8 Days Birding Tour Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert & Middle Atlas

Welcome to Morocco! After meeting you in Marrakech, we’ll embark on a scenic drive into the High Atlas Mountains, heading towards Oukaimeden, located at an impressive 2600 meters above sea level.

As we journey through the fertile plains, we’ll encounter a variety of resident bird species, including Southern Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, and Moroccan Magpie, among others. Higher up, the rugged slopes offer a chance to spot the Blue Rock Thrush and the endemic Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker.

Upon reaching the ski resort at Oukaimeden, we’ll explore the snowline for the beautiful African Crimson-winged Finch. In addition to this striking species, we may also see Rock Sparrow, Black Wheatear, Alpine Chough, and the Atlas Horned Lark. After a day of birding, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in the Atlas Mountains, ready for another exciting day ahead.

Package Overview:

This 8-day birding tour takes you on a fascinating journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from the lush High Atlas Mountains to the vast desert dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide range of endemic and migratory bird species, including the elusive Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, African Crimson-winged Finch, and the striking Pharaoh Eagle Owl.

Starting from Marrakech, the tour will lead you through remote and scenic locations like the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, Boumalne du Dades, and Todra Gorge, offering incredible birdwatching opportunities at each stop. In the Sahara Desert, you’ll explore the dunes of Erg Chebbi, home to unique species such as Desert Sparrow and Hoopoe Lark.

The tour concludes in the Middle Atlas, where you’ll seek out species like the Maghreb Owl and Atlas Flycatcher. With a mix of mountain, desert, and forest habitats, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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 accommodation at the Atlas Mountains.

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

After 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 Buzzards and Bonelli’s Eagle both possible.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Boumalne du Dades.

Day 3 : Boumalne du Dades - Tagdilt Track.

Today after breakfast, 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, Cream-coloured Courser 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 nightingale Maghreb Wheatear, Desert Lark, and our first 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 possibly 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 to,p we arrive at our Desert Hotel for two nights.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 5: Merzouga - Erg Chebbi Dunes

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, and chances also exist for Egyptian Nightjar in daytime.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 6: Merzouga - Zaida.

After breakfast in the Sahara Desert, we will drive to the middle Atlas
We will search for Dupont’s Lark. very difficult high-plains species disappearing amongst the tussocks. Excellent chances exist for seeing Temminck’s Lark, Thekla Lark, and Lesser and greater short-toed Larks.

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Zaida.

Day 7: zaida - azrou - Ifrane.

Today early morning we will try again for Dupont’s after back to hotel and having breakfast we will drive to azrou Ceder forest we’re we may also see Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, Seebohm’s Wheatear.

In the Cedar forests we may also see Wood Lark, and the local races of Great Spotted Woodpecker, African Blue Tit, and Barbary Apes. From there to Ifrane then at excellent sites in the Middle Atlas for Maghreb Owl and Atlas Flycatcher,

Dinner and breakfast accommodation in Ifrane.

Day 8: Ifrane - Marrakesh.

After having breakfast we will leave the middle atlas mountains transfer to Marrakech its one of the longest journey in this trip (410 kilometres) late in the evening will arrive Marrakech were our 8 Days birding tour ended.

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.