Birdwatching Tours to Northern Morocco & the Zaida Plain

Tour Highlights

• African Marsh Owl at Merdja Zerga
• Double-spurred Francolin in the King’s hunting forest, the Zaers
• Red-knobbed Coot, Marbled Duck and White-headed Duck at Sidi Bourhaba
• Dupont’s Lark and Seebohm’s Wheatear on the Zaida plain

Itinerary

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

1. Day 1 Marrakech or Casablanca » El Jadida

   We meet you and head for the Atlantic coast at El Jadida, birding at stops along the way. Spotless Starling and Calandra Lark are regular in the open farmland, with Pallid Swift over the towns.

   Overnight: El Jadida

2. Day 2 El Jadida » Atlantic coast » Casablanca » Rabat

   North along the coast, working beaches, saltpans and coastal scrub for waders, gulls and terns, with Sardinian Warbler in the scrub and a chance of Small Buttonquail in the rough grassland.

   Overnight: Rabat

3. Day 3 Rabat » The Zaers » Sidi Bourhaba » Rabat

   An early start for the Zaers, the King’s hunting forest, where Double-spurred Francolin calls from tree stumps at dawn. Woodland birds include Black-crowned Tchagra, Black-shouldered Kite, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch, Serin, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Barbary Partridge. The afternoon is spent at Lac de Sidi Bourhaba for Red-knobbed Coot, Marbled Duck and White-headed Duck, with Marsh Harriers over the reeds.

   Overnight: Rabat

4. Day 4 Rabat » Merdja Zerga » Rabat

   A day at the Merdja Zerga lagoon, the classic site for African Marsh Owl, which we look for as the light goes. The lagoon also holds Eurasian Curlew, waders, terns and wildfowl.

   Overnight: Rabat

5. Day 5 Meknes » Cedar Forest, Azrou » Middle Atlas » Zaida

   Inland to the Middle Atlas cedar forest at Azrou for Levaillant’s Woodpecker, Atlas Flycatcher, Wood Lark, Firecrest and the North African races of Great Spotted Woodpecker and Coal Tit, with Barbary Ape in the cedars. We continue to Zaida for the night.

   Overnight: Zaida

6. Day 6 Exploring the birdlife of the Zaida Plain

   A full day on the high plains. Dupont’s Lark is the main prize, best looked for at first light. Also here: Seebohm’s Wheatear, Thekla Lark, Spectacled Warbler, Desert Wheatear and Black-bellied Sandgrouse.

   Overnight: Zaida

7. Day 7 Middle Atlas » Beni Mellal » Marrakech or Casablanca

   We return through the Middle Atlas and Beni Mellal, birding at stops along the way 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 or Casablanca, 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.