Morocco Birding Tour

Upon your arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by a representative from Morocco Meander. Easily identifiable by their “Morocco Meander” sign, they will be there to assist you. Your comfort and convenience are our priority, as we will provide round-trip transportation between the airport and your chosen accommodation. After settling in, you can spend the night in Casablanca, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling metropolis.

We journey north for the day, beginning with a visit to Lac Sidi Bourghaba, where we’ll search the shores and the Atlantic Ocean for terns, gulls, any passing skuas, and Balearic Shearwater. Next, we’ll proceed to Merdja Zerga, meaning “Blue Lagoon.” This expansive saltwater lagoon is filled with waders such as godwits, Greenshank, and Redshank, as well as resident ducks and flamingos. Currently, the marshes are one of only two locations in North Africa where the endemic African Marsh Owl can be found. You will spend the night in Rabat.

We’ll set off early in the morning, heading southeast towards the royal hunting grounds of Zaers. Our early start will give us the best chance to encounter one of Morocco’s most elusive birds, the Double-spurred Francolin. This highly endangered subspecies finds refuge in the unique Cork-oak woodland of this region. As we explore this diverse habitat, we may also spot other fascinating birds like the striking Black-shouldered Kite, the distinctive Long-legged Buzzard, the charming African Blue Tit, and the vocal Black-crowned Tchagra.

Additionally, we can expect to see common species such as the Sardinian Warbler and the European Serin. We’ll conclude our day in the charming town of Azrou, where we’ll spend the night and recharge for our next adventure.

We’ll head southeast, initially focusing on spotting the Lesser Kestrel. Our journey will then take us to the Middle Atlas, where we’ll search for the unique Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker and the striking Ruddy Shelduck. In the Cedar woodlands, we might encounter the Wood Lark, the tiny Firecrest, and distinct local races of the Great Spotted Woodpecker and Coal Tit. We may also have the chance to see the playful Barbary Apes and the elusive Atlas Flycatcher. Next, we’ll venture to the Zaida Plain, renowned worldwide as one of the best places to observe the elusive Dupont’s Lark.

This hardy high-plains bird expertly camouflages itself among the tussocks. We can also expect to see common species like Seebohm’s Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Red-rumped Wheatear, Black-Bellied Sandgrouse, Spectacled Warbler, Thekla Lark, and Short-toed Lark. We’ll spend the night in Zaida, ready for more exciting birdwatching adventures.

We’ll journey south along the Oued Ziz River, passing through historic, earth-walled towns and lush date palm plantations. As we traverse this arid landscape, we’ll keep a sharp eye out for the elusive Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, a migratory bird that should soon return to breed in the area. We may also spot majestic Lanner and Barbary Falcons soaring through the skies.

Our final destination is a traditional “Kasbah” hotel in the remote desert oasis of Merzouga. Here, we’ll spend two nights immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Erg Chebbi dunes, Morocco’s largest and most stunning sand dune system. This area serves as a vital migratory corridor for countless bird species, including the Wryneck, European Bee-eater, and Melodious Warbler, as they make their way north across the Sahara Desert.

One of the most exciting parts of our trip is our 4×4 excursion into the vast Sahara Desert. This arid landscape is home to a diverse range of desert-adapted birds, such as larks, wheatears, and sandgrouse. We’ll depart early in the morning to search for the elusive Egyptian Nightjar, a rare nocturnal bird found in the desert near Merzouga. While we’ve been fortunate to spot this bird in recent years, its unpredictable nature means there’s no guarantee of a sighting.

We may also encounter other fascinating desert birds like the Hoopoe Lark, Maghreb Crested Lark, African Desert Warbler, and Brown-necked Raven. Additionally, we hope to spot the declining Desert Sparrow, a beautiful bird that’s facing pressure from the increasing population of House Sparrows. I

f we’re lucky, we might even glimpse the rare Houbara Bustard. However, sightings of this bird are becoming increasingly rare in Morocco. If recent winter rains have created temporary lakes in the desert, we’ll take the opportunity to explore these ephemeral wetlands. These watery havens attract a variety of migratory birds, including Greater Flamingos and Coots, creating a stunning spectacle against the backdrop of the towering dunes. We’ll also keep an eye out for Spotted Sandgrouse, Cream-colored Coursers, and Hoopoe Larks, which often perform aerial displays.

After a thrilling morning in the desert, we’ll return to the hotel for lunch. Those who wish can relax and enjoy the stunning sunset over Erg Chebbi. In the afternoon, we’ll visit some nearby cliffs, where we’ve previously had the privilege of observing the majestic Pharaoh Eagle Owl and the agile Barbary Falcon. We may also encounter Crowned and Spotted Sandgrouse in the local scrubland.

We’ll spend the night in Merzouga, ready for our next adventure.

We’ll take a leisurely stroll around our desert accommodation before bidding farewell to the dunes. Our journey will then lead us west to Goulmima, where we’ll make a few stops at Arnoud’s secret birding spots. Here, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the elusive Streaked Scrub Warbler and the lively Fulvous Babbler. Our next destination is the breathtaking Toudgha Gorge, a natural wonder with towering pink granite cliffs. This is a prime breeding ground for Alpine Swifts, Crag Martins, and Rock Buntings.

We’ll also be on the lookout for the majestic Bonelli’s Eagle soaring through the skies. We’ll make another attempt to spot the rare Tristram’s Warbler in the vicinity. The Tagdilt, a high-altitude desert plateau at around 1,600 meters, is a birder’s paradise. Here, we may encounter the Atlas Long-legged Buzzard, Cream-colored Courser, and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. We’ll also keep our eyes peeled for the rarer Crowned and Spotted Sandgrouse. The Tagdilt is also home to a variety of larks, including the delicate Bar-tailed Lark, the distinctive Temminck’s Horned Lark, and the robust Thick-billed Lark.

We may also hear the melancholic song of the Desert Wheatear and the unique whistle of the Red-rumped Wheatear. We’ll spend the night in the charming town of Boumalne du Dades.

Today, we’ll set off on a long journey westward to the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Our route will take us through the enchanting Rose Valley, a picturesque region renowned for its rose production. As we wind our way through the valley, we’ll have opportunities to spot various bird species, including migrating White and Yellow Wagtails, the latter often belonging to the Iberian subspecies. Keep an eye out for the striking Moroccan White Wagtail as well. The riverbed also attracts wading birds like Green and Common Sandpipers.

We’ll make a couple of stops near Ouarzazate to search for larks and get our first glimpses of the Trumpeter Finch and White-crowned Black Wheatear. With a bit of luck, we may even encounter the elusive Western Mourning Wheatear, a rare and challenging bird to find in Morocco. As we ascend towards the mountain pass, we’ll explore the low maquis-like scrub, a favored habitat for Tristram’s Warblers. This distinctive warbler is another challenging endemic species of northwest Africa. Soaring above the pass, we’ll have a chance to spot the impressive North African Raven. Along the way, we may also encounter the elegant Black-eared Wheatear. Our final destination for the day is the serene Ourika Valley, where we’ll spend the night and rest before our next adventure.

As we ascend the mountain route to the ski resort of Oukaimeden (at 2,600 meters), we’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery. But keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and beautiful Moussier’s Redstart. The higher slopes are home to the endemic Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, along with other stunning birds like the Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart, Rock Bunting, and Red-billed Chough.

Near the snowline, we’ll search for the vibrant Crimson-winged Finch, as well as Seebohm’s Wheatear, Shore Lark, Rock Sparrow, Water Pipit, and both Red-billed and Alpine Choughs. Other notable species in this high-altitude environment include the Atlas Horned Lark, Black Wheatear, Golden Eagle, and possibly the Alpine Accentor. As we explore, we’ll likely see groups of Alpine Choughs soaring overhead. We’ll spend the night in the charming city of Taroudant.

We’ll begin our day by observing a few bird species in Taroudant, keeping an eye out for the swift flight of Little and Pallid Swifts above the town. We’ll then embark on a scenic drive through the fertile Sous Valley, known for its lush scrub thickets and citrus orchards. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to search for various bird species, including larks and wheatears.

We may also encounter other fascinating birds like European Rollers, Black-shouldered Kites, soaring Black Kites, and colorful European Bee-eaters perched on roadside wires. Throughout the day, we’ll take advantage of opportunities to observe migrating passerines, raptors, waders, or storks. We’ll conclude our day in the coastal city of Agadir, where we’ll spend the night.

We’ll start early to reach the Atlantic coast in time. Our morning will be dedicated to exploring the Sous Massa National Park, a crucial habitat for the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis, one of the rarest birds on Earth. We’ll have the privilege of observing this unique bird population up close, appreciating their delicate beauty. As we wander along the water’s edge, we’ll keep an eye out for secretive Squacco and Purple Herons lurking in the undergrowth. The distinctive calls of Black-crowned Tchagras will guide us through the dense cover.

The diverse birdlife of this area includes Marbled Ducks, Marsh Harriers, Ospreys, Black-shouldered Kites, Glossy Ibises, Purple Herons, Ruddy Shelducks, and Plain Martins. We’ll also search for a variety of warblers, including Savi’s, Western Olivaceous, and Moustached Warblers, as well as Zitting Cisticolas, Great Spotted Cuckoos, Pallid Swifts, Red-rumped Swallows, Common Bulbuls, and Spotless Starlings. We’ll even venture to a small river where we’ve previously spotted the elusive Brown-throated (Plain) Martin. We’ll spend the night in Agadir, recharging for our next adventure.

We’ll set off early in the morning and head north to Cap Rhir. Here, we’ll scan the sea for marine birds like shearwaters and skuas. Our next stop will be Oued Tamri, a significant site for the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis. We’ll have the opportunity to observe one of the largest colonies of these birds in the world. This will be a highlight of the tour, as these fascinating birds often allow close approach by vehicles, providing excellent photo opportunities.

In addition to the ibis, we hope to encounter other species like Audouin’s Gull, Zitting Cisticola, Barbary Partridge, Moussier’s Redstart, and possibly Little or Spotted Crake. Along the way to Essaouira, we’ll make several stops to explore various habitats. The beaches will be teeming with gulls, primarily Lesser Black-backed Gulls of two distinct races, as well as Audouin’s and Yellow-legged Gulls. We’ll spend the night in the coastal town of Essaouira.

The island of Mogador, just off the coast of Morocco, boasts some of the largest, if not the largest, colonies of Eleonora’s Falcons in the world. To witness these magnificent birds, it’s crucial to time your visit during their residency period, which typically spans from late April to October. These falcons can be observed along the coastline, all the way down to the mouth of the Oued Ksob at the southern end of the bay.

During your visit, you may also encounter other intriguing bird species such as Moussier’s Redstart, Barbary Partridge, Rock Bunting, Common Bulbul, Masked Wagtail, and African Chaffinch. Conclude your day in the bustling city of Casablanca, where you’ll spend the night.

We will arrange transportation to Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. Morocco Meander Agency thanks you for your visit and hopes to welcome you back to Morocco soon!

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