8 Days Morocco Birding Tour from Casablanca

Embark on an extraordinary 8-day birdwatching adventure across Morocco, designed for nature enthusiasts and avid birders. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you from the bustling city of Casablanca to the serene landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains and the arid Zaida Plains.

Along the way, you’ll explore diverse habitats ranging from coastal lagoons to cedar forests, offering exceptional opportunities to spot a wide variety of bird species, including elusive gems like the African Marsh Owl and Dupont’s Lark.

Package Overview:

Every day brings a new birding experience, with expert-led excursions to discover Morocco’s rich avian biodiversity. Whether you’re listening to the haunting calls of the Double-spurred Francolin in the King’s hunting forest or marveling at flamingos gracing the Blue Lagoon, this journey promises to captivate bird lovers of all levels.

Join us for a memorable exploration of Morocco’s breathtaking natural wonders, blending exceptional birding with warm hospitality and cultural charm.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Casablanca - El Jadida

We will meet you at the Mono Hotel at 8:30 a.m. and then drive to El Jadida for Small Buttonquail along the Atlantic coast. Of course, there is no guarantee of this bird, but we will be visiting sites where we have seen them recently.

Further new species for the day should include African Reed Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, etc!

Dinner and accommodation in El Jadida

Day 2: El Jadida - Rabat

After breakfast at the hotel, the whole morning will be devoted again to search for the elusive Small Buttonquail along the Atlantic coast. Late in the afternoon, we drive to Casablanca and then to Rabat.

Dinner and accommodation in Rabat.

Day 3: Merdja Zerga - Boat trip - Marsh owl

After breakfast, we head north to Merdja Zerga, which means “Blue Lagoon”. This large coastal lagoon is a term for waders including godwits, Greenshank and Redshank, lingering ducks, and flamingos. The marshes are among the few places where the African Marsh Owl can be found, an endemic subspecies.

Dinner and accommodation in Rabat.

Day 4: The Zaers - Sidi Boughaba

An early start today is essential for a trip southeast of Rabat into the King’s hunting forest, the Zaers, to hear and hope to see Double-spurred Francolin, a secretive game bird that calls from the tops of tree stumps. Other woodland species possible include Black-crowned Tchagra, Black-shouldered Kite, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch, Serin, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, and Barbary Partridge.

We’ll spend the afternoon along the Atlantic coast, visiting lagoons and saltpans including an excellent freshwater lake, Lac de Sidi Bourhaba. Good numbers of Red-knobbed Coots should be on the lake as well as Marbled Duck and White-headed Duck, while Western Marsh Harriers quarter the reed beds.

Dinner and accommodation in Rabat.

Day 5: Rabat - Meknes - Ifrane

Driving south-east to Azrou, we will stop firstly to search for Lesser Kestrel in Ifrane town and then at excellent sites in the Middle Atlas for Maghreb Owl, Atlas Flycatcher, Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, Seebohm’s Wheatear.

In the Cedar forests, we may also see Wood Lark, Firecrest,t and the local races of Great Spotted Woodpecker, African Blue Tit, and Barbary Apes and very good chances exist to see them—night excursion for Maghreb Owl near the hotel.

Dinner and accommodation in Ifrane.

Day 6: Ifrane/Azrou - Zaida Plain

After breakfast, morning birding will continue until early afternoon in the Middle Atlas Mountains, and then drive to Zaida Plain. Evening search for Duponts Lark.

Dinner and accommodation in Zaida.

Day 7: Birding in Zaida plaines

We will search for Dupont’s Lark. This very difficult high-plain species disappearing amongst the tussocks. Excellent chances exist for seeing Desert Wheatear, Red-rumped Wheatear, Black-Bellied Sandgrouse, Cream-coloured Courser, Temminck’s Lark, Thekla Lark, and Lesser and greater short-toed Larks.

Dinner and accommodation in Zaida.

Day 8 : Zaida - Middle Atlas Mountains - Casablanca airport

Transfer day from Zaida to Casablanca airport, drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. We will make few stops along the road. Late in the afternoon we arrive to Casablanca airport where the private trip ends.

Package Includes:

Not Included:

Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll visit prime birding hotspots, where the calls of nature harmonize with breathtaking landscapes. Alongside birdwatching, enjoy Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry, as you pass through picturesque villages, historic towns, and scenic oases. This adventure blends thrilling birding experiences with opportunities to connect with Morocco’s natural beauty and vibrant traditions.