10 Days Spring Birding Tour Atlas Mountains & north of Morocco and Sahara Desert.

Discover Morocco’s rich avian diversity on our 10 Days Spring Birding Tour through the Atlas Mountains, northern Morocco, and the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. This carefully curated journey takes you through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of bird species, from desert specialists to high-altitude dwellers and coastal beauties. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast, this tour promises unforgettable encounters with Morocco’s vibrant birdlife.

Package Overview:

The 10 Days Spring Birding Tour Atlas Mountains, North of Morocco & Sahara Desert is a captivating journey through Morocco’s most diverse ecosystems. This tour is tailored for birding enthusiasts seeking to explore the country’s unique habitats, from lush coastal wetlands and verdant valleys to arid desert expanses and the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Each location offers the chance to observe a wide array of bird species, including endemics and migratory marvels.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 : Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Oukaimeden

Meet 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 in accommodation at the Atlas Mountains.

Day 2 : Atlas Mountains - Oukaimeden - Casablanca - rabat

After having breakfast we will leave the high atlas mountains behind and drive to rabat via Casablanca WE will make some stops on the way possibly the Calandra lark and some other birds in the evening will reach Rabat The capital of Morocco where we can spend 2 nights.

Dinner and breakfast in accommodation in Rabat.

Day 3 : African Marsh owl - lac de sidi boughaba

After breakfast in rabat WE will drive to the north to moulay bouslhame The marshes are one of the few places to find the African Marsh Owl, an endemic subspecies. after we will visit the 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 4 : Rabat - Meknes - Cedar Forest - Middle Atlas Mountains - Ifrane

After breakfast in Rabat Driving to the south-east to Ifrane, we will stop first to see Lesser Kestrel Atlas Wheatear Atlas flycatcher, and Maghreb owl in the Cedar forests.

Dinner and breakfast in accommodation in Ifrane.

Day 5 : Ifrane - Cedar Forest in Azrou - Middle Atlas Mountains - Zaida.

Driving southeast to Zaida, we will stop first in the Azrou Cedar forests we may see Wood Lark, Firecrest, and the local races of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit, and Barbary Apes.

Dinner and breakfast in accommodation in Zaida.

Day 6 : Zaida Plain - Ziz Valley - Merzouga

We will leave early to search for Dupont’s Lark near Zaida. This very difficult high-plain 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 stop, we arrived at our Desert Hotel for the two nights.

Dinner and breakfast in accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 7: 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 8 : 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 Pharaoh Eagle Owl where the people live in caves here with flocks of sheep and goats.

Dinner and accommodation in Boumalne du Dades.

Day 9 : 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 in accommodation in Ouarzazate.

Day 10 : Ouarzazate - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech.

After breakfast in Ouarzazate We will drive through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at the scenic and impressive Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 Meters) to admire its fabulous geological rock formations, We will make some stops along the road. Late in the afternoon, we arrive in Marrakech where the private 10 Days birding trip will end.

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.