Birdwatching Tours to the Atlas Mountains & Middle Atlas

Tour Highlights

• Oukaimeden and the High Atlas snowline
• Two mornings on the Tagdilt Track
• Erg Chebbi and the Merzouga desert
• The Zaida plain for Dupont’s Lark

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

   Up into the High Atlas from Marrakech. Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Moroccan Magpie, Moussier’s Redstart and House Bunting on the way up; Blue Rock Thrush and Levaillant’s Woodpecker on the rocky slopes; and at the snowline African Crimson-winged Finch with Rock Sparrow, Black and Seebohm’s Wheatears, Alpine Chough and Atlas Horned Lark.

   Overnight: High Atlas

2. Day 2 Atlas Mountains » Ouarzazate » Boumalne Dades

   South to the Dades valley, stopping at the Mansour Eddahabi barrage for Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Desert Lark, cormorants and herons, with Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Tristram’s Warbler and Maghreb Wheatear around it.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

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

   A full day on the Tagdilt Track for Thekla, Desert, Short-toed, Thick-billed and Temminck’s Larks, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Red-rumped and Maghreb Wheatears, Cream-coloured Courser and Trumpeter Finch, plus a Pharaoh Eagle-Owl site.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

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

   Todra Gorge for Black Wheatear, Crag Martin, Rock Dove, Tristram’s Warbler, Trumpeter Finch and Bonelli’s Eagle, then east through Goulmima with White-crowned Wheatear and Scrub Warbler on the way to the dunes.

   Overnight: Merzouga

5. Day 5 Merzouga » Erg Chebbi » Rissani

   A full desert day: Desert Sparrow, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, African Desert Warbler, Desert and Bar-tailed Larks, Brown-necked Raven, Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse, Lanner Falcon and Barbary Falcon, with a chance of Egyptian Nightjar at a day roost.

   Overnight: Merzouga

6. Day 6 Merzouga » Tizi n’Talghomt » Zaida

   North over the Tizi n’Talghomt pass to the high plains at Zaida, birding the desert edge for Desert Wheatear and Tristram’s Warbler on the way.

   Overnight: Zaida

7. Day 7 Zaida » Beni Mellal » Marrakech

   An early search of the Zaida plain for Dupont’s Lark — heard far more often than seen — with Thekla and Short-toed Larks alongside, before the drive 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), 6 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.