10 Day Birding Journey From Agadir

We begin our 10 Day Birding Journey From Agadir north of Agadir along Morocco’s stunning Atlantic coastline. Cap Rhir and the cliffs near Tamri are critical habitat for the Northern Bald Ibis, often seen gliding overhead or foraging near the estuary. Other likely species include Moussier’s Redstart, Barbary Falcon, and Audouin’s Gull.

The Tamri Estuary also provides shelter for gulls, terns, and waders, and offers a scenic location to begin our Moroccan birding experience. After a full day of observation, we return to Agadir for dinner and rest.

A full day focused on wetlands and riparian habitats. At Oued Massa, we’ll search for Black-crowned Tchagra, Marbled Duck, Little Bittern, Glossy Ibis, and various reed-dwelling warblers. The quiet countryside and irrigation channels provide excellent conditions for prolonged observation.

Later, we visit the tidal flats of Oued Souss where species such as Greater Flamingo, Kentish Plover, and Caspian Tern are common. Waders and gulls congregate here in large numbers, especially during migration. We return to Agadir for the night.

Today is devoted to Sous Massa National Park, a mosaic of dunes, scrub, farmland, and wetlands. This protected area hosts Stone-curlew, Spectacled Warbler, Cream-colored Courser, and sometimes Thick-billed Lark.

The park’s biodiversity is one of the highest in the region, and the variety of habitats allows for both wetland and dry-country birding. The day also allows for slower exploration, photography, and perhaps a picnic among the dunes before returning to the city.

We leave the coast behind and head inland toward the Anti-Atlas foothills and Taliouine, a small town known for saffron and surrounding steppe. Along the way, we stop for roadside birding to look for Black Wheatear, Tristram’s Warbler, and Barbary Partridge.After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate via the palm-rich Draa Valley, scanning for Blue Rock Thrush and Desert Lark. By evening, we reach Ouarzazate, our base for the next stage of highland and semi-arid birding.

This day is a transition into semi-desert. The fertile oasis of Skoura offers chances to see Laughing Dove, Levaillant’s Woodpecker, and Western Olivaceous Warbler. We move through river valleys and gorges until we reach Boumalne Dades, the gateway to Morocco’s best-known steppe birding area.

Late afternoon birding along the Tagdilt Track may reveal Desert Wheatear, Temminck’s Lark, and Red-rumped Wheatear. We'll stay overnight in the area to maximize early-morning birding next day.

We spend the morning in the wide stony plains around the Tagdilt Track, one of Morocco’s iconic semi-desert birding spots. Here, we’ll search for Bar-tailed Lark, Thick-billed Lark, Desert Lark, Crowned Sandgrouse, and Hoopoe Lark.Afterward, we explore nearby Dades Gorge, scanning cliffs for Bonelli’s Eagle, Tristram’s Warbler, and Rock Bunting. The mix of habitats and elevation gradients makes this one of the most rewarding inland birding days.

We leave the drylands and gradually ascend into the High Atlas Mountains, passing again through Ouarzazate and crossing scenic valleys en route to Oukaïmeden. Along the way, we stop for species like Thekla Lark, White-crowned Wheatear, and Barbary Partridge.By late afternoon, we arrive at the alpine village of Oukaïmeden, surrounded by dramatic peaks and alpine trails. We'll overnight here in preparation for high-mountain species the next day.

A full day is spent at elevation (above 2,600 m), where we focus on high-altitude specialists such as Crimson-winged Finch, Horned Lark, Seebohm’s Wheatear, and Rock Sparrow. Alpine Accentor and Red-billed Chough are often seen around ski lifts and slopes.

Birding here offers a complete contrast to Morocco’s deserts and coasts, and rewards patient scanning and slow hiking. The peaceful setting, with snow patches and rocky outcrops, enhances the feeling of being in a very different world.

We descend slowly from Oukaïmeden through the forested Ourika Valley, a beautiful transition zone hosting species like African Blue Tit, Levaillant’s Woodpecker, and Grey Wagtail. This verdant route provides a gentle change in climate and birdlife as we approach Marrakech.

By afternoon, we arrive in the city, giving time to rest or explore briefly. Depending on season, a late walk through the Menara Gardens may yield some urban species like Common Bulbul or Laughing Dove.

Depending on your flight time, you may have time for a morning visit to the Palm Groves of Marrakech to search for Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Little Owl, and Woodchat Shrike. Alternatively, spend a final hour walking a local park or souk before transferring to the airport.