7 Day Birding Tour from Fes to Merzouga & the Atlas Mountains

Tour Highlights

• The Ifrane cedar forest for Levaillant’s Woodpecker and Barbary Ape
• Dupont’s Lark on the Zaida plain
• A full day in the Erg Chebbi dunes
• The Tagdilt Track and Todra Gorge
• Oukaimeden on the final morning

Itinerary

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

1. Day 1 Fes » Ifrane » Zaida

   South from Fes into the Middle Atlas. The cedar forest around Ifrane holds Levaillant’s Woodpecker, Wood Lark, Firecrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Barbary Ape, with Seebohm’s Wheatear on the open ground. We continue to Zaida, where Dupont’s Lark is the prize at first light.

   Overnight: Zaida

2. Day 2 Zaida » Errachidia » Erfoud » Merzouga

   An early search of the Zaida plain for Dupont’s Lark, Thekla and Short-toed Larks, then south through the Ziz Valley. Roadside stops produce Desert Lark, White-crowned Wheatear, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting.

   Overnight: Merzouga

3. Day 3 Merzouga » Erg Chebbi dunes » Rissani

   A full day in the Sahara. Desert Sparrow, Fulvous Babbler, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, African Desert Warbler, Bar-tailed Lark and Brown-necked Raven are the targets, with Crowned Sandgrouse, Lanner Falcon, Spectacled Warbler and Trumpeter Finch alongside, and a chance of Egyptian Nightjar at a day roost.

   Overnight: Merzouga

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

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

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

5. Day 5 Boumalne Dades » Tagdilt Track » Ouarzazate

   A second session on the Tagdilt Track, then west to the Mansour Eddahabi barrage for Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Maghreb Wheatear, cormorants and herons.

   Overnight: Ouarzazate

6. Day 6 Ouarzazate » Ait Benhaddou » Ourika Valley

   North via the kasbah at Ait Benhaddou into the Ourika Valley, where Moussier’s Redstart and Levaillant’s Woodpecker are both likely.

   Overnight: Atlas Mountains

7. Day 7 Ourika Valley » Oukaimeden » Marrakech

   A final morning at Oukaimeden for African Crimson-winged Finch, Rock Sparrow, Seebohm’s Wheatear and Barbary Partridge, then down 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?

  Spring and autumn migration are the busiest periods for numbers, but the resident desert and mountain specialities are present throughout the season. (September – May)

• 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?

  Fes or 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.