10 Day Birding Tour from Fes to Merzouga, the Atlantic Coast & the Atlas

Tour Highlights

• Dupont’s Lark on the Zaida plain
• A full day in the Erg Chebbi dunes
• Two days on the Souss-Massa estuaries
• Northern Bald Ibis on the Atlantic coast
• Oukaimeden on the final morning

Itinerary

Day-by-day route, habitats and the birds we look for. Open any day for the detail.

1. Day 1 Fes » Ifrane » Zaida

   South from Fes into the cedar forest at Ifrane for Levaillant’s Woodpecker, Wood Lark, Firecrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Barbary Ape, with Seebohm’s Wheatear on the open ground, then on to Zaida.

   Overnight: Zaida

2. Day 2 Zaida » Errachidia » Erfoud » Merzouga

   An early search for Dupont’s Lark, with Thekla and Short-toed Larks alongside, then south through the Ziz Valley picking up Desert Lark, White-crowned and Black Wheatears, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting.

   Overnight: Merzouga

3. Day 3 Merzouga » Erg Chebbi dunes » Rissani

   A full day in the Sahara for Desert Sparrow, Fulvous Babbler, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, African Desert Warbler, Bar-tailed Lark, Brown-necked Raven, Crowned Sandgrouse, Lanner Falcon and Trumpeter Finch, with a chance of Egyptian Nightjar at a day roost.

   Overnight: Merzouga

4. Day 4 Merzouga » Goulmima » Todra Gorge » Tagdilt Track » Boumalne Dades

   West with stops for Scrub and Spectacled Warblers, then Todra Gorge for Tristram’s Warbler, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Dove and Crag Martin, finishing on the Tagdilt Track.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

5. Day 5 Boumalne Dades » Tagdilt Track » Ouarzazate

   A second Tagdilt session, then the Mansour Eddahabi barrage for Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Maghreb Wheatear, cormorants and herons.

   Overnight: Ouarzazate

6. Day 6 Ouarzazate » Anti-Atlas » Souss Valley » Taroudant » Agadir

   Over the Anti-Atlas into the Souss Valley for Black-crowned Tchagra, Laughing Dove, Cirl Bunting and Spanish Sparrow, with Pallid Swift over Taroudant.

   Overnight: Agadir

7. Day 7 Agadir » Souss-Massa National Park » Oued Massa

   A full day in the park: Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck and Short-toed Lark, with herons, flamingos, Eurasian Curlew and Audouin’s Gulls on the estuary.

   Overnight: Agadir

8. Day 8 Agadir » Oued Souss » coastal sites

   The Oued Souss estuary for waders, gulls and terns, and the coastal scrub north of the city for Northern Bald Ibis and Common Bulbul.

   Overnight: Agadir

9. Day 9 Agadir » High Atlas Mountains

   East from the coast back into the mountains, birding at stops on the way and picking up Moussier’s Redstart and Levaillant’s Woodpecker.

   Overnight: Atlas Mountains

10. Day 10 Ourika Valley » Oukaimeden » Marrakech

    A last morning at Oukaimeden for African Crimson-winged Finch, Rock Sparrow, Seebohm’s Wheatear and Barbary Partridge, then down to Marrakech where the tour ends.

This is a flexible itinerary and may be adjusted for arrival and departure times, weather and bird activity.

Frequently Asked

Questions Before You Book

Anything not covered here — just ask. We reply to enquiries within 24 hours.

• How much does this tour cost?

  We quote each trip individually, because the price depends on how many of you are travelling, the dates you want and the standard of accommodation you prefer. Send us your dates and group size and we will come back with a firm price — there is no deposit needed to ask.

• When is the best time to do this tour?

  Spring and autumn migration are the busiest periods for numbers, but the resident desert and mountain specialities are present throughout the season. (September – May)

• How many people will be in the group?

  All our tours are private or small-group. You travel with your own guide and vehicle, which means we can change the plan on the day if the birds ask us to.

• How much walking is involved?

  Not much. The birding is not strenuous — most of it is done close to the vehicle, with leisurely walking and occasionally some rougher ground. Mountain sites need a little more effort, and there is always the option to stay near the vehicle if you would rather.

• What is included in the price?

  Comfortable transport (4×4 vehicle), 9 Nights hotel accommodation, Guiding services, Breakfasts & Dinners. Not included: international flights, lunches and drinks, travel insurance, items of a personal nature and tips.

• Where does the tour start and finish?

  Fes or Marrakech Airport, Morocco. If you are arriving the day before, tell us and we will arrange the pick-up from your hotel instead.

• Can you tailor this itinerary?

  Yes — this is a starting point, not a fixed package. Tell us your target species, how long you have and which regions matter most, and we will rework the route around them.

• What should I bring?

  Binoculars, and a telescope if you own one. Sun protection and layers matter more than people expect: desert mornings can be cold and the middle of the day hot. Comfortable walking shoes are enough — no specialist boots needed.

• Is this trip good for photography?

  Yes. Our guides are photographers themselves and will position the vehicle for the light rather than just for the view. Tell us in advance if photography is your priority and we will pace the days accordingly.