South Morocco & Sahara Birdwatching Tour – 12 Days

Overview

Explore southern Morocco's extraordinary diversity of birdlife on a 12-day journey through Atlantic coastal habitats, wetlands, arid plains, mountain valleys and the Sahara Desert. The expedition begins in Agadir and visits Cap Rhir, Oued Tamri and Souss-Massa National Park, then continues inland through Oued Souss and Oulad Berhil toward Ouarzazate and Boumalne Dades. Birding around Tagdilt Track focuses on open stony plains, rocky slopes and gorge habitats. The route continues to Merzouga for a full 4x4 day across dunes, hammada, dry riverbeds, seasonal water and acacia habitats before returning through Ouarzazate and the High Atlas near Oukaimeden. Exact stops, timing and target species remain flexible according to season, weather, access and recent bird activity. Sightings are never guaranteed.

Suggested itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Day 1 – Agadir Airport → Atlas Kasbah Arrival at Agadir Airport. Meet and transfer to Atlas Kasbah or the selected accommodation in the Agadir area. Depending on the arrival time, the rest of the day can be used for settling in or light local birding. Overnight: Atlas Kasbah / Agadir area

2. 2

   Day 2

   Day 2 – Cap Rhir & Oued Tamri Full birdwatching trip to Cap Rhir and Oued Tamri, exploring coastal, estuary, field and scrub habitats with a focus on Atlantic and regional birdlife. Northern Bald Ibis may be one of the potential target species in the Tamri area, but sightings are never guaranteed. Overnight: Agadir area

3. 3

   Day 3

   Day 3 – Souss-Massa National Park & Oued Massa Full-day birdwatching trip to Souss-Massa National Park and Oued Massa, exploring wetlands, estuary habitats, scrub, agricultural areas and coastal environments. The day remains flexible according to bird activity and local conditions. Overnight: Agadir area

4. 4

   Day 4

   Day 4 – Oued Souss → Oulad Berhil Start with birdwatching around Oued Souss, then continue inland toward Oulad Berhil, with birding stops along the route whenever suitable habitat or interesting bird activity is encountered. Overnight: Oulad Berhil

5. 5

   Day 5

   Day 5 – Oulad Berhil → Ouarzazate Travel from Oulad Berhil to Ouarzazate, with birdwatching stops through suitable semi-arid valleys, rocky plains, mountain foothills, agricultural landscapes and acacia or open-country habitat. Overnight: Ouarzazate

6. 6

   Day 6

   Day 6 – Ouarzazate Reservoir → Boumalne Dades → Tagdilt Track Start the day with birdwatching around Ouarzazate Reservoir, then continue toward Boumalne Dades. If time allows, an introductory birding session at Tagdilt Track is included. Overnight: Boumalne Dades

7. 7

   Day 7

   Day 7 – Dades Gorge & Tagdilt Track Spend the day birdwatching around Dades Gorge, Tagdilt Track, stony plains, rocky slopes and semi-desert habitats. Possible target groups can include larks, wheatears, Trumpeter Finch and cliff and desert species, though none can be guaranteed. Overnight: Boumalne Dades

8. 8

   Day 8

   Day 8 – Boumalne Dades → Merzouga Travel toward Merzouga with a gorge or rocky habitat stop to search for potential target species such as Pharaoh Eagle-Owl and Maghreb Wheatear. If time allows, a stop at suitable habitat for Streaked Scrub Warbler is included. These are target species only and sightings are never guaranteed. Overnight: Merzouga

9. 9

   Day 9

   Day 9 – Merzouga Desert Birdwatching by 4x4 Spend a full day exploring the Merzouga and Erg Chebbi desert area by 4x4, through desert plains, hammada, dune margins, dry riverbeds, acacia habitat, palm areas and seasonal water where available. Potential desert species are mentioned only as possible sightings, and the exact route stays flexible according to local bird activity and field conditions. Overnight: Merzouga

10. 10

    Day 10

    Day 10 – Merzouga → Ouarzazate via Back Route Travel back toward Ouarzazate using the preferred scenic back route when conditions allow, with birdwatching stops along the way. The day includes a lunch stop in an interesting traditional old town when appropriate, and a stop to look for Rock Martin in suitable habitat if timing permits. Sightings are never guaranteed. Overnight: Ouarzazate

11. 11

    Day 11

    Day 11 – Ouarzazate → Tizi n'Tichka Pass → Oukaimeden Area Depart Ouarzazate and travel through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, with birdwatching stops at suitable elevations and habitats along the route. Continue toward accommodation near Oukaimeden. Overnight: Near Oukaimeden / High Atlas

12. 12

    Day 12

    Day 12 – Oukaimeden Birdwatching → Marrakech Airport In the morning, drive to Oukaimeden for a final High Atlas birdwatching session. Potential target species include Black Wheatear, Temminck's Lark, Choughs and other High Atlas mountain species, though sightings are never guaranteed. After the morning session, drive to Marrakech Airport in the afternoon for drop-off. End of tour.

What's included

• Airport arrival transfer from Agadir
• Private air-conditioned transport throughout the itinerary
• Professional driver
• Specialist birdwatching guidance / driver-guide when provided by the operator
• 4x4 desert birding excursion around Merzouga
• 11 nights accommodation in selected hotels, riads, kasbahs or lodges
• Daily birding transportation between listed locations
• Visits to the birding areas included in the itinerary
• Field stops according to habitat and recent bird activity
• Final transfer to Marrakech Airport
• Fuel and standard transportation costs

What's not included

• International or domestic flights
• Meals unless specifically confirmed as included
• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Entrance or park fees where applicable unless specifically included
• Optional activities
• Personal birdwatching equipment
• Binoculars unless specifically supplied
• Telescope or spotting scope unless specifically supplied

Practical information

Duration

12 Days / 11 Nights

Starting point

Agadir Airport

Ending point

Marrakech Airport

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle plus 4x4 for the Merzouga desert birding day

Tour style

Specialist birdwatching and wildlife tour

Languages

English and French

Accommodation

11 nights in selected hotels, riads, kasbahs or lodges

Suitable for

Birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, nature travelers and small specialist groups

Walking level

Moderate: uneven tracks, rocky ground, short walks, early starts and long periods outdoors

Important notes

• Bird sightings are never guaranteed.
• Target species depend on season, weather, habitat conditions and recent bird activity.
• The guide may modify individual birding stops to improve viewing opportunities.
• Some locations require early morning starts and long periods outdoors.
• Weather can vary greatly between the Atlantic coast, Sahara and High Atlas; bring layered clothing.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and binoculars are strongly recommended.
• A spotting scope is useful for wetlands and distant desert species but is not included unless specifically supplied.
• Wildlife should never be disturbed for photographs or closer views; feeding or approaching wild birds is not encouraged.
• The exact Day 8 owl and scrub-warbler stops depend on current local information rather than guaranteed sightings.