Birding Tours in Morocco — Atlas and Sahara

Tour Highlights

• Oukaimeden at 2,600 m
• Two mornings on the Tagdilt Track
• Erg Chebbi and Rissani for Desert Sparrow and Fulvous Babbler
• The Draa Valley on the return leg

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 at 2,600 m. The valleys hold Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Moroccan Magpie, Moussier’s Redstart and House Bunting, with Blue Rock Thrush and Levaillant’s Woodpecker higher up. At the ski station we check the snowline for 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 across the mountains to the Dades. At the Mansour Eddahabi barrage we look for Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, cormorants and herons, with Long-legged Buzzard and Bonelli’s Eagle overhead and Tristram’s Warbler and Maghreb Wheatear nearby.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

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

   A full day on the Tagdilt Track. Thekla, Desert, Short-toed, Thick-billed and Temminck’s Larks are the headline birds, with Red-rumped and Maghreb Wheatears, Cream-coloured Courser and Trumpeter Finch. We also visit a reliable Pharaoh Eagle-Owl site.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

4. Day 4 Boumalne Dades » Tagdilt Track » Merzouga

   A final early pass over the Tagdilt Track, then east through Todra Gorge for Black Wheatear, Crag Martin, Rock Dove, Tristram’s Warbler, Trumpeter Finch and possibly Bonelli’s Eagle, picking up White-crowned Wheatear and Scrub Warbler as we near the dunes.

   Overnight: Merzouga

5. Day 5 Merzouga » Erg Chebbi Dunes » Rissani » Merzouga

   A full day in the Sahara. Desert Sparrow, Fulvous Babbler, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, African Desert Warbler, Desert and Bar-tailed Larks and Brown-necked Raven are the targets, with Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse and Lanner Falcon. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is possible in season.

   Overnight: Merzouga

6. Day 6 Merzouga » Tazzarine » Draa Valley » Ouarzazate

   West through Tazzarine and the Draa Valley, stopping in the stone desert for White-crowned Wheatear and anything still missing from the desert list.

   Overnight: Ouarzazate

7. Day 7 Ouarzazate » High Atlas Mountains » Marrakech

   We return to Marrakech over the Atlas, with a stop at the kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and birding along the road before 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), 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.