Morocco Birdwatching Tour: 9 Days from Marrakech to Agadir

Overview

Highlights

• Tagdilt track at dawn: Thick-billed Lark, Temminck's Lark, Cream-coloured Courser
• Tristram's Warbler in the Dades gorge
• Desert Sparrow, Hoopoe Lark and Pharaoh Eagle-Owl near Merzouga
• Greater Flamingo at Dayet Srji when the lake has water
• Northern Bald Ibis in Souss-Massa National Park
• Moussier's Redstart and Black-crowned Tchagra on the coast

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech, garden birding

   Your driver meets you at Marrakech airport and takes you to your riad. In the afternoon you can visit a city garden for your first birds. Common species include Common Bulbul, House Bunting, which often lives near houses in the medina, and Laughing Dove. It is a calm start after your flight. In the evening we check your plans, binoculars and best times for the next days. Night in Marrakech.

   Overnight: Marrakech

2. 2

   Day 2

   Day 2: Tizi n'Tichka – Ouarzazate reservoir – Boumalne Dades

   You cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass. On the high slopes, Crimson-winged Finch is possible in season, together with Rock Bunting and Red-billed Chough. In the afternoon you stop at the Ouarzazate reservoir, where you may see herons, ducks and waders. You continue to Boumalne Dades, your base for two nights, close to the famous stony plains. Dinner at the hotel.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

3. 3

   Day 3

   Day 3: Tagdilt track at dawn – Dades gorge

   Leave early for the Tagdilt track, a stony plain famous among birders. At dawn, look for Thick-billed Lark, Temminck's Lark, Red-rumped Wheatear, Cream-coloured Courser and sandgrouse. Return for breakfast and rest during the hot hours. In the afternoon you drive into the Dades gorge, where the scrub on the slopes is a good place for Tristram's Warbler. Second night in Boumalne Dades.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

4. 4

   Day 4

   Day 4: Todra – Rissani – Merzouga, evening desert birding

   You drive east with a stop at the Todra Gorges, where you may see Blue Rock Thrush and Crag Martin. Then you pass Rissani and reach Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. In the evening, with a local driver who knows the area, you start desert birding: look for White-crowned Wheatear, Brown-necked Raven and desert larks. Night in a hotel or camp near the dunes.

   Overnight: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

5. 5

   Day 5

   Day 5: Merzouga specialities and Dayet Srji lake

   A full day for desert specialities with a local spotter. Targets include Desert Sparrow, Hoopoe Lark, Fulvous Babbler and the Pharaoh (desert) Eagle-Owl at a known roost. In season, Egyptian Nightjar is possible at dusk. You also visit Dayet Srji, a seasonal lake. When it has water, it can hold Greater Flamingo, Ruddy Shelduck and waders. Second night in Merzouga.

   Overnight: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

6. 6

   Day 6

   Day 6: Long transfer to Ouarzazate with stops

   Today is a long drive west back to Ouarzazate, with regular stops for birds and rest. Desert edges, palm groves and wadis along the road can hold wheatears, Trumpeter Finch and shrikes. Your driver stops whenever you see something interesting. You arrive in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon. If you still have energy, you can watch the evening birds at the reservoir. Night in Ouarzazate.

   Overnight: Ouarzazate

7. 7

   Day 7

   Day 7: Ouarzazate – Taroudant – Agadir

   You drive south-west across the Anti-Atlas foothills to Taroudant, a walled market town in the Souss valley. The argan woodland on the way is good for Moussier's Redstart, which is endemic to North Africa, and Southern Grey Shrike. After lunch you continue to the Agadir area on the Atlantic coast. Night in a hotel in Agadir, your base for the coastal birding.

   Overnight: Agadir

8. 8

   Day 8

   Day 8: Souss-Massa National Park and Oued Massa

   Today is one of the high points. In Souss-Massa National Park, along the coast, you look for the Northern Bald Ibis, one of the rarest birds in the world. Most of the wild population lives here. At the Oued Massa river mouth you may also find Black-crowned Tchagra, Moussier's Redstart, flamingos, spoonbills and many waders. The park is best early in the morning, before the wind and heat. Second night in Agadir.

   Overnight: Agadir

9. 9

   Day 9

   Day 9: Departure from Agadir

   Depending on your flight, you may have time for a short morning walk at the Souss river mouth, near Agadir, for gulls, terns and waders. Then your driver takes you to Agadir airport. If you prefer to fly from Marrakech, we can arrange a private transfer of about 3 hours 30 minutes instead. We hope you leave with a long list of new species.

Route map

Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka pass → Ouarzazate → Boumalne Dades → Todra Gorges (Tinghir) → Rissani → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) → Dayet Srji lake → Ouarzazate → Taroudant → Souss-Massa National Park → Agadir

Accommodation by category

Choose your hotel category. The final hotel names are confirmed when you book, depending on availability.

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions