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Morocco Birdwatching Tour – 10-Day / 9-Night Itinerary
Embark on a spectacular 10-Day / 9-Night Morocco Birdwatching Tour designed for bird lovers who want to explore the country’s richest habitats and observe Morocco’s most iconic species. This private birding holiday combines the High Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, the Tagdilt plains, lush oases, and the Atlantic wetlands of Souss-Massa — offering one of the most complete Morocco birding itineraries available.
Guided by an expert specializing in species identification, you will experience a wide range of ecosystems and enjoy excellent opportunities to observe desert larks, mountain species, raptors, waterbirds, and the endangered Northern Bald Ibis. This private birdwatching tour in Morocco blends nature, culture, and adventure, creating a remarkable journey through landscapes that are as diverse as the birdlife they shelter.
Ready to Plan Your Morocco Birdwatching Tour?
Tell us your ideal travel dates and interests, and we’ll tailor this 10-day Morocco birdwatching tour just for you. Travel with a private driver, expert birding guide, and a flexible, comfortable itinerary designed around the best birding spots in Morocco.
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Why Choose This Morocco Birdwatching Tour?
This professionally designed itinerary offers unmatched birding diversity in just 10 days:
- Explore mountain, desert, wetland, oasis, and coastal habitats
- Travel with a birding guide who knows species behaviour and identification
- Visit Morocco’s top birdwatching sites: Tagdilt Track, Merzouga, Ouarzazate wetlands & Souss-Massa
- Observe species found nowhere else in North Africa
- Enjoy a carefully paced, immersive Morocco birdwatching holiday
Ideal for both beginners and advanced birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Tour Highlights
- Private, expertly guided Morocco birdwatching tour
- High Atlas birding around Ouirgane National Park
- Steppe and desert specialists on the legendary Tagdilt Track
- Sahara desert birding around Erg Chebbi
- Waterbirds at Ouarzazate and seasonal desert lakes
- Northern Bald Ibis experience at Souss-Massa National Park
- Traditional markets, oases, and Berber culture
- Private transport and flexible pacing throughout
Detailed Morocco Birding Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel located in the city. After check-in and some time to refresh, the rest of the day is at your leisure. If your flight arrives in the morning and time permits, you can enjoy a gentle introduction to Morocco by exploring the vibrant medina of Marrakech. Wander through its narrow, atmospheric streets and colourful souks, where stalls are filled with spices, traditional crafts, textiles, and everyday life scenes. This is also a good opportunity to begin noticing some of the common urban bird species around gardens and rooftops, such as the lively Common Bulbul or House Bunting.
As the afternoon turns into evening, make your way to the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, the beating heart of Marrakech. Here you can soak up the unique atmosphere with storytellers, musicians, small food stalls, and the constant movement of locals and visitors. You may wish to enjoy a relaxed dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, watching the lights come on and the square transform after dark. This easy first day allows you to rest after your journey while already experiencing the charm and energy of Marrakech.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2 – Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, you will depart Marrakech and head south toward the tranquil foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Within just an hour, the landscapes begin to shift from the lively city to serene valleys filled with olive groves, juniper forests, and quiet rural villages. Your destination today is the Ouirgane National Park, a beautiful region well known for its peaceful walking trails and diverse birdlife.
As you explore the forests and open hillsides, your guide will help you search for several key species commonly found in this habitat. Among the highlights are Levaillant’s Woodpecker, African Blue Tit, Moussier’s Redstart, Cirl Bunting, Black Wheatear, and Barbary Partridge, all of which thrive in this mountain environment. Raptors such as Long-legged Buzzard or Booted Eagle may also be seen circling above.
The day includes gentle nature walks through red-earth valleys, orchards, and aromatic pine forests, offering an excellent opportunity to enjoy both birdwatching and the natural beauty of the region. Traditional Berber villages dot the landscape, and you may observe rural life unfolding at a relaxed pace. Weather in the mountains is generally cooler and fresher than in the city, making this a comfortable and rewarding day on foot. In the late afternoon, you will settle into your accommodation in the Ouirgane or Imlil area, surrounded by mountain views and the peaceful sounds of nature.
Overnight in Ouirgane or Imlil area.
Day 3 – High Atlas → Tizi n’Tichka → Ouarzazate Wetlands
After breakfast, you will begin a scenic journey across the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, traveling through winding roads and ever-changing landscapes as you climb toward the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest paved pass in Morocco. Along the way, you will enjoy several birding stops at different elevations, where your guide will help you search for high-altitude specialists. This region is known for species such as Atlas Horned Lark, Rock Sparrow, Barbary Partridge, Red-billed Chough, and, with some luck, the elusive Crimson-winged Finch—a prized sighting for bird enthusiasts.
The drive continues through striking scenery of rocky ridges, terraced fields, and small mountain villages before descending toward the warmer, open landscapes of Ouarzazate. After lunch, you will visit the Ouarzazate wetlands and reservoir, one of the most important wintering sites for migratory birds in southern Morocco. Here, large numbers of waterbirds gather at this time of year, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Common sightings include Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, and various species of sandpipers, herons, and raptors such as Marsh Harrier and Osprey.
This relaxing afternoon of birding provides a strong contrast to the morning’s mountain species, greatly enriching the diversity of your trip’s sightings. As the sun sets over the Anti-Atlas foothills, you will transfer to your accommodation in Ouarzazate.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 4 – Ouarzazate → Boumalne Dades → Tagdilt Track
After breakfast, you will depart Ouarzazate and travel east toward the wide, open landscapes of Boumalne Dades, one of Morocco’s most renowned birding regions. As you move farther from the city, the scenery becomes increasingly arid, with vast stony plains and dramatic rock formations characteristic of the pre-Saharan plateau. This environment is home to several highly sought-after desert species, making it an exciting day for keen birdwatchers.
Upon reaching Boumalne Dades, you will spend the afternoon exploring the legendary Tagdilt Track, a hotspot famed among birders for its remarkable concentration of steppe and desert birds. Your guide will lead you through the gravel plains and open plateaus in search of iconic species such as Temminck’s Lark, Thick-billed Lark, Bar-tailed Lark, Red-rumped Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, and the elegant Cream-coloured Courser. With patience and a bit of luck, you may also encounter Hoopoe Lark, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Long-legged Buzzard, or even Lanner Falcon patrolling the skies.
The Tagdilt region offers long, uninterrupted views, making it ideal for spotting distant movement and observing natural behaviour without disturbance. The afternoon light creates beautiful colors across the plateau, adding to the exceptional atmosphere of this remote area. After a rewarding birding session, you will continue to your hotel in Boumalne Dades, where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s explorations.
Overnight in Boumalne Dades.
Day 5 – Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, you will set out toward one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural sites: the Todra Gorge. Rising sharply from the valley floor, these towering limestone cliffs create a unique habitat that supports a variety of mountain and cliff-dwelling birds. As you walk through the gorge and its surrounding rocky slopes, your guide will help you look for species such as Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting, Tristram’s Warbler, and the agile Crag Martin. Raptors are also frequently observed here, including Bonelli’s Eagle and Barbary Falcon, which may be seen soaring overhead in search of prey. The combination of dramatic scenery and excellent birding makes this a particularly memorable morning.
After enjoying the gorge, the journey continues toward the Sahara, with landscapes shifting gradually from mountain valleys to wide, open desert plains. As you approach Merzouga, the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi come into view—a breathtaking sight. Before reaching your lodge or desert camp, you will stop for birding at palm groves and irrigated fields where species such as Desert Sparrow, African Desert Warbler, Brown-necked Raven, and White-crowned Wheatear are often found. The late-afternoon light around the dunes is ideal for observing movement and spotting silhouettes against the sand.
You will arrive at your accommodation in time to enjoy a peaceful evening in the desert, surrounded by vast open skies and remarkable silence.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert Lodge or Desert Camp.
Day 6 – Full Birdwatching in Merzouga & Dayet Srij Lake
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the extraordinary birdlife of the Sahara around Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco’s richest desert birding areas. After an early breakfast, you will set off with your guide to explore the hamada plains, dune edges, and tamarisk zones where many desert specialists thrive. This region offers some of the most exciting sightings of the entire trip. Key species include Desert Sparrow, African Desert Warbler, Hoopoe Lark, Dunn’s Lark (occasionally), White-crowned Wheatear, Tristram’s Warbler, Brown-necked Raven, and groups of Spotted Sandgrouse or Crowned Sandgrouse flying in at speed. With careful searching, you may also encounter the elusive Egyptian Nightjar, which hides remarkably well during the day.
A highlight of the winter season is Dayet Srij, the seasonal lake west of Merzouga. When water is present, this lake becomes a magnet for migratory and wintering waterbirds. Species often recorded include Greater Flamingo, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-necked Grebe, Kentish Plover, Grey Heron, and various waders and ducks. The contrast of shimmering water against towering dunes creates an unforgettable backdrop for birdwatching.
Throughout the day, you will enjoy several short walks across varying desert habitats, giving you a deep appreciation for the biodiversity and resilience of life in the Sahara. As the sun lowers, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi glow intensely—an ideal time for photography and final observations. You will return to your lodge or camp for a peaceful evening under the star-filled desert sky.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert Lodge or Desert Camp.
Day 7 – Merzouga → Rissani → Draa Valley → Agdz
After breakfast in the desert, you will begin your journey westward, leaving the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi behind as you enter a landscape shaped by palm groves, ancient caravan routes, and fertile river valleys. Your first stop is Rissani, a traditional Saharan town known for its lively souk and surrounding oases. The palm groves here offer excellent birding opportunities, especially in the early hours. With your guide, you will explore the orchards and irrigation channels in search of species such as Fulvous Babbler, Laughing Dove, Saharan Olivaceous Warbler, Desert Lark, and the melodic Common Bulbul. The shaded groves are also a good place to spot Bee-eaters (seasonal) and various warblers moving through the trees.
Continuing south, the road leads you along the Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s most beautiful and ecologically important river systems. This ribbon of life running through the desert supports an incredible variety of birds. As you travel, you will make several stops to walk through palm oases and cultivated fields where species such as Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (seasonal), Black-winged Kite, Laughing Dove, African Swamphen (in wetter areas), Cattle Egret, and Grey Shrike may be observed. Raptors such as Short-toed Snake Eagle or Long-legged Buzzard are sometimes seen patrolling the valley edges.
The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Agdz, a peaceful town nestled beneath reddish mountains and surrounded by one of the largest palm groves in Morocco. Here, you can enjoy a relaxed evening, with time to review your sightings list and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the oasis.
Overnight in Agdz.
Day 8 – Agdz → Anti-Atlas Mountains → Taroudant
After breakfast, you will depart Agdz and continue westward through the rugged and beautifully remote Anti-Atlas Mountains. This region offers a striking change in scenery, with dramatic rocky ridges, deep valleys, and small Amazigh villages nestled along dry riverbeds. Throughout the morning, you will make several birding stops in these semi-arid mountain environments, where your guide will help you search for species adapted to harsher, rocky habitats. Typical sightings may include Black Wheatear, Moussier’s Redstart, Rock Bunting, Barbary Partridge, House Bunting, and Trumpeter Finch. Raptors such as Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, or Barbary Falcon may also be observed soaring over the cliffs.
As you descend into the Souss plain, the landscape opens up into a patchwork of farms, citrus orchards, and argan tree forests. This area provides excellent opportunities for observing species such as Little Owl, Black-winged Kite, Stone-curlew, and Crested Lark. The Souss region is also known for its healthy populations of Laughing Dove and European Turtle Dove (seasonal), which thrive around agricultural zones.
By early afternoon, you will arrive in Taroudant, a charming, lesser-known city often referred to as “Little Marrakech” for its historic walls and lively markets. Before reaching your accommodation, you may enjoy a gentle walk around the outskirts of the town, where open fields and orchards attract Cattle Egret, White Stork (seasonal), Maghreb Magpie, and numerous small passerines. The calmer atmosphere of Taroudant makes it an ideal place to unwind after a full day of exploration.
Overnight in Taroudant.
Day 9 – Taroudant → Souss-Massa National Park → Marrakech
After an early breakfast, you will leave Taroudant and make your way toward the Atlantic coast to explore the exceptional Souss-Massa National Park, one of Morocco’s most important birdwatching reserves. This unique protected area combines estuaries, dunes, wetlands, and coastal cliffs, creating ideal conditions for a rich diversity of species. Most notably, Souss-Massa is home to the world’s largest remaining population of the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis, one of the rarest birds on Earth. Your guide will lead you to the best viewing sites for this remarkable species, offering excellent chances of observing their behaviour at close but respectful distances.
In addition to the Bald Ibis, the park supports an impressive range of coastal and wetland birds. Common sightings include Grey Heron, Little Egret, Eurasian Spoonbill, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Greenshank, and a variety of sandpipers and waders feeding along the shoreline. Offshore, you may observe Audouin’s Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Sandwich Tern diving for fish. The park’s scrublands and dunes also attract Zitting Cisticola, Crested Lark, Black-crowned Tchagra, and occasionally Black-shouldered Kite hunting over open fields.
After a rewarding morning in the reserve, you will begin the drive back to Marrakech, enjoying the changing landscape as you leave the coast and re-enter the foothills of the High Atlas. Arriving in Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening, you will check into your hotel near the airport and have free time to relax or enjoy a final stroll in the city.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 10 – Departure
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport at the appropriate time for your departing flight. Depending on your schedule, you may enjoy a final quiet moment at your hotel or a short walk nearby before saying farewell to the Red City.
As your journey comes to an end, we sincerely hope you have enjoyed this unforgettable 10-day birdwatching adventure—discovering Morocco’s mountains, deserts, oases, wetlands, and coastline, each offering its own unique beauty and birdlife. It has been our pleasure to guide you through the country’s most remarkable natural habitats.
Goodbye Morocco, and we hope you enjoyed your trip with us.
Inclusions
- 9 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- 7 dinners (none in Marrakech)
- Private transport throughout the tour
- English-speaking private driver
- Expert birdwatching guide for 8 days
- Airport transfers
- Camel ride in the Sahara
- All birdwatching walks and activities mentioned
- Bottled water during travel
- Local taxes and fees
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners in Marrakech
- Drinks (soft drinks or alcohol)
- Tips for guide, driver, hotels
- Entrance fees not specified
- Optional activities
Best Time for This Morocco Birdwatching Tour
The ideal period for this Morocco birdwatching tour is January to February, when:
- Wetlands host peak wintering species
- Desert temperatures are mild
- Raptors and resident species are active
- Visibility is excellent for photography
Book Your Morocco Birdwatching Holiday
Ready to explore Morocco’s most remarkable bird habitats?
Contact us to customize your private Morocco birdwatching tour and secure your travel dates.
FAQ – Morocco Birdwatching Tour
Q1. Is this Morocco birdwatching tour private or in a group?
This is a fully private birdwatching tour in Morocco, with your own driver and expert birding guide. We can adapt the pace and daily schedule to your interests.
Q2. How difficult are the walks?
Most walks are easy to moderate, on flat or gently uneven ground. There is no technical hiking. This tour is suitable for travellers who are comfortable walking several times a day at a relaxed pace.
Q3. How many bird species can we expect to see?
Depending on the season and conditions, it is realistic to see between 120 and 170 species across the full itinerary, including desert, mountain, wetland, and coastal birds.
Q4. Can you adapt the itinerary or shorten/extend the tour?
Yes. This Morocco birding itinerary can be fully customized. We can add extra nights, adjust the regions visited, or adapt it to your flights and interests.
Q5. What is the best time of year for this birdwatching holiday?
The itinerary is especially designed for January and February, when wetlands are full of wintering birds, desert temperatures are comfortable, and bird activity is high.
Q6. Do you also organize non-birding activities for my partner?
Of course. We can combine birdwatching with cultural visits, local markets, food experiences, and light sightseeing, so both birders and non-birders enjoy the trip.
Start Your Morocco Birding Holiday Today
Whether you are an experienced birder or just beginning, this private birdwatching tour in Morocco offers an unforgettable mix of rare species, desert landscapes, and authentic local experiences. Share your preferred dates and group size, and we’ll do the rest.