5 Day Birding Tour — Sahara Desert & the Tagdilt Track

Tour Highlights

• A full day in the Erg Chebbi dunes and the Rissani hammada
• Two separate sessions on the Tagdilt Track
• Egyptian Nightjar at a daytime roost, in season
• Todra Gorge for Tristram’s Warbler and Rock Dove

Itinerary

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

1. Day 1 Airport » Merzouga

   We collect you and head straight for the desert, birding at roadside stops as the landscape opens out. The evening is free to settle in at the edge of the dunes.

   Overnight: Merzouga

2. Day 2 Merzouga » Erg Chebbi » Rissani

   A full day working the dunes, hammada and palm groves. Desert Sparrow, African Desert Warbler, Bar-tailed Lark and Spotted Sandgrouse are the targets, with Lanner Falcon over the dunes and a good chance of Egyptian Nightjar at a day roost.

   Overnight: Merzouga

3. Day 3 Merzouga » Goulmima » Todra Gorge » Tagdilt Track » Boumalne Dades

   West across the desert with stops for Scrub Warbler, Spectacled Warbler and Trumpeter Finch. Todra Gorge holds Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Rock Dove, Crag Martin and Tristram’s Warbler. We finish on the Tagdilt Track for Thick-billed Lark and Red-rumped Wheatear.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

4. Day 4 Boumalne Dades » Tagdilt Track » Dades Gorge

   A second full session on the Tagdilt Track at first light: Thekla, Short-toed, Desert, Thick-billed and Temminck’s Larks, Red-rumped and Maghreb Wheatears, Cream-coloured Courser and Trumpeter Finch, plus a Pharaoh Eagle-Owl site.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

5. Day 5 Boumalne Dades » Goulmima » Errachidia Airport

   A last morning in the stone desert for Desert Lark, Bar-tailed Lark and Greater Hoopoe-Lark before the transfer to Errachidia airport.

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, ending Errachidia Airport. 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.