14 Days Birding Tour Atlas Mountains - North - Desert - Atlantic Coast

Embark on an unforgettable 14-day birdwatching adventure across Morocco, exploring diverse ecosystems ranging from the High Atlas Mountains to the coastal wetlands of the Atlantic. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through some of the country’s most scenic and bird-rich regions, offering opportunities to spot rare and endemic species such as the African Crimson-winged Finch, Northern Bald Ibis, and the elusive Dupont’s Lark.

Package Overview:

From the rugged slopes of Oukaimeden to the vast expanse of the Sahara desert, you will experience Morocco’s varied landscapes and birdlife in the company of expert guides. Whether you’re birding in the majestic Atlas Mountains, traversing the vast plains of the desert, or exploring the coastal lagoons, this tour promises an exceptional and immersive birdwatching experience.

Join us for an adventure that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a unique birding journey across Morocco’s most iconic habitats.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 : Arrive in Marrakech Airport

Meet and welcome you in Marrakech airport transfer to the hotel in Marrakech.

Dinner and breakfast in accommodation.

Day 2 : Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Oukaimeden

We will drive up into the High Atlas Mountains and visit Oukaimeden (2600m). As we drive along the cultivated fields, we should find a good mix of resident species such as Southern Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Moroccan Magpie, Moussier’s Redstart and House Bunting. Slightly higher up, among the rocky slopes, we will search for Blue Rock Thrush and the endemic Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker.

When we reach the ski resort at Oukaimeden, we will check the snowline for the handsome African Crimson-winged Finch. Other species here include Rock Sparrow, Black Wheatear, Alpine Chough and Atlas Horned Lark.

Dinner and breakfast in accommodation at the Atlas Mountains.

Day 3: High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech - Casablanca - Rabat

After an early breakfast, we leave the mountains behind, perhaps pausing again en route for levaillants green woodpecker from the flat plains of Marrakech then we will drive north-west via Casablanca to Rabat for 3 nights in the route we will make some birding stops and several steps to look for calandra lark.

Dinner and breakfast in accommodation in Rabat

Day 4: The Zaers - Sidi Bourhaba.

An early start today is essential for a trip southeast of Rabat into the King’s hunting forest, the Zaers, to hear Double-spurred Francolin (seen rarely), 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, 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 breakfast in accommodation in Rabat.

Day 5: Merdja Zerga boat trip & African marsh Owl.

After breakfast we head north to Merdja Zerga, which means “Blue Lagoon”. This large coastal lagoon teems with thousands of waders including godwits, Greenshank and Redshank, 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 6 : Rabat - Meknes - Cedar Forest in Azrou - Middle Atlas Mountains - Zaida

Driving southeast to Zaida, we will stop first to see Lesser Kesterl and Atlas flycatcher in Azrou town. Then after lunch, in the Cedar forests, we may see Wood Lark, Firecrest, and the local races of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit, and Barbary Apes.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Zaida.

Day 7: Zaida Plain - Ziz Valley - Merzouga

We will leave early to search for Dupont’s Lark near Zaida. This very difficult high-plains species disappearing amongst the tussocks. During our walk we should see Thekla and Short-toed Larks. After breakfast in our hotel we will head south to the edge of the Sahara desert.

En route, we may see Eurasian Crag-martin, Desert Lark,and Black and White Crowned Wheatears while, in a spectacular Valley, House Bunting and Blue rock-thrush can be found. Finally, after another exciting to,p we arrive at our Desert Hotel for the two nights.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 8 : Merzouga - Erg Chebbi Dunes

Today we will dedicate the whole day to exploring the sandy dunes and the nearby stony desert of Erg Chebbi – the largest dune system in Morocco by 4×4 vehicle. Brown-necked Raven, Hoopoe Lark, Desert Sparrow, cream color courser, African Desert Warbler, Bar-tailed Lark, Fulvous Babbler, Spotted Sandgrouse and Crowned Sandgrouse, Egyptian nightjar.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 9 : Merzouga - Todra Gorge - Boumalne du Dades

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head westwards via Goulmima to see Scrub Warbler and stop at Todra Gorge for Tristram’s Warbler, Black Wheatear, Blue rock-thrush, Rock Dove, Crag Martin and possible Bonelli’s Eagle! Then we visit a rocky canyon searching for Maghreb Wheatear, Desert Lark, Lanner Falcon and a very good chance of Eagle Owl where the people live in caves here with flocks of sheep and goats.

Dinner and accommodation in Boumalne du Dades.

Day 10 : Boumalne du Dades - Tagdilt Track - Ouarzazate

After breakfast, head to the Tagdilt Track. This is without doubt one of the top areas for birding in Southern Morocco. Excellent chances exist for seeing Red-rumped Wheatear, Thekla Lark, Trumpeter Finch, Temminck’s Lark, Short-toed Lark, Atlas Long-Legged Buzzard, and the highly nomadic Thick-billed Lark.

Before reaching our hotel in Ouarzazate we’ll stop to explore the Barrage at Mansour Eddahbi. Here we have the chance to see Ruddy Shelduck, Black-winged Stilts, and Maghreb Lark, as well as Cormorants and Herons and a selection of waders.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Ouarzazate.

Day 11: Ouarzazate - Anti Atlas Mountains - Souss Valley - Agadir

A long drive to the west will take us over the Anti Atlas mountains, into the Souss Valley, and on to Agadir. Initiall,y we will keep our eyes open for various larks by the roadside and for wheatears. Finally, after another exciting to,p we arrive at our Hotel in Agadir for three nights.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Agadir.

Day 12: Agadir - Tamri Estuary

After breakfast, we will head north, stopping firstly at a beach where there will be Lesser Black-backed Gulls of two races, Audouin’s Gulls and a few Yellow-legged Gulls. Then will continue north to Tamri to search in the scrub and fields adjacent to the coast for the Northern Bald Ibis. Late in the afternoon, we travel back to Agadir.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Agadir.

Day 13: Massa - Oued Souss

South of Agadir is the famous Oued Massa. We have an early start to Oued Massa on the Atlantic Coast. Target birds: the secretive Black-crowned Tchagra, Marbled Duck, Moussier’s Redstart, Sardinian Warbler, Little Owl, Moroccan Cormorant, Stone Curlew, Glossy Ibis, Laughing Dove and Brown-throated Martin.

Later we visit the Oued Souss – an excellent area for Flamingos, shorebirds, and large numbers of roosting gulls and terns.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Agadir

Day 14: Agadir - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech

Transfer day from Agadir to Marrakech airport through the high atlas mountains where the 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.