Birding Southern Morocco

Tour Code: MAR01

A 10-day birdwatching tour to the deserts, oases and mountains of southern Morocco's kasbah country.

10 days from
£2,295
Land only price from
£1,995
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

Imagine birding in an oasis of date palms or an orchard of blossoming almond trees, surrounded by a warm desert, and beneath a clear blue sky and the spectacular snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, rising as high as the Alps. The temperature is perfect; at home it is dank and grey! This is the dramatic Kasbah country of southern Morocco and the region on which we will focus during our quest for some of northern Africa’s most exciting species. This comprehensive birding tour of southern Morocco, finely tuned over 20 years of operation, heads south from Marrakech, out into the Sahara at Merzouga before wending its way back west to Morocco’s dramatic Atlantic seaboard at Agadir.

  • Superb North Africa birding – at an unbeatable price
  • 4WD excursions into the Sahara Desert in search of sandgrouse, Egyptian Nightjar, Desert Sparrow, and Cream-coloured Courser
  • Bald Ibis, Tristram’s Warbler, larks and wheatears galore plus many other specialities
  • A popular mix of charming hotels set against stunning, varied scenery
  • The best Moroccan back-up and bird tour driver in the business

We begin our journey with a flight to Marrakech. This old imperial capital of Morocco, surrounded by olive and palm groves, and with the towering snowy peaks of the High Atlas forming such a magnificent backdrop, has a truly wonderful atmosphere. If time permits, we will leave the Moroccan capital behind and drive into the alpine zone of the High Atlas Mountains at Oukaïmeden. Amongst beautiful mountain scenery our main target will be African Crimson-winged Finch, although we also hope to see Alpine and Red-billed Choughs, African Chaffinch, Atlas Coal Tit, Atlas Long-legged Buzzard and Atlas Horned Lark too. For those who prefer to take an afternoon flight from London, there is the option to meet at the group hotel in the evening instead.

We next take a spectacular drive south over the snowbound High Atlas mountains to Ouarzazate, a French garrison town beside a Glaoui kasbah, sandwiched between the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains where we will stay for one night. From here we will drive eastwards along the Dades Valley to Boumalene Dades, where an overnight stay will enable us to explore the Dades and Todra Gorges; the former with its bizarre limestone erosions and impressive ksour (fortified villages) and kasbahs, the latter a dramatic narrow gorge whose towering pink cliffs are home to Crag Martins, Tristram's Warblers and Bonelli’s Eagles. By contrast, a wide and stony desert close to Boumalene may reward us with a variety of larks and sandgrouse.

We now continue our journey eastwards to Erfoud, through an increasingly desolate and barren landscape, broken only by the occasional oasis. A stay of two nights here, in this ‘gateway to the Sahara’, will allow us the chance to enjoy some of the best desert birding that Morocco has to offer. The palmeries and gardens of Erfoud are the haunt of large numbers of Common Bulbuls and a good variety of other passerines, but it is the sandy wadis and stony desert not far from the town, and the first great sand dunes of the Sahara at Merzouga, two hours to the south, that will warrant most attention. Here we will search for such elusive species as Desert Sparrow, Egyptian Nightjar, African Desert Warbler, Cream-coloured Courser and Fulvous Babbler, plus a variety of ‘desert’ larks, such as Bar-tailed Lark and Greater Hoopoe-lark, and even sandgrouse. The ruins of Rissani, fast being consumed by the travelling sands of the Sahara, are also worth a visit, illustrating as they do a fascinating 1,000-year period of Moroccan history.

Breaking the journey in Ouarzazate, we now return westwards to Taroudant, an attractive ochre-walled town, and 16th century imperial capital of Morocco, set at the head of the fertile Sous Valley. The long drive to Taroudant will not be without interest. Thick-billed Larks, Thekla Larks, Barbary Falcons, and other pre-Saharan species may be seen on the way, whilst fine views of the High and Anti-Atlas mountains, and the historic kasbah at Taliouine, are further ingredients of a satisfying drive.

At Taroudant, from our fine hotel that nestles in the city walls, we will visit the Argana woodland and olive and citrus groves of the nearby Sous Valley. Here we may find such species as Black-winged Kite, Spotless Starling, Spanish Sparrow, and a variety of finches and warblers. In particular we will be looking for the very local Fulvous Babbler, a sought-after inhabitant of palm groves. We complete our tour with two nights in a very comfortable hotel on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, at Agadir. From this base we are within easy striking distance of the Oued Massa lagoon and Tamri, where recent Naturetrek groups have had great success locating the endangered Northern Bald Ibis. This small wetland is one of the most rewarding birdwatching sites in Morocco, and amongst its spectacle of herons, ducks, waders, gulls, terns and raptors, we have a good chance of some less common species such as Greater Flamingo, Brown-throated Martin and Black-crowned Tchagra. Even some American and southern African vagrants regularly appear here!

Finally, at the end of our week of spring sunshine and avian activity, we will catch a convenient, direct flight home from Agadir.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Marrakech
Day 2
Ouarzazate
Day 3
Boumalne Dades
Day 4/5
Erfoud
Day 6
Ouarzazate
Day 7
Taroudant
Day 8/9
Agadir
Day 10
Agadir - Fly London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: An interesting mix of characterful and comfortable hotels, all with private facilities.
  • Food: All included in the price.
Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Thu 19th Feb – Sat 28th Feb FULL £2,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£345
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Griffin
Chris Griffin

Tour Leader: Chris Griffin

Chris was obsessed with wildlife from an early age, when he spent every available moment either at a local nature reserve or buried in a bird book! Naturally this led to a wildlife orientated career, where he worked for the RSPB and various environmental consultancies as a Field Ornithologist. Now, three decades on, his life hasn’t changed much, as he still birds his local reserves and is regularly found delving his head into a field guide! 

Chris is a keen wildlife photographer, and particularly enjoys the Somerset Levels where he photographs anything and everything. Birds are his first love, but Chris also enjoys watching, and has excellent knowledge of lepidoptera, odonata, reptiles, and amphibians. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and he relishes any opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience!

Mon 2nd Mar – Wed 11th Mar 1 £2,295
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Griffin
Chris Griffin

Tour Leader: Chris Griffin

Chris was obsessed with wildlife from an early age, when he spent every available moment either at a local nature reserve or buried in a bird book! Naturally this led to a wildlife orientated career, where he worked for the RSPB and various environmental consultancies as a Field Ornithologist. Now, three decades on, his life hasn’t changed much, as he still birds his local reserves and is regularly found delving his head into a field guide! 

Chris is a keen wildlife photographer, and particularly enjoys the Somerset Levels where he photographs anything and everything. Birds are his first love, but Chris also enjoys watching, and has excellent knowledge of lepidoptera, odonata, reptiles, and amphibians. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and he relishes any opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience!

Thu 12th Mar – Sat 21st Mar FULL £2,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£345
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Griffin
Chris Griffin

Tour Leader: Chris Griffin

Chris was obsessed with wildlife from an early age, when he spent every available moment either at a local nature reserve or buried in a bird book! Naturally this led to a wildlife orientated career, where he worked for the RSPB and various environmental consultancies as a Field Ornithologist. Now, three decades on, his life hasn’t changed much, as he still birds his local reserves and is regularly found delving his head into a field guide! 

Chris is a keen wildlife photographer, and particularly enjoys the Somerset Levels where he photographs anything and everything. Birds are his first love, but Chris also enjoys watching, and has excellent knowledge of lepidoptera, odonata, reptiles, and amphibians. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and he relishes any opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience!

Thu 26th Mar – Sat 4th Apr FULL £2,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£345
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Griffin
Chris Griffin

Tour Leader: Chris Griffin

Chris was obsessed with wildlife from an early age, when he spent every available moment either at a local nature reserve or buried in a bird book! Naturally this led to a wildlife orientated career, where he worked for the RSPB and various environmental consultancies as a Field Ornithologist. Now, three decades on, his life hasn’t changed much, as he still birds his local reserves and is regularly found delving his head into a field guide! 

Chris is a keen wildlife photographer, and particularly enjoys the Somerset Levels where he photographs anything and everything. Birds are his first love, but Chris also enjoys watching, and has excellent knowledge of lepidoptera, odonata, reptiles, and amphibians. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and he relishes any opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience!

Mon 21st Sep – Wed 30th Sep SPACES £2,295
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£345
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Griffin
Chris Griffin

Tour Leader: Chris Griffin

Chris was obsessed with wildlife from an early age, when he spent every available moment either at a local nature reserve or buried in a bird book! Naturally this led to a wildlife orientated career, where he worked for the RSPB and various environmental consultancies as a Field Ornithologist. Now, three decades on, his life hasn’t changed much, as he still birds his local reserves and is regularly found delving his head into a field guide! 

Chris is a keen wildlife photographer, and particularly enjoys the Somerset Levels where he photographs anything and everything. Birds are his first love, but Chris also enjoys watching, and has excellent knowledge of lepidoptera, odonata, reptiles, and amphibians. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and he relishes any opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience!

Thu 1st Oct – Sat 10th Oct SPACES £2,295
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£345
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Martin Pitt
Martin Pitt

Tour Leader: Martin Pitt

Martin has had an interest in wildlife since an early age and, although he worked in development and consultancy across the globe, he has always kept this interest going. He has been leading tours for Naturetrek, both in the UK and overseas, since 2017.

Primarily interested in birds and mammals, his time living in the Middle East (a year in the UAE and 2 years in Israel) gave him a deep love of desert ecosystems. More recently, he has spent an increasing amount of time focused on butterflies and dragonflies. He is the author of the ‘Crossbill Nature Guide to Southern Morocco’ and as of 2023 he is also the Bird Recorder for Hampshire.

Martin has led a number of tours, including day trips and weekends in Hampshire and the adjacent areas, as well as tours overseas including Austria, Ethiopia, France, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Spain and Uzbekistan.

 

2027

Departures Availability Cost
Thu 18th Feb – Sat 27th Feb SPACES £2,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Thu 11th Mar – Sat 20th Mar SPACES £2,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Thu 25th Mar – Sat 3rd Apr SPACES £2,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Thu 30th Sep – Sat 9th Oct SPACES £2,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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