8 Day Morocco Birding Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech

Your 8 Day Morocco Birding Tour begins with a coastal drive from Casablanca to El Jadida, an old Portuguese town with a scenic shoreline. The drive is easy-going and provides opportunities for casual roadside birding along marshes, small lagoons, and agricultural plots where White Stork, Cattle Egret, and Stonechat are common.

In the afternoon, we explore the El Jadida coastline and nearby wetlands, checking for Black-winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Glossy Ibis, and seasonal migrants. Depending on timing, we may also spot some gull species like Audouin's Gull or Mediterranean Gull at the beach. Overnight stay in a charming riad in El Jadida.

We travel south along the coast to Oualidia, a premier wetland birding hotspot famous for its tidal lagoon and salt marshes. Here, we’ll spend the morning scanning for Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Spoonbill, Avocet, and various waders and terns. During migration periods, this area attracts thousands of shorebirds.

After lunch by the lagoon, we continue toward Essaouira, a breezy port town known for its coastal cliffs, island seabird colonies, and artistic charm. Along the drive, there’s a chance of seeing Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, or Zitting Cisticola. Evening birding along the town’s shoreline can offer views of Yellow-legged Gull and Sandwich Tern. Overnight in Essaouira.

We leave Essaouira and make our way to Tamri Estuary, the most reliable site in Morocco for the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis. Early morning is best, as the ibis often forage around the mouth of the river and nearby arid hillsides. You may also find Thekla Lark, Moussier’s Redstart, and Spotless Starling nearby.

After ample time in Tamri, we continue on to Agadir, arriving in time for a walk along the Oued Souss estuary, where Slender-billed Gull, Black-winged Stilt, and Grey Heron are often seen. The area also offers sightings of Common Bulbul and Laughing Dove in the town's green spaces. Overnight in Agadir.

Today is devoted to exploring Oued Massa, part of the Souss-Massa National Park. This fertile river valley is home to a dazzling variety of birds. We’ll search for Marbled Duck, Little Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Stone-curlew, and Common Kingfisher among the reed beds and irrigated fields.

We’ll also scan rocky outcrops for Black Wheatear, Trumpeter Finch, and possibly Thick-billed Lark. Depending on season, Squacco Heron and European Roller may also be found. After a full day’s exploration, we return to Agadir for another comfortable overnight stay.

Leaving the coast, we ascend into the Anti-Atlas, passing through argan and almond groves toward Taliouine, a saffron-producing town nestled between the mountains. Along the way, roadside birding may reveal House Bunting, Black Wheatear, and Little Owl perched on ruins.

By afternoon, we reach the rugged steppes around Boumalne Dades. The changing habitat introduces us to more arid-loving species such as Desert Lark, Red-rumped Wheatear, and White-crowned Wheatear. Overnight stay in a traditional kasbah or lodge in Boumalne.

This morning is spent on the Tagdilt Track, one of Morocco’s most sought-after birding destinations. This vast, stony plain is ideal for locating Thick-billed Lark, Temminck’s Lark, Cream-colored Courser, and Bar-tailed Lark. In spring, the area comes alive with activity from breeding birds and early migrants.

In the afternoon, we explore nearby gorges and fields for Little Owl, Moussier’s Redstart, and Tristram’s Warbler (depending on season). The combination of open plains and cultivated pockets gives us a well-rounded birding day. Overnight again in Boumalne Dades.

We leave the steppes behind and make our way northwest, passing Skoura’s palm groves and rising steadily into the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, short birding stops may reveal Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting, and Woodchat Shrike.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Oukaïmeden, a ski village situated over 2,600 meters high. Here, the air turns crisp and alpine birds become the new focus. Evening scouting around the lodge may produce Black Redstart, Atlas Horned Lark, or Rock Sparrow. Overnight in Oukaïmeden.

Our final morning is spent in the alpine landscapes of Oukaïmeden, searching for high-elevation specialties such as Crimson-winged Finch, Seebohm’s Wheatear, Alpine Chough, and Rock Thrush. Depending on season and snow levels, Ruddy Shelduck and Levaillant’s Woodpecker may also be found near the streamside poplars.

After lunch, we descend the scenic mountain road toward Marrakech, arriving either at your city hotel or Marrakech Menara Airport for evening departure. The tour concludes with an unforgettable collection of Moroccan birds and breathtaking scenery.