Morocco Autumn Birding Tour

Day 1, Arrival in Marrakech – 20th September 2024

Flights will arrive today and transfer to a hotel in Marrakech where we the group will assemble for dinner together and meet the guides. There will be a pre-trip briefing to prepare for an early start in the morning before heading into the Atlas Mountains.

Day 2, Marrakech to High Atlas Mountains – 21st September 2024

Leaving Marrakech in the early morning we start our birding journey in Morocco by driving through villages and cultivated fields where we can make our first birding stops. In an arid country areas of cultivation always attract birds and in these agricultural areas we are likely to find gems like Sardinian Warbler in low vegetation and the smart Southern Grey Shrike sitting on top of small trees or man-made perches. Spotless Starling is one of those birds with a very restricted global range but we can expect to see this smart species sitting on their favourite perches or foraging in the fields alongside many of the commoner birds of the area.

Little Owl may be a familiar bird to many participants of this Morocco birding tour but it is the unfamiliar that will excite most of us and the highly attractive Moussier’s Redstart will satisfy us on that account. We will search for this memorable little bird among its rocky, open woodland habitat with its highly restricted range adding to its attraction. House Bunting is another smart little bird to enjoy while Maghreb Magpie is a split that we can debate after having noted the differences from the more familiar Eurasian Magpie.

As we climb up into the High Atlas Mountains the scenery will gradually change, becoming a feature of the trip in itself but, of course, higher up in the scenic mountains we will be looking for a different selection of Morocco’s exciting birds; perhaps most notably the regionally endemic, Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker which we can see in areas of open oak and coniferous woodland on the hillsides. On rocky outcrops on the slopes we will scan for Blue Rockthrush sitting upright on their lookout posts, but eventually our drive will take us up to the ski resort at Oukaimeden, close to the snowline.

At this altitude of 2000 metres plus we can check along the snowline for small groups of handsome African Crimson-winged Finches feeding on the ground. Restricted to the barren landscapes of the high Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria this is another speciality bird of this tour. The handsome Black Wheatear can be found at this altitude too flitting between grassy tussocks to rocky perches while searching for insects, as can jaunty groups of Alpine Choughs, African Chaffinch, Rock Sparrow and (Atlas) Horned Lark.

Day 3, High Atlas Mountains to Boumalne du Dades – 22nd September 2024

After an early breakfast we leave the mountains behind, perhaps pausing again en route for Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker. From the flat plains of Marrakech we turn back uphill, and drive to Boumalne du Dades via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260 meters), a spectacular and long drive. On the Pass we’ll try for yet another endemic “Tristram’s Warbler”. This species has very specific habitat requirements away from its wintering grounds and not always easy to find. As the road climbs into the hills, we may start to see some raptors such as Long-legged Buzzard and Bonelli’s Eagle both possible. Before reaching Boumalne du Dades we’ll stop in Amerzgane to look for the rare Wheatear “Maghreb Wheatear”.

Day 4, Boumalne du Dades to Tagdilt Track – 23rd September 2024

aaaa

Today we will start early, to head to the Tagdilt Track. This is without doubt one of the top areas for birding in the South of Morocco. Excellent chances exist for seeing Red-rumped Wheatear, Thekla Lark, Trumpeter Finch, Temminck’s Lark, Short-toed Lark, Trumpeter Finch, Cream-coloured Courser and the highly nomadic Thick-billed Lark. If the heat allows, we will dedicate most of our day to exploring this area, then we visit a rocky canyon searching for Maghreb Wheatear, Desert Lark and our first chance of “GAYUIN” Pharaoh Eagle Owl where the people live in caves here with flocks of sheep and goats.

Dinner and accommodation in Boumalne du Dades.

Day 5, Todra Gorge to Merzouga – 24th September 2024

mmm

Day 6, Erg Chibbi Desert & Dunes – 25th September 2024

Today we will dedicate the whole day to exploring the sandy dunes and the nearby stony desert of Erg Chebbi – the largest dune system in Morocco by 4×4 vehicles. Brown-necked Raven, Hoopoe Lark, Desert Sparrow, African Desert Warbler, Desert Lark, Bar-tailed Lark, Fulvous Babbler, Spotted Sandgrouse, Crowned Sandgrouse and Lanner Falcon. In addition, If rains have been plentiful a seasonal lake near Merzouga can be very interesting, with ducks, waders and their attendant raptors. Chances also exist for Egyptian Nightjar in the daytime. Dinner and accommodation in Merzouga

Day 7, Anti Atlas Mountains & Mansour Eddahbi Barrage – 26th September 2024

Transfer day from Merzouga to Ouarzazate. Drive through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, a series of rocky hills, cliffs and deep gorges of volcanic formations. Roadside birding could produce plenty of White-crowned Wheatear and Southern Grey Shrike. Before reaching our hotel in Ouarzazate we’ll stop to explore the Barrage at Mansour Eddahbi. Here we have the chance of seeing Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-winged Stilts and Maghreb Lark, as well as Cormorants and Herons and a selection of waders.

Dinner and accommodation in Ouarzazate.

Day 8, Anti Atlas Mountains & Souss Valley – 27th September 2024

A long drive to the west will take us over the Anti Atlas mountains into the Souss Valley and on to Agadir. Initially we will keep our eyes open for various larks by the roadside and for wheatears. Finally
after another exciting stop we arrive at our Hotel in Agadir for three nights.

Dinner and accommodation in Agadir.

Day 9, Oued Massa – 28th September 2024

South of Agadir is the famous Oued Massa. We have an early start to Oued Massa on the Atlantic Coast. Target birds: the Northern Bald Ibis, Black-crowned Tchagra, Moussier’s Redstart, Sardinian Warbler, Little Owl, Stone Curlew, Glossy Ibis, Moroccan Cormorant, Laughing Dove and Brown-throated Martin.

Day 10, Oued Souss – 29th September 2024

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Oued Souss – an excellent area for Flamingos, shorebirds and large numbers of roosting gulls and terns. Then transfer from Agadir to Marrakech through the Atlas mountains.

Late in the afternoon we arrive to Marrakech. Free evening to visit the old quarter of Marrakech and the impressive Jema-el-fna square which is an unbelievable experience for any visitor – snake charmers, water sellers and spice stalls plus the charm of bargaining in the Souk (OPTIONAL).

In the evening we will have our final dinner together in Marakech when we can discuss our favourite species of this birding tour and enjoy the local cuisine.

Day 11, Departure – 30th September 2024

Transfer from our hotel in Marakech to the airport for our flights home.