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Any queries I had (both by phone and email) were quickly answered. Staff were always friendly and informative. Really enjoyed the variety of habitats and experiences. Felt it gave a good taste of Southern Morocco. Saw some endemic species and desert and mountain birds only encountered in those areas. Martin and Mark made an excellent team. Martin’s knowledge of the area, places to visit and the wildlife was invaluable. I really enjoyed his company too. He was an excellent leader and I felt very secure at all times. Although Mark was new to Morocco his bird spotting and identification were faultless. He was so helpful to all of the group and always made sure we saw the birds , as well as looking after us at all times. He was quick to get birds in his scope, to make sure we all saw them and helped those of us with our own scopes get onto the bird. He was great to be with. It was a real pleasure to be with them both. Being in the desert was magical. It was wonderful to find fresh footprints of several birds, mammals (including Fennec Fox), lizards and snakes in the early morning sunlight. Travelling into the High Atlas and seeing the landscape and isolated communities was also memorable.
H. A, Cambridgeshire, Feb '26
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Morocco - Winter Sun Birding
Tour Code: MAR10An 8-day birding holiday exploring the diverse habitats of southern Morocco, home to scarce desert specialities, overwintering birds and plenty of sunshine!
£1,995
£1,795
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Morocco is North Africa’s most biodiverse country and offers a vital winter refuge for an impressive array of birdlife. This two-centre tour takes us from the edge of the Sahara Desert to the Atlantic coast and the nearby foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Travelling during the cooler winter season, we explore a fascinating range of habitats in search of both resident and wintering birds, while enjoying a welcome dose of winter sunshine.
We begin in Guelmim, south of Agadir, where we search the arid plains and low hills for sought-after desert specialists such as Greater Hoopoe Lark, Desert Wheatear, Trumpeter Finch, Thick-billed Lark, Streaked Scrub Warbler, Fulvous Babbler and sandgrouse. These wild, open landscapes also offer chances to encounter Dorcas Gazelle, Fennec Fox and the elusive North African Sengi. We then transfer north to Agadir via the Parc Animalier, where we may spot Double-spurred Francolin and African Ground Squirrel in the surrounding Argan forests, along with other notable mammals such as Dorcas Gazelle and Addax. From our coastal base, we explore the renowned Souss-Massa National Park, a vital stronghold for the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis – one of the world’s rarest birds. Flocks can often be seen foraging along the coastal plains near Tamri or in the river valleys around Massa, which are also home to Bonelli’s Eagle, Black-winged Kite and Marbled Duck. Plain Martin and Black-crowned Tchagra add further North African interest, while Barbary Partridge, the endemic Moussier’s Redstart and wintering Bluethroat are among many additional highlights. We’ll also visit the estuary at Oued Souss, where we time our visit to coincide with peak activity among waders, gulls, herons and wildfowl. A day in the woodlands of the nearby Atlas foothills offers the chance to see Levaillant’s Woodpecker and African Blue Tit, while the surrounding scrubland may yield sightings of Tristram’s Warbler.
With its superb range of habitats and a rich supporting cast of birds and mammals, this tour offers a rewarding and memorable winter break in sunny southern Morocco.
- Outstanding birding in the sunshine during the depths of British wintertime
- Scarce desert specialities such as Streaked Scrub Warbler, Bar-tailed Lark, African Desert Warbler & Greater Hoopoe-lark
- A visit to Parc Animalier, the re-introduction site of Dorcas Gazelle, Addax and Ostrich
- Visiting a range of coastal sites where hundreds of overwintering shorebirds can be found
- Local specialities such as Black-crowned Tchagra and Plain Martin likely
- Led by an expert Naturetrek guide
Outline Itinerary
Reviews
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The birding and guiding in a variety of different biomes was amazing. To see 10% of the rare wild population of ibis. It was also great to get away in winter.
A. C, Essex, Feb '26 -
This was one of the best tours ever because of Martin’s vast knowledge and understanding of Morocco, its history ages its culture. For me it gave a real depth to the week as he could explain the social, economic and political context of the country, the geology, the biodiversity, which both my husband and I found fascinating. Having this knowledge shared generously, thoughtfully, intelligently, on every trip, meant the week was fascinating for me beyond the birds. His book was similarly excellent.
V. H, Somerset, Feb '25 -
This was a 2-site birding holiday to South Morocco in early December. The weather was fantastic, the hotels excellent, and we felt welcome everywhere we went. Our guide had explored the area in advance and was able to take us to a range of sites, just right for birdwatching. He also made sure everyone on the tour was able to see the birds, identifying them where necessary. All in all, a truly wonderful holiday.
P.H., London, Dec '25
Dates & Prices
2026
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
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.
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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!
