Birdwatching

Birdwatching IN MOROCCO

From our base in Taroudant we can offer a fully tailor-made birdwatching trip ranging from the internationally famous estuaries in the Souss Massa National Park and the Anti-Atlas and Atlas Mountains, to lagoons in the north, montane sites near Oukaimden and to desert sites near Merzouga.

When to go
The best time to visit is between October and May. November is particularly good for coastal wetland sites, as the winter migrants have just arrived. March to May is the best time to see the greatest range of migrants and residents.

Where to go
There is a wide range of sites of interest ranging from the internationally famous estuaries in the Souss Massa National Park to lagoons in the north to montane sites near Oukaimden to desert sites near Merzouga.

The South West offers a great deal of interest in a small area. Taroudant is  useful as a base. Our guide, Said, is based there, has a wealth of knowledge, a very keen eye, a great love of ornithology, a biology degree and long experience of assisting birdwatchers since 1996.

There are 3 Protected Areas in the region:

• The Argan forest  Biosphere reserve,
• The Tamri National Park, where  the critically endangered Bald Ibis is often seen,  and
• The Souss Massa National Park, renowned for its wetland habitats where Greater Flamingo, Bald Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Marbled Teal, Ferruginous Duck, Common Crane, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Tawny Eagle, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Black-winged Stilt, Laughing Dove, Alpine Swift, Plain Martin, Tawny Pipit, Black-crowned Tchagra, Zitting Cisticola and Moustached Warbler amongst many others may be seen

In addition to the destinations suggested in the sample itinerary, there are a number of additional sites that could be added, principally

• East to the Ouarzazate Barrage, the Dades, the Draa valley oases and the temporary lake at Merzouga;
• North east to Oukaimeden;
• South west to the  desert near Guelimine and
• North to Essaouira and the coastal lagoons at Oualidia and Moulay Bousselham.

This Tour can be provided as a “birdwatchers only” tour or as part of a more general wildlife tour, or, if you will  in the company of non birders, Said will spot or advise on  birds of interest in passing.

We are pleased to advise on suitable itineraries, transport and guides.