How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason. It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

11 Day Morocco Birding Tour

Arrival on
Casablanca
Departure from
Marrakech
Accomodation
3 - 5 ⭐ Hotels, Riads and Camps
Transportation
Private A/C 4x4 or Mini van

Overview

Itinerary

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Overview

Itinerary

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Map

Overview

This expertly designed 11 Day Morocco Birding Tour introduces you to one of the most ecologically diverse birding landscapes in North Africa. From Atlantic coastal estuaries to oak forests, highland lakes, arid steppes, towering dunes, and alpine passes each region offers a distinctive habitat and unique avifauna.

Your journey begins in coastal Rabat, winds through cedar forests, into the Sahara, and up into the High Atlas Mountains before ending in the cultural heart of Marrakech. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic species like Northern Bald Ibis, Desert Sparrow, Thick-billed Lark, and Crimson-winged Finch.

Highlights

Bird Zaïr Forest’s oak canopy for Levaillant’s Woodpecker & Booted Eagle
Scan Dayet Aoua’s lakeshore for Ferruginous Duck & Red-knobbed Coot
Explore Merzouga dunes for sandgrouse, warblers, and wheatears
Search Tagdilt Track for larks, coursers, and desert specialists
Ascend to Oukaïmeden for Crimson-winged Finch & alpine bird species
Discover the vast habitat shifts across Morocco in just 11 days

Day 1 :

Casablanca – Rabat

Upon arrival in Casablanca, you’ll be met and transferred along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. The short drive offers a gentle start to your adventure, with chances to glimpse coastal birds like Yellow-legged Gull, Zitting Cisticola, and Cattle Egret en route.

Depending on arrival time, there may be an optional late-afternoon walk in the Oudayas gardens or along the Bourgreg estuary, home to species such as Common Bulbul, Blackcap, and occasionally Sardinian Warbler. Overnight stay in Rabat.

Day 2 :

Rabat – Zaïr Forest – Rabat

Today, we head southeast to explore the Zaïr Forest, a rich woodland dominated by cork oaks and pines. This is an excellent location for Levaillant’s Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and African Blue Tit. Raptors such as Booted Eagle and Long-legged Buzzard are often seen gliding above the treetops.

The forest provides peaceful trails ideal for both visual spotting and bird calls. After a productive morning and early afternoon, we return to Rabat for a second night, possibly enjoying some coastal birding at dusk.

Day 3 :

Rabat – Dayet Aoua – Azrou

Departing Rabat, we travel inland toward the Middle Atlas, stopping at the picturesque Dayet Aoua Lake. Surrounded by meadows and woodlands, this shallow lake attracts a wide variety of species, including Red-knobbed Coot, Ferruginous Duck, Little Grebe, and occasionally Black-winged Stilt and Marsh Harrier.

From here, we continue toward Azrou, a highland town surrounded by majestic cedar forests, home to Barbary Macaques, Firecrest, African Chaffinch, and Hawfinch. An evening walk may yield sightings of Tawny Owl and Woodlark. Overnight in a cozy lodge in Azrou.

Day 4 :

Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Our 11 Day Morocco Birding Tour continues south, descending through the Cèdre Gouraud Forest, where we’ll keep watch for Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Rock Bunting. As we cross the high plateau near Midelt, semi-arid habitats begin to appear.

We then follow the Ziz River Valley, where we may encounter Blue Rock Thrush, Trumpeter Finch, and Bonelli’s Eagle. Arriving in Merzouga by sunset, the shifting dunes of Erg Chebbi welcome us to the desert. Overnight stay at a desert lodge at the edge of the dunes.

Day 05 :

Merzouga – Erg Chebbi & Dayet Srji – Merzouga

A full day around Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco’s premier birding hotspots. Early morning light reveals Bar-tailed Lark, Hoopoe Lark, and White-crowned Wheatear. In winter and spring, the Dayet Srji seasonal lake fills with waterfowl like Ruddy Shelduck, Greater Flamingo, Kentish Plover, and sometimes Marbled Duck.

Tamarisk groves near the dunes attract Fulvous Babbler, Desert Warbler, and Spectacled Warbler. Birding continues into the golden evening as we return to our lodge in Merzouga for a second night.

Day 06 :

Merzouga – Hamada Plains – Merzouga

Today is devoted to the wide hamada plains and rocky tracks near Merzouga. These stony deserts are ideal for Desert Sparrow, Thick-billed Lark, Temminck’s Lark, and various sandgrouse species including Crowned and Spotted Sandgrouse, often seen flying to desert wells.

We’ll visit desert oases where Brown-necked Raven, Lanner Falcon, and African Desert Warbler may appear. A culturally enriching encounter with local nomads is possible along the way. Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 07 :

Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Boumalne Dades

We leave the Sahara and journey west toward the striking Todra Gorge. This towering canyon is ideal for Bonelli’s Eagle, Crag Martin, Tristram’s Warbler, and Blue Rock Thrush. A picnic lunch in the gorge allows time to enjoy both landscape and birdlife.

By afternoon, we reach Boumalne Dades, nestled between desert and mountains. The nearby semi-arid plains hold promise for tomorrow’s birding. Overnight stay in Boumalne Dades.

Day 08 :

Boumalne – Tagdilt Track – Boumalne

A full morning on the famous Tagdilt Track, a dry rocky plateau rich in steppe and desert birds. Top targets include Red-rumped Wheatear, Thick-billed Lark, Cream-colored Courser, Desert Lark, and Trumpeter Finch.

In the afternoon, we explore local wadis and orchards where we may find Little Owl, Sardinian Warbler, and Moussier’s Redstart. With excellent photography opportunities and a wide range of species, this is a day that birders often remember fondly. Overnight in Boumalne.

Day 09 :

Boumalne – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Oukaïmeden

We travel northwest through ever-changing landscapes, ascending into the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stops along the route provide chances for Long-legged Buzzard, Moussier’s Redstart, and migrating warblers depending on the season.

By late afternoon, we reach Oukaïmeden, a high-altitude resort surrounded by alpine terrain. As the sun sets behind the snowy peaks, the cold mountain air sets the scene for tomorrow’s highland birding. Overnight in a mountain lodge in Oukaïmeden.

Day 10 :

Oukaïmeden – High Atlas Birding

A full day exploring the alpine habitats of Oukaïmeden. These slopes and scree fields are home to Crimson-winged Finch, Horned Lark, Alpine Chough, Black Redstart, and Rock Sparrow. We may also find Seebohm’s Wheatear (a subspecies of Northern Wheatear) and Ruddy Shelduck in nearby streams.

Walks along the ski lift ridges offer panoramic views and excellent birding. Depending on the season, flowering meadows attract butterflies and seasonal breeders. Final overnight in Oukaïmeden.

Day 11 :

Oukaïmeden – Marrakech Airport

After breakfast, we descend from the High Atlas toward Marrakech, with a possible birding stop in the Ourika Valley, known for Levaillant’s Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, and African Blue Tit. The lush valley contrasts beautifully with the dry country we've just crossed.We continue to Marrakech Menara Airport for departure. The tour ends with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s magnificent landscapes

11 Day Morocco Birding Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech

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