The Morocco birding tours intro:
In the world of wildlife and nature enthusiasts, Morocco Birding Tours stand out as an exceptional experience. This comprehensive 8-day journey through Morocco’s most famous birding locations is designed for those eager to witness the incredible avian diversity the country offers. From the vibrant city of Marrakech to the expansive Sahara Desert, every day of this tour brings new opportunities to spot rare and beautiful bird species against some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North Africa.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Crossing the Atlas Mountains
Your adventure begins in Marrakech, a city that’s not only culturally rich but also a surprising haven for birdwatchers. Right from the start, we will keep our eyes peeled for the Maghreb Magpie, a species unique to North Africa. As we leave the bustling streets of Marrakech behind, we head toward the towering Atlas Mountains. The journey across the Tizi-n-Tichka pass offers dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and fertile valleys. Along the way, expect to encounter species like the African Blue Tit, the Moroccan subspecies of Red Crossbill, and the African Chaffinch. We’ll end the day in Ouarzazate, a city known as the gateway to the Sahara, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2: Plains and Gorges of Boumalne Dades
Our journey today takes us deeper into Morocco’s diverse landscapes, as we head towards the edge of the desert. This area is known for its wide variety of Wheatears and Larks. The drive itself is a visual feast, with mouth-opening landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. The day’s highlight is a visit to the dramatic river gorges, where we’ll search for the Pharaoh Eagle Owl, one of Morocco’s most iconic birds. Your accommodation tonight is in a charming Riad in Boumalne Dades, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s sightings.
Grand morcco birding trip
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The Morocco Birding Tour is an immersive 8-day journey designed for birdwatching enthusiasts keen to explore Morocco’s top avian habitats….
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Day 3: The Famous Tagdilt Track
Few places in Morocco are as productive for birdwatching as the Tagdilt Track. This area is a must-visit for any birding enthusiast. As we explore this region, we’ll be on the lookout for Thick-billed Lark, Temminck’s Lark, and the African Long-legged Buzzard. The day will also take us closer to the Sahara Desert, with a sunset journey that promises unforgettable views. Tonight, you’ll stay in Merzouga, near the majestic sand dunes that mark the edge of the desert.
Day 4: Sahara Desert Expedition
Today is dedicated to exploring the Sahara Desert, a land of striking beauty and unique wildlife. With the help of a local guide, 4×4 drivers, and even a shepherd, we’ll embark on an expedition to find the region’s birding specialities. Our targets include the Desert Warbler, Desert Sparrow, Brown-necked Raven, Hoopoe Lark, Egyptian Nightjar, and the elusive Cream-colored Courser. The day is sure to be one of the most memorable of your Morocco birding tour, as you experience the vastness of the desert and its remarkable wildlife. You’ll spend another night in Merzouga, where the silence of the desert is only broken by the call of a distant owl.
Day 5: Chasing Tricky Birds and Hidden Gems
As we begin our return journey, we’ll make several stops along the route to catch any species we might have missed earlier in the trip. Among the birds we’ll be seeking out are the Fulvous Chatterer and Trumpeter Finch. Our journey will also include a visit to the Al Mansour reservoir near Ouarzazate, where the combination of water and desert landscapes attracts a diverse array of bird species. After a full day of birding, we’ll spend the night back in Boumalne Dades.
Day 6: Birding Around Ouarzazate
The area around Ouarzazate offers another opportunity to spot some of Morocco’s unique bird species. We’ll start the day with birdwatching in the vicinity before making our way back across the Atlas Mountains. This return journey allows for multiple stops, giving us a chance to catch any species that have eluded us so far. The day ends in Marrakech, where you’ll have a chance to rest before our final day of birding.
Day 7: High Atlas and Oukaïmeden
Our last full day of birding takes us to the High Atlas Mountains, where we’ll visit the Ourika Valley and the ski resort of Oukaïmeden. The valley is home to one of Morocco’s most charismatic birds, the Moussier’s Redstart. As we ascend to higher altitudes, we’ll be searching for species that thrive in these mountain environments, such as the Crimson-winged Finch, Atlas Shore Lark, Alpine Chough, Red-billed Chough, and Rock Sparrow. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Marrakech, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the bustling main square and enjoy a delicious final dinner with the group.
Day 8: Farewell in Marrakech
On the last day of your Morocco birding tour, we’ll enjoy one final breakfast together, keeping our binoculars handy for any last-minute bird sightings. This is a day to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared, from the peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert. As you prepare to depart from Marrakech, we hope that this tour has not only met but exceeded your expectations, leaving you with memories of Morocco’s birding wonders that will last a lifetime.
This comprehensive guide to Morocco Birding Tours offers wildlife enthusiasts an unforgettable opportunity to explore the country’s most famous birdwatching sites. From the high peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the sands of the Sahara Desert, each day promises new discoveries and incredible avian encounters.
