4 Day Birding Tour — Marrakech, Atlas Mountains & Boumalne Dades

Tour Highlights

• Oukaimeden at 2,600 m for African Crimson-winged Finch
• A full day on the Tagdilt Track
• Dades Gorge for Bonelli’s Eagle and Tristram’s Warbler
• The Mansour Eddahabi barrage for Marbled Duck and Ruddy Shelduck

Itinerary

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

1. Day 1 Marrakech » High Atlas Mountains » Oukaimeden

   Straight up from Marrakech to Oukaimeden. The cultivated valleys hold Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Moroccan Magpie, Moussier’s Redstart and House Bunting, with Blue Rock Thrush and Levaillant’s Woodpecker on the rockier ground. At the top we check the snowline for African Crimson-winged Finch, with Rock Sparrow, Black Wheatear and Alpine Chough.

   Overnight: High Atlas

2. Day 2 High Atlas » Ouarzazate » Boumalne Dades

   South over the pass to the Dades. We stop at the Mansour Eddahabi barrage for Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, cormorants and herons, with Long-legged Buzzard and Bonelli’s Eagle overhead and Desert Lark, Tristram’s Warbler and Maghreb Wheatear in the surrounding scrub.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

3. Day 3 Boumalne Dades » Tagdilt Track » Dades Gorge

   A full day on the Tagdilt Track for Thick-billed and Temminck’s Larks, Bar-tailed Lark, Desert Wheatear, Cream-coloured Courser and Trumpeter Finch. In the afternoon Dades Gorge adds Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin, Rock Bunting, Tristram’s Warbler and Bonelli’s Eagle.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

4. Day 4 Boumalne Dades » Ouarzazate » High Atlas Mountains » Marrakech

   A final look at the Dades for anything still missing, then back over the Atlas to Marrakech with birding stops along the road.

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?

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

• 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), 3 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?

  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.