6 Days Birding — Atlas, Boumalne Dades & the Sahara Desert

Tour Highlights

• The Mansour Eddahabi reservoir for Marbled Duck and Ruddy Shelduck
• The Tagdilt Track on the way east
• A full excursion into the Erg Chebbi dunes
• Oukaimeden on the last morning for Crimson-winged Finch

Itinerary

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

1. Day 1 Marrakech » Tizi n’Tichka » Mansour Eddahabi reservoir » Boumalne Dades

   Over the Tizi n’Tichka pass with stops for Moussier’s Redstart and Levaillant’s Woodpecker. At the Mansour Eddahabi reservoir we look for Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, cormorants and herons, with Long-legged Buzzard overhead.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

2. Day 2 Boumalne Dades » Tagdilt Track » Merzouga

   An early session on the Tagdilt Track for Thick-billed and Temminck’s Larks, Bar-tailed and Desert Larks, Red-rumped Wheatear and Brown-necked Raven, then east to the edge of the Sahara.

   Overnight: Merzouga

3. Day 3 Merzouga » Erg Chebbi dunes excursion

   A full day in the sand sea. Desert Sparrow, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, African Desert Warbler, Spotted Sandgrouse and Brown-necked Raven are the targets, with Egyptian Nightjar possible at a day roost. Seasonal lakes can hold flamingos, Marbled Duck and Ruddy Shelduck.

   Overnight: Merzouga

4. Day 4 Merzouga » Todra Gorge » Ouarzazate

   West through Todra Gorge for Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin, Tristram’s Warbler and Bonelli’s Eagle, with Fulvous Babbler in the palm groves on the way.

   Overnight: Ouarzazate

5. Day 5 Ouarzazate » Ait Benhaddou » Ourika Valley

   A slower day: the kasbah at Ait Benhaddou, then north into the Ourika Valley where Moussier’s Redstart and Levaillant’s Woodpecker are both regular.

   Overnight: Atlas Mountains

6. Day 6 Ourika Valley » Oukaimeden » Marrakech

   A final climb to Oukaimeden for African Crimson-winged Finch, Rock Sparrow, Seebohm’s Wheatear and Barbary Partridge, before dropping back to Marrakech.

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), 5 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.