8 Day Birdwatching Tour — Atlas, Atlantic & Guelmim Desert

Tour Highlights

• Oukaimeden for the High Atlas specialities
• The Tagdilt Track for Thick-billed Lark and Red-rumped Wheatear
• Souss-Massa National Park and Oued Massa
• A full day in the southern desert around Guelmim

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 straight up to Oukaimeden. On the way we look for Southern Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, Moroccan Magpie, House Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush and Levaillant’s Woodpecker. At altitude the targets are African Crimson-winged Finch, Rock Sparrow, Black and Seebohm’s Wheatears and Atlas Horned Lark.

   Overnight: High Atlas

2. Day 2 Atlas Mountains » Ouarzazate » Boumalne Dades

   South over the pass, pausing again for Levaillant’s Woodpecker. 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 in the scrub.

   Overnight: Boumalne Dades

3. Day 3 Boumalne Dades » Tagdilt Track » Ouarzazate

   An early start on the Tagdilt Track for Thick-billed and Temminck’s Larks, Thekla and Short-toed Larks, Desert, Red-rumped and Maghreb Wheatears, Cream-coloured Courser and Trumpeter Finch. We also visit a Pharaoh Eagle-Owl site and look for Tristram’s Warbler and Bonelli’s Eagle around Dades Gorge.

   Overnight: Ouarzazate

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

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

   Overnight: Agadir

5. Day 5 Agadir » Oued Massa » Souss-Massa National Park » Agadir

   A full day in the park and along the estuaries. Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Black-crowned Tchagra, Black-shouldered Kite, Marbled Duck, Marsh Harrier, Ruddy Shelduck and Short-toed Lark are all possible, with flamingos, curlews, herons, Audouin’s Gulls and Cream-coloured Courser on the open ground.

   Overnight: Agadir

6. Day 6 Agadir » Anti-Atlas Mountains » Guelmim

   South to Guelmim, on the edge of the southern desert. Roadside stops produce Black and White-crowned Wheatears, Fulvous Babbler and Spanish Sparrow as the landscape becomes increasingly arid.

   Overnight: Guelmim

7. Day 7 Full day birding the Guelmim area (southern desert)

   A full day exploring an area few visiting birders reach. The open desert and wadis hold Bar-tailed and Short-toed Larks, Spectacled Warbler, Trumpeter Finch, Temminck’s Lark, Red-rumped Wheatear, Cream-coloured Courser and Long-legged Buzzard.

   Overnight: Guelmim

8. Day 8 Guelmim » Anti-Atlas Mountains » Agadir

   We return north to Agadir through the Anti-Atlas, birding at stops along the route 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), 7 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.