10-Day Birding Tour Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert And Atlantic Coast

Imagine a journey that takes you from the snow-dusted peaks of the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, and finally to the wild, windswept shores of the Atlantic Coast.

This 10-day birding tour is a celebration of Morocco’s incredible diversity, offering a chance to explore its most iconic landscapes and discover its rich avian life. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast, this adventure promises unforgettable encounters with rare species, breathtaking scenery, and the warm hospitality of Morocco.

This 10-day birding tour is more than just a trip—it’s an immersion into Morocco’s natural and cultural wonders. From the dramatic peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara and the wild shores of the Atlantic Coast, every moment is a chance to connect with nature and witness the beauty of Morocco’s birdlife.

Whether you’re marveling at a Crimson-winged Finch in the mountains, a Desert Sparrow in the dunes, or a Northern Bald Ibis by the coast, this tour is a celebration of the wild and the wonderful.

Pack your binoculars, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you inspired and in awe of Morocco’s avian treasures.

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: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Oukaimeden

eet and welcome you in Marrakech, 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 accommodation at the Atlas Mountains.

Day 2: High Atlas Mountains - Ouarzazate - Boumalne du Dades

After an early breakfast we leave the mountains behind, perhaps pausing again en route for Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker. From the flat plains of Marrakech we turn back uphill, and drive to Boumalne du Dades via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260 meters), a spectacular and long drive. On the Pass we’ll try for yet another endemic “Tristram’s Warbler”.

This species has very specific habitat requirements away from its wintering grounds and is not always easy to find. As the road climbs into the hills, we may start to see some raptors such as Long-legged Buzzard and Bonelli’s Eagle both possible. Before reaching Boumalne du Dades we’ll stop in Amerzgane to look for the rare Wheatear “Maghreb Wheatear”.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Boumalne du Dades.

Day 3: Boumalne du Dades - Tagdilt Track

Today we will start early, to head to the Tagdilt Track. This is without doubt one of the top areas for birding in the Southern of Morocco. Excellent chances exist for seeing Red-rumped Wheatear, Thekla Lark, Trumpeter Finch, Temminck’s Lark, Short-toed Lark, Trumpeter Finch and the highly nomadic Thick-billed Lark.

If the heat allows, we will dedicate most of our day to exploring this area, then we visit a rocky canyon searching for Maghreb Wheatear, Desert Lark and chance of Pharaoh Eagle Owl where the people live in caves here with flocks of sheep and goats.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Boumalne
du Dades.

Day 4: Boumalne du Dades - Todra Gorge - Goulmima - Merzouga

First we visit a Todra gorge for Tristram’s Warbler, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock-thrush, Rock Dove, Crag Martin and possible Bonelli’s Eagle! Next we travel eastwards and stop at a scrubby wadi to seek out the elusive Scrub Warbler, maybe also rewarded with Thick-billed Lark and Trumpeter Finch. Finally after another exciting stop we arrive at our Desert Hotel for two nights.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 5: Merzouga - Erg Chebbi Dunes - Rissani

We will dedicate a relaxing birding 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, African Desert Warbler, Desert Lark, Bar-tailed Lark, Fulvous Babbler, Spotted Sandgrouse, Crowned Sandgrouse,Egyptian nightjar .

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 6: Merzouga - Tazzarine - Draa Valley - Anti Atlas Mountains - Ouarzazate

Transfer day from Merzouga to Ouarzazate. Drive through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, a series of rocky hills, cliffs and deep gorges of volcanic formations. Roadside birding could produce plenty of White-crowned Wheatear and Southern Grey Shrike.

Before reaching our hotel in Ouarzazate we’ll stop to explore the Barrage at Mansour Eddahbi. Here we have the chance of seeing 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 7: 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. Initially we will keep our eyes open for various larks by the roadside and for wheatears. Finally after another exciting stop we arrive at our Hotel in Agadir for three nights.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Agadir.

Day 8 : 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 9: Oued 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 10: Agadir - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech

Transfer day from Agadir to Marrakech through the high Atlas mountains with some stops in the road. Late in the afternoon we arrive to Marrakech. Free evening to visit the old quarter of Marrakech and the impressive Jema-el-fna square which is an unbelievable experience for any visitor – snake charmers, water sellers and spice stalls plus the charm of bargaining in the Souk (OPTIONAL).

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Marrakech.

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.