Birdwatching the Atlas Mountains, Tagdilt Track & Atlantic Coast

Tour Highlights

• Oukaimeden for Crimson-winged Finch and Atlas Horned Lark
• The Tagdilt Track at dawn
• Northern Bald Ibis at Tamri
• Oued Massa and Oued Souss for waders, flamingos and gulls

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. The cultivated fields hold Southern Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Moroccan Magpie, Moussier’s Redstart and House Bunting; higher up, Blue Rock Thrush and Levaillant’s Woodpecker. At Oukaimeden we check the snowline for African Crimson-winged Finch, with Rock Sparrow, Black Wheatear, Alpine Chough and Atlas Horned Lark.

   Overnight: High Atlas

2. Day 2 Atlas Mountains » Ouarzazate » Boumalne Dades

   South over the mountains with another chance at Levaillant’s Woodpecker. The Mansour Eddahabi barrage can hold Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, cormorants and herons, with Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle and Tristram’s Warbler around it.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

3. Day 3 Boumalne Dades » Tagdilt Track » Ouarzazate

   A morning on the Tagdilt Track for the larks and wheatears — Thick-billed, Temminck’s, Thekla and Short-toed Larks, Desert, Red-rumped and Maghreb Wheatears — plus Cream-coloured Courser and Trumpeter Finch. We also try for Pharaoh Eagle-Owl and look for Bonelli’s Eagle and Tristram’s Warbler at Dades Gorge.

   Overnight: Ouarzazate

4. Day 4 Ouarzazate » Anti-Atlas » Taroudant » Agadir

   West over the Anti-Atlas into the Souss Valley for Black-crowned Tchagra, Laughing Dove, Cirl Bunting and Spanish Sparrow, with Pallid Swift over Taroudant.

   Overnight: Agadir

5. Day 5 Agadir » Cap Ghir » Tamri Estuary » Agadir

   North for a seawatch at Cap Ghir and a search of the coastal fields at Tamri for Northern Bald Ibis. Lesser Black-backed, Audouin’s and Yellow-legged Gulls are all on the beaches.

   Overnight: Agadir

6. Day 6 Oued Massa » Oued Souss » Agadir

   A day on the two estuaries south of Agadir. Oued Massa holds Black-crowned Tchagra, Marbled Duck, Moussier’s Redstart, Sardinian Warbler, Little Owl, Ruddy Shelduck, Laughing Dove and Brown-throated Martin; Oued Souss adds flamingos, Eurasian Curlew, shorebirds and roosting gulls and terns.

   Overnight: Agadir

7. Day 7 Agadir » High Atlas Mountains » Marrakech » Airport

   A transfer day back over the Atlas to Marrakech, birding at stops along the road before your onward flight.

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 or Agadir 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.