Merzouga & Rissani — Full Day Desert Birding

Tour Highlights

• Desert Sparrow in the palmeries around Merzouga
• Greater Hoopoe-Lark and African Desert Warbler on the hammada
• Egyptian Nightjar at a daytime roost, in season
• Seasonal lakes that can hold wildfowl and waders in the middle of the desert

Itinerary

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

1. Morning Pick-up from your Merzouga hotel » Erg Chebbi dunes

   We collect you from your hotel after breakfast and head straight out into the dunes while the light is still low and the birds are active. Desert Sparrow is often the first target, in the palmeries and around the desert villages.

2. Midday Hammada and seasonal lakes » Rissani

   We cross the stony hammada by 4x4, working the open ground for Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Desert and Bar-tailed Larks, African Desert Warbler, Saharan Olivaceous Warbler, Scrub Warbler and Cream-coloured Courser. After rain, seasonal lakes can appear and pull in wildfowl and waders in the middle of the desert.

3. Afternoon Palm groves and desert edge » return to your hotel

   The afternoon is spent in the palm groves and along the desert edge for Fulvous Babbler, Trumpeter Finch, Brown-necked Raven and sandgrouse coming in to drink. Where one is present we will show you a Pharaoh Eagle-Owl or a roosting Egyptian Nightjar before returning you to your hotel — around 120 km and eight hours in all.

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?

  Merzouga day trips run all year. Spring and autumn are the most productive for migrants, while winter mornings are cool and comfortable for walking in the desert.

• How many people will be in the group?

  Day trips are private. It will be you, your guide and the vehicle — nobody else joins your group.

• 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), Private tour — no other guests join your group, Guiding services. Not included: accommodation, meals and drinks, travel insurance, tips.

• Where does the tour start and finish?

  Your hotel in Merzouga. If you are arriving the day before, tell us and we will arrange the pick-up from your hotel instead.

• How far in advance should I book?

  Please book at least two days ahead so we can arrange the vehicle and plan the route around what is being seen. No deposit is required to reserve your day.

• 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.