Western Sahara Birding — Dakhla & Aousserd

Tour Highlights

• Golden Nightjar and Cricket Warbler at Oued Jenna
• Two nights camping in the desert near Aousserd
• Night excursions for nightjars, Fennec Fox and Sand Cat
• Dakhla Bay for flamingos, Caspian Terns and Audouin’s Gulls
• The Safia reserve, with re-introduced Addax, Dama Gazelle and Common Ostrich

Itinerary

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

1. Day 1 Arrive Dakhla Airport » hotel

   The tour begins this evening at Dakhla airport in southernmost Morocco, from where we make the short transfer to our hotel.

   Overnight: Dakhla

2. Day 2 Dakhla » Aousserd » Oued Jenna

   We head inland to the desert around Aousserd, birding the acacia scrub and wadis. Cricket Warbler, African Dunn’s Lark and Sudan Golden Sparrow are the targets, with Cream-coloured Courser and Crowned Sandgrouse on the open ground.

   Overnight: Oued Jenna (camping)

3. Day 3 Oued Jenna & the Aousserd desert

   A full day and night in the best birding country in the region. Golden Nightjar is the headline bird, looked for after dark, and the night drives also give excellent chances of Fennec Fox and a real possibility of Sand Cat. Pharaoh Eagle-Owl and Lanner Falcon are both possible by day.

   Overnight: Oued Jenna (camping)

4. Day 4 Aousserd area » Safia reserve

   Time permitting we visit the Safia reserve south of Dakhla, roughly 15 square kilometres of protected desert holding re-introduced Addax, Dama Gazelle and Common Ostrich. Dorcas Gazelle is a good possibility nearby, and Houbara Bustard an outside chance.

   Overnight: Dakhla

5. Day 5 Dakhla Bay

   A day on the bay, which teems with waterbirds: Greater Flamingo, large numbers of Caspian Terns and Audouin’s Gulls, Western Reef Heron and Kelp Gull. In migration the area is a thoroughfare for Short-toed Snake and Booted Eagles, Western Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, and European and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters.

   Overnight: Dakhla

6. Day 6 Dakhla Airport » departure

   The tour ends this morning at Dakhla airport.

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), 3 Nights hotel accommodation + 2 Nights desert camping, Guiding services, All meals. Not included: international airfare, travel insurance, items of a personal nature and tips.

• Where does the tour start and finish?

  Dakhla 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.