Day 1 — 22 April

Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ouarzazate → Boumalne Dades

Your birdwatching adventure begins with an early departure from Marrakech as we travel across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains.

We cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass at over 2,260 meters above sea level, enjoying breathtaking mountain scenery and several birdwatching stops along the way. During the journey, we may observe species such as African Blue Tit as well as raptors soaring above the valleys, including Long-legged Buzzard and Bonelli’s Eagle.

Near Amerzgane, we stop to search for rare wheatear species before continuing south through the beautiful palm groves of Skoura, one of Morocco’s most scenic oasis regions.

By evening, we arrive in Boumalne Dades where dinner and overnight accommodation await in a comfortable local hotel.

Day 2 — 23 April

Boumalne Dades → Tagdilt Track → Merzouga

Today we head towards the famous Tagdilt Track, one of the best birdwatching locations in Morocco for desert and steppe species.

This unique habitat is home to an impressive variety of birds including:

• Red-rumped Wheatear
• Temminck’s Lark
• Short-toed Lark
• Thekla Lark
• Trumpeter Finch
• Thick-billed Lark

We also visit a rocky canyon area where local families still live in traditional cave homes. Here we may observe Maghreb Wheatear and the impressive Pharaoh Eagle Owl hidden among the cliffs.

After a rewarding day of birding, we continue towards Merzouga for dinner and overnight stay in a traditional local riad.

Day 3 — 24 April

Exploring the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent dunes and desert landscapes surrounding Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.

The Sahara Desert is home to some of Morocco’s most fascinating bird species, and the relaxed pace of the day allows us plenty of time to search for them while enjoying the silence and beauty of the desert.

Possible sightings include:

• Brown-necked Raven
• Hoopoe Lark
• Desert Sparrow
• African Desert Warbler
• Desert Lark
• Bar-tailed Lark
• Spotted Sandgrouse
• Crowned Sandgrouse
• Barbary Falcon
• Lanner Falcon
• Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
• Saharan Olivaceous Warbler

Depending on seasonal conditions, we may also visit the temporary lake near Merzouga village where ducks, waders, and Egyptian Nightjar are sometimes present.

Dinner and overnight stay in Merzouga.

Day 4 — 25 April

Merzouga → Tazzarine → Draa Valley → Anti-Atlas Mountains → Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we leave the Sahara and travel through the spectacular desert scenery of southern Morocco towards the Anti-Atlas Mountains.

The route passes through rocky hills, dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and remote desert landscapes where we may spot White-crowned Wheatear and Southern Grey Shrike.

Later, we stop at Barrage Mansour Eddahbi, an important wetland area attracting a variety of waterbirds including:

• Marbled Duck
• Ruddy Shelduck
• Black-winged Stilt
• Maghreb Lark
• Cormorants
• Herons
• Various waders

In the evening, we arrive in Ouarzazate where dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided in a comfortable local hotel.

Day 5 — 26 April

Ouarzazate → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

On the final day of the tour, we travel back to Marrakech through the beautiful High Atlas Mountains.

As we cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass once again, we will make several birdwatching and photography stops depending on the conditions and opportunities along the route.

This final drive offers one last chance to enjoy Morocco’s spectacular mountain scenery before arriving in Marrakech and transferring you to your hotel.