5 Day Birding Tour — Atlas Mountains & Atlantic Coast

Tour Highlights

• Oukaimeden for Crimson-winged Finch and Alpine Chough
• Souss-Massa National Park and Oued Massa
• Cap Rhir and Oued Tamri for Northern Bald Ibis

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

   From Marrakech up to Oukaimeden. On the ascent we look for Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Moroccan Magpie, Moussier’s Redstart, House Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush and Levaillant’s Woodpecker. At the top the targets are African Crimson-winged Finch, Rock Sparrow, Black and Seebohm’s Wheatears, Alpine Chough and Atlas Horned Lark.

   Overnight: High Atlas

2. Day 2 Atlas Mountains » Agadir

   We descend the mountains and drive west to the coast, birding at stops on the way for Moussier’s Redstart, Barbary Partridge and Spectacled Warbler, with Audouin’s Gull once we reach the sea.

   Overnight: Agadir

3. Day 3 Oued Massa » Souss-Massa National Park

   A full day in the national park and along the Oued Massa: Black-crowned Tchagra, Marbled Duck and Ruddy Shelduck in the reeds and river margins, with herons, flamingos and Eurasian Curlew on the estuary.

   Overnight: Agadir

4. Day 4 Agadir » Cap Rhir » Oued Tamri

   North along the coast to Cap Rhir for a seawatch, then to Tamri to search the coastal fields for Northern Bald Ibis. Moussier’s Redstart, Barbary Partridge and Audouin’s Gull are all likely along the way.

   Overnight: Agadir

5. Day 5 Agadir » Airport

   Some final birding near Agadir if time allows, then a transfer to the airport 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?

  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), 4 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.