelers to Marrakech by late afternoon, offering ample time to relax and settle into the comforts of the hotel. For those eager to dive into the city’s vibrant culture, an optional evening excursion into the bustling medina awaits, where the sights, sounds, and flavors of Marrakech come alive as night falls, creating an unforgettable experience of this historic and lively heart of the city.

Day 7: Marrakech – High Atlas – Marrakech.
Today’s journey leads into the High Atlas Mountains, with a focus on the charming ski resort of Oukaimeden, situated at 2,700 meters above sea level in the stunning Ourika Valley, only an hour’s drive from Marrakech. Ascending toward the snowline, the surrounding clearings offer the perfect habitat for birdwatching. Here, the rare African Crimson-winged Finch can be spotted among the rugged terrain, while Shore Larks flit across the alpine meadows. The Seebohm’s Wheatear also makes its home in these highlands.

This alpine region serves as an exceptional birding destination where flocks of Red-billed and Alpine Choughs glide through the skies. As the day progresses, the focus shifts to the lower elevations, where forested landscapes and scrublands come alive with birdlife. In these areas, Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker can be found, while the elusive Tristram’s Warbler flits through the underbrush. Barbary Partridge is often spotted in the rocky terrain, and Barbary Falcon soars above.

By mid-afternoon, the journey will return to the heart of Marrakech’s medina, offering a chance to unwind and soak in the atmosphere before the evening’s festivities. As the day fades, a farewell dinner awaits in the legendary Jemaa El-Fnaa square, an exhilarating epicenter of culture and life. Here, the lively chaos of locals, travelers, snake charmers, and street performers creates a captivating blend of sights and sounds, making it the perfect setting to reflect on the adventures of the day.

Day 8: Departure from Marrakech.
On the final morning in Morocco, every moment will be seized to its fullest. Depending on the flight schedule, a visit to Marrakech’s medina will unveil some of the city’s most renowned landmarks, with the bustling streets offering a glimpse into the rich history and vibrant culture of this iconic destination. Above, flocks of Pallid and Little Swifts can be spotted darting through the sky, their acrobatic flight adding a touch of grace to the urban landscape. Later, the journey will come to a close as the group heads to the nearby international airport, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

Atlantic extension

Day 1: Marrakech to Agadir.
The final day of the Southern Morocco Birding Tour concludes with a scenic transfer by car to the coastal city of Agadir. Upon arrival, guests will check in at the charming Villa du Souss Hotel, known for its warm hospitality and serene atmosphere. The evening offers an opportunity to unwind.

Day 2: Souss-Massa National Park and Tamri National Park.
After breakfast, we will continue toward the Atlantic Coast and the remarkable Souss-Massa National Park, one of Morocco’s best-preserved wetlands and a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. The region boasts a diverse range of habitats, including expansive dunes, pristine beaches, Argan woodlands, and unique cactoid Euphorbia heaths—an ecosystem found exclusively along the Atlantic Coast in this area. Additionally, it features outstanding wetland environments, making it a haven for biodiversity.

The national park is deeply committed to the conservation and revival of species native to the region, focusing on those that are endangered or were once locally extinct. Central to these efforts is the reintroduction of the North African Ostrich, a species that had vanished from the area and now stands as a symbol of the park’s dedication to ecological restoration. 

In addition, the park places special emphasis on safeguarding four threatened ungulate species: the Addax, Dama Gazelle, Dorcas Gazelle, and the Scimitar Oryx. These remarkable animals are integral to the region’s biodiversity and face critical challenges in the wild. Observing these rare creatures in their natural habitat offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the delicate balance of conservation and wildlife protection.

Along the scenic Massa River, sightings may include notable species such as the Black-crowned Tchagra, Plain Martin, Squacco Heron, and the elusive Marbled Duck. This protected area also serves as a crucial breeding ground for the endangered Northern Bald Ibis, with several sub-colonies recorded, including 81 breeding pairs as of 2018.

We will then continue to Tamri, a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis. Here, these rare birds are often seen foraging, providing exceptional opportunities for observation. The mouth of the Tamri River offers a picturesque setting and is a prime location to observe a variety of water birds. These species may also be observed: Thekla’s Lark, Crested Lark, Great Grey Shrike, Black-eared Wheatear, Moussier’s Redstart, Audouin’s Gull, Sardinian Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, and Subalpine Warbler. Nearby, a resident pair of Barbary Falcons can often be spotted, adding to the rich birdlife of the area. At Cape Rhir, the coastal vantage point presents excellent opportunities to observe numerous seabird species. The day concludes with check-in at the hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Agadir.

Day 3: Departure from Agadir.
Following breakfast, the morning offers a final chance to explore the outskirts of Agadir in search of notable bird species, providing a fitting conclusion to the tour’s rich birdwatching experiences. By midday, the extension tour comes to an end with a convenient transfer to Agadir Airport, ensuring a smooth departure from this vibrant region.