12 Days birdwatching Tour from Agadir

Our 12 Days birdwatching Tour from Agadir begins by heading north of Agadir along a breathtaking stretch of Atlantic coastline. We explore Cap Rhir’s rocky shores and continue to the Tamri Estuary, the most reliable site for the endangered Northern Bald Ibis. Here, we watch these distinctive birds forage along the cliffs, accompanied by Barbary Falcon, Moussier’s Redstart, and migrating shorebirds.

The estuary’s surrounding wetlands and dunes also offer Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Squacco Heron. We take time to enjoy the coastal vistas and calm birding pace before returning to Agadir for a comfortable evening, energized by the first sightings of the trip.

We travel south of Agadir to Oued Massa, a lush river valley offering rich biodiversity in reeds, tamarisk groves, and agricultural land. This is prime habitat for Black-crowned Tchagra, Marbled Duck, Little Bittern, and Plain Martin. We may also see Brown-throated Martin and Eurasian Hoopoe along irrigation channels.

In the afternoon, we explore the tidal estuary of Oued Souss, where Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Curlew, and Audouin’s Gull can be seen in good numbers. With coastal light perfect for birding and photography, it’s a rewarding day in Morocco’s most dynamic wetland zones.

A full day is dedicated to the arid ecosystems of Sous Massa National Park. This unique reserve encompasses dry riverbeds, sandy plains, and acacia-dotted scrubland. Here we search for Cream-coloured Courser, Thick-billed Lark, and Desert Wheatear. In spring, Spectacled Warblers and Woodchat Shrikes are active throughout the scrub.

Occasional pools attract Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, and Eurasian Coot. As we explore quieter paths, the tranquility allows for excellent sightings and long views over the coast. We return to Agadir with a deeper understanding of Morocco’s dryland avifauna.

On the fourth day of our 12 Days birdwatching Tour from Agadir, we leave the Atlantic coast behind and drive inland toward the majestic High Atlas Mountains. The journey offers a scenic transition from arid plains to forested foothills and alpine valleys. We make birding stops along the way for Levaillant’s Woodpecker, African Blue Tit, and Tristram’s Warbler in oak and juniper woods.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Oukaïmeden, Morocco’s premier alpine birding site. The setting is spectacular, nestled among rugged peaks and snow-fed meadows. We prepare for a night at altitude, with tomorrow’s targets promising exceptional highland species.

We spend the full day birding in the alpine environment around Oukaïmeden. Here, we scan rocky slopes and boulder fields for the elusive Crimson-winged Finch, a high-altitude North African endemic. Alpine Chough and Red-billed Chough whirl overhead, while Rock Sparrow, Horned Lark, and Alpine Accentor move along grassy ridges.

Snow patches and streambeds attract White-throated Dipper and Water Pipit. This is also a chance to find Seebohm’s Wheatear, a distinctive Atlas subspecies. The scenery is grand, the air is fresh, and the birding is world-class.

We descend from the High Atlas and journey east through stark yet beautiful terrain toward the Dades Valley. The route offers dramatic landscapes and possible sightings of Black Wheatear, Thekla Lark, and migrating shrikes along the road.

By afternoon, we arrive at Boumalne Dades, a gateway to desert habitats. Our lodge near the Tagdilt Track allows for evening exploration of this semi-desert zone. We enjoy a relaxed dinner in preparation for a full desert birding experience.

Today we explore the legendary Tagdilt Track. This stony, treeless plain is home to sought-after desert specialists like Temminck’s Lark, Thick-billed Lark, and Bar-tailed Lark. Sandgrouse species such as Crowned and Spotted may appear in small groups flying to water.

We also keep an eye out for Red-rumped Wheatear, Long-legged Buzzard, and White-crowned Wheatear. The morning light and open terrain provide excellent photography and observation conditions before returning to our lodge for a restful evening.

We travel deeper into the Moroccan desert, heading toward the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. En route, we continue OUR 12 Days birdwatching Tour from Agadir, Cream-coloured Courser, and Desert Lark. The landscape becomes increasingly arid and remote.

Upon arrival at Merzouga, we settle into a desert lodge. The dunes glow gold at sunset as we spot Desert Sparrow, Fulvous Babbler, and Trumpeter Finch in the surrounding vegetation. A peaceful desert evening awaits.

We start early to make the most of the cool morning air. The wide plains, tamarisk patches, and dunes reveal Greater Hoopoe-Lark, African Desert Warbler, and the striking Thick-billed Lark. These desert birds are often active around scattered vegetation and sandy hollows.

As the day warms, we explore watering points where sandgrouse—Spotted, Crowned, and occasionally Lichtenstein’s may arrive. This is a pure desert birding experience, offering sightings unique to the Saharan environment.

Today we shift focus to the Sahara’s lesser-known wildlife. During early morning and late evening, we quietly search for desert foxes, jerboas, and hedgehogs around rocky slopes and dunes. Fennec Fox, if spotted, is a special reward.

We also enjoy relaxed birding during the day and take time to appreciate the desert’s peace and silence. At night, we may venture out for a brief spotlighting session under the brilliant Milky Way sky.

Leaving the Sahara, we begin our return westward toward Ouarzazate. The route passes through palm oases, barren hills, and desert valleys. This changing terrain offers final chances to spot desert larks, wheatears, and occasional raptors like Booted Eagle.

Ouarzazate offers a refreshing break and a comfortable overnight stay. This former caravan town and film center gives us a glimpse of southern Moroccan culture as we prepare to complete our circle back to Agadir.

On our final day, we complete the 12 Days birdwatching Tour from Agadir back to Agadir. The drive allows us to revisit familiar habitats and reflect on the incredible diversity of landscapes we’ve passed—coast, mountain, and desert.

We may spot last-minute birds en route, such as Black Kite or Short-toed Snake Eagle, before returning to Agadir for departure or overnight.