14 Days Morocco Birding Tour — Atlas, Sahara Edge & Souss Region (From Marrakech)
This 14-day birdwatching expedition is one of the most complete birding journeys in Morocco, combining the High Atlas Mountains, Middle Atlas cedar forests, the Sahara Desert, the Anti-Atlas, and the rich Atlantic wetlands of the Souss region.
From high-altitude alpine species to desert specialists and coastal migrants, this tour offers an incredible diversity of habitats and birdlife. Each day brings new landscapes, new ecosystems, and unforgettable birdwatching experiences.
Guided by Mohammed, an experienced Moroccan birding guide, this journey is designed for passionate birders and nature lovers who want a deep and authentic exploration of Morocco’s wildlife.
- High Atlas Mountains and Oukaimeden alpine birding
- Middle Atlas cedar forests and Barbary macaques
- Zaida plains and search for Dupont’s Lark
- Sahara Desert & Erg Chebbi dunes exploration
- Tagdilt Track and desert steppe species
- Todra Gorge and Anti-Atlas landscapes
- Atlantic wetlands of Oued Massa & Oued Souss
- Northern Bald Ibis at Tamri
- Over 200+ possible bird species across all habitats
- Excellent bird photography opportunities
Detailed Itinerary of 14 Days Morocco Birding Tour — Atlas, Sahara Edge & Souss Region (From Marrakech)
Day 1 — Marrakech → High Atlas → Oukaimeden
Welcome to Morocco! We meet you in Marrakech or pick you up from the airport before heading into the High Atlas Mountains.
We climb towards Oukaimeden (2600m), one of Morocco’s best high-altitude birding sites.
Along the way we look for:
- Southern Grey Shrike
- Little Owl
- Sardinian Warbler
- Spotless Starling
- Moroccan Magpie
- Moussier’s Redstart
- House Bunting
- Blue Rock Thrush
- Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker
At higher elevations:
- Crimson-winged Finch
- Rock Sparrow
- Alpine Chough
- Black Wheatear
- Seebohm’s Wheatear
- Atlas Horned Lark
Dinner and overnight in the High Atlas.
Day 2 — High Atlas → Casablanca → Rabat
We descend from the mountains and travel north towards Rabat, passing agricultural plains and coastal landscapes.
Birding stops en route may include Calandra Lark and other open-country species.
Dinner and overnight in Rabat.
Day 3 — Merdja Zerga Lagoon
We explore the famous Merdja Zerga lagoon, one of Morocco’s most important wetland reserves.
Target species include:
- Flamingos
- Godwits
- Redshank & Greenshank
- Ducks and waders
- African Marsh Owl (local subspecies)
- Terns, gulls, and possible skuas
- Balearic Shearwater offshore
Dinner and overnight in Rabat.
Day 4 — Zaers Forest & Sidi Bourhaba
Morning visit to Zaers Forest for woodland species including:
- Double-spurred Francolin
- Black-crowned Tchagra
- Black-shouldered Kite
- Greenfinch, Serin
- Pied Flycatcher
- Redstart
- Barbary Partridge
Afternoon at Sidi Bourhaba lake:
- Marbled Duck
- White-headed Duck
- Red-knobbed Coot
- Western Marsh Harrier
Dinner and overnight in Rabat.
Day 5 — Rabat → Middle Atlas → Zaida
We travel south into the Middle Atlas, stopping in Azrou cedar forests.
Possible sightings:
- Lesser Kestrel
- Levaillant’s Woodpecker
- Woodlark
- Firecrest
- Barbary Macaque
- Coal Tit (local race)
We continue to Zaida for overnight stay.
Day 6 — Zaida Plains → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Early morning search for the elusive Dupont’s Lark.
Other species:
- Thekla Lark
- Short-toed Lark
- Desert Lark
- Crag Martin
- Blue Rock Thrush
We continue to the Sahara region via spectacular landscapes.
Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.
Day 7 — Erg Chebbi Dunes (Full Day)
We explore the largest dune system in Morocco.
Key species:
- Desert Sparrow
- Fulvous Babbler
- Greater Hoopoe Lark
- African Desert Warbler
- Brown-necked Raven
- Sandgrouse (Spotted & Crowned)
- Lanner Falcon
- Desert, Bar-tailed & Short-toed Larks
- Spectacled Warbler
- Egyptian Nightjar (day roost)
Dinner in Merzouga.
Day 8 — Second Day Erg Chebbi
Full dedicated desert birding:
- Continued search for rare desert species
- Seasonal lakes with waterbirds (if present)
- Raptors and migration watching
- Relaxed exploration of dunes, wadis, and desert plains
Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 9 — Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Boumalne Dades
We leave the Sahara and head west.
Stops include:
- Scrub Warbler
- Spectacled Warbler
- Trumpeter Finch
- Tristram’s Warbler
- Blue Rock Thrush
- Crag Martin
- Bonelli’s Eagle
Tagdilt Track:
- Houbara Bustard (possible)
- Desert Wheatear
- Red-rumped Wheatear
- Thick-billed Lark
Overnight in Boumalne Dades.
Day 10 — Tagdilt → Ouarzazate
Morning birding at Tagdilt Track again.
Then we visit:
- Mansour Eddahbi Dam
- Marbled Duck
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Maghreb Lark
- Herons & Cormorants
- Waders
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 11 — Anti-Atlas → Souss Valley → Agadir
We travel west through Anti-Atlas landscapes.
Possible sightings:
- Various larks & wheatears
- Black-crowned Tchagra
- Cirl Bunting
- Spanish Sparrow
- Pallid & Little Swift
Arrival in Agadir (3 nights).
Day 12 — Cap Ghir → Tamri Estuary
Coastal birding day:
- Audouin’s Gull
- Yellow-legged Gull
- Lesser Black-backed Gull
- Northern Bald Ibis (Tamri)
- Sea-watching (shearwaters, skuas possible)
Return to Agadir.
Day 13 — Oued Massa & Oued Souss
Full wetland birding:
- Marbled Duck
- Moussier’s Redstart
- Black-crowned Tchagra
- Sardinian Warbler
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Flamingos
- Shorebirds
- Stone Curlew
- Brown-throated Martin
Overnight in Agadir.
Day 14 — Agadir → Marrakech (Atlas Crossing)
We travel back through the High Atlas Mountains with birding stops along the way.
Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon.
Optional evening visit to Jemaa el-Fna square.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 15 — Departure
Transfer to Marrakech airport. End of tour.
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Why Choose This Tour?
This is Morocco’s ultimate birding circuit, covering almost every major habitat in the country: mountains, deserts, wetlands, forests, and coastline.
Key Advantages
- Exceptional habitat diversity
- High number of target species
- Rare and endemic birds included
- Balanced pace for birding & photography
- Expert local guide (Mohammed)
- Comfortable accommodations throughout
- Ideal for serious birders and nature photographers
Photography Opportunities
- Golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Flamingos and wetlands of Souss
- Raptors over High Atlas peaks
- Cedar forests and Barbary macaques
- Dramatic canyons of Todra Gorge
- Desert bird photography at sunrise and sunset
Responsible Birding in Morocco
We practice ethical birdwatching:
- Respect for wildlife and nesting sites
- No disturbance to sensitive species
- Support for local communities
- Small group sustainable travel
- Conservation-aware guiding approach
Gallery
FAQs:
Is this tour difficult?
Moderate. Most birding is vehicle-based with short walks.
How many bird species can I expect?
Depending on season, 200–300+ species are possible.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, but also highly rewarding for advanced birders.
Who is the guide?
Mohammed, an experienced Moroccan birding specialist.
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contact@wildbirdwatchingmorocco.com
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