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Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara in Winter

© Northern Bald Ibis by Adam Riley
Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara in Winter 2027

05 Feb 2027 - 15 Feb 2027 (11 days)

EUR3,100 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Glen Valentine

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Tour Leader: Mark Beevers

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): EUR3,100 * USD3,610 * GBP2,682 * AUD5,544

Morocco, with its breathtaking scenery, rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, and superb birding, is an essential destination for both birders and travellers. As a former French protectorate, it stands out among Muslim countries for its warm hospitality, strong cultural identity, and relatively relaxed approach to tourism. The country’s diverse geography supports a wide range of habitats—from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and red sand dunes of the Sahara to lowland woodlands, wetlands, and productive agricultural regions.

Bustling cities and towns provide a cultural feast, where mud-walled buildings flank winding souks brimming with handmade carpets, crafts, and aromatic spices. Birders are equally rewarded: Morocco is home to a remarkable range of North African endemics and regional specialties, including Moussier’s Redstart, Tristram’s Warbler, Barbary Partridge, Levaillant’s Woodpecker, Fulvous Babbler, Maghreb Magpie, Atlas Wheatear and African Blue Tit. One of the tour’s primary targets is the Endangered Northern Bald Ibis, now surviving in just two wild colonies in Morocco and a reintroduced population in Spain.

Our journey begins in Marrakech, from where we head up and over the Atlas Mountains, exploring the productive woodlands of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass before enjoying our first taste of gravel desert birding en route to Boumalne-du-Dades. We’ll bird the famed Tagdilt Track, set against the backdrop of snowcapped High Atlas, in search of desert larks (including Thick-billed and Greater Hoopoe-Lark), several wheatears, Trumpeter Finch, and multiple sandgrouse.

Heading further east, we’ll enter the spectacular Sahara Desert near Merzouga and Erg Chebbi. We’ll be searching for desert specialists including Desert Sparrow, African Desert Warbler, Egyptian Nightjar, Cream-colored Courser, Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, and up to four species of sandgrouse.

Leaving the sand dunes behind, we set out west for Atlantic coast, visiting the seaside city of Agadir and the famous Oued Massa wetland, key areas for the Northern Bald Ibis, as well as the range-restricted Marbled Duck and a variety of wetland and estuarine species. The tour concludes in the High Atlas Mountains at Oukaimeden, where we’ll search for high-altitude species such as (African) Crimson-winged Finch, Alpine and Red-billed Choughs, as well as opportunities for Levaillant’s Woodpecker and Moussier’s Redstart.

Top Birds

Northern Bald Ibis; Levaillant’s Woodpecker; Fulvous Babbler; Moussier’s Redstart; African Blue Tit; Maghreb Magpie; (Maghreb) Tawny Owl; Marbled Duck; Barbary Partridge; Audouin’s Gull; Crowned, Spotted, Pin-tailed & Black-bellied Sandgrouse; Cream-colored Courser; Pharoah Eagle-Owl; Red-necked & Egyptian Nightjars; Greater Hoopoe-Lark; Temminck’s, Horned, Thick-billed, Desert & (Maghreb) Crested Larks; (African) Crimson-winged Finch; Tristram’s, Spectacled, Streaked Scrub & African Desert Warblers; Desert, Red-rumped & Atlas Wheatears; Desert Sparrow.

Top Mammals

Gundi, chances for Barbary Sheep

Habitats Covered

mountains, woodlands, coastal lagoons, open ocean, wadis, stony & sandy deserts, wetlands

Expected Climate

temperate and pleasant, cold in high mountains

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper Leader / 9 - 12 with 2 Rockjumper Leaders

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Moderate. Suitable for most birding / wildlife interest levels.

Accommodation

Comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Moderate. Most species provide good visuals in open conditions, but several target species that may require repeat efforts.

Number of Species Expected

170 – 200

Other Attractions

Atlas Mountains, medieval cities, Erg Chebbi dunes, good food

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good. Lighting can be challenging. No dedicated hides or feeders.

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
GE, Morocco 2018

David Hoddinott is an excellent birding tour guide. He has an ease with him that makes him enjoyable at all times. On this tour he was indefatigable, knowledgeable, even-keeled, and receptive to ideas and suggestions. He faces the birding with enthusiasm--- No signs of burnout. Morocco itself exceeded my expectations in the quality and quantity of birds/birding. Overall, the tour exceeded expectations.

David Hoddinott
LE, Morocco 2024

Birding for the first time with the legendary David Hoddinott exceeded my very high expectations: he was phenomenal in every way! And having Dusan join us with the larger group was a double bonus! He was great!! Together they made a fantastic team!! And they delivered: with David leading the way, I spotted my elusive target bird, the Saharan Scrub Warbler (the LAST bird family in my 14-year Quest!!), in the first 10-15 minutes of our search!! David said it was the fastest he had ever found it! :-) Our lodging was lovely the Moroccan food really good, and the group the best group most of us agreed we had ever had on any tour.

Clayton Burne
TT, Morocco

As would be expected, Clayton is a skilled and amazingly knowledgeable guide, and a fun person who I enjoyed talking with. I particularly appreciated his patience and understanding in helping me deal with a personal issue that arose.

Glen Valentine
SH, Morocco 2018

It was a great trip and I thought that Mark Beevers and Glen Valentine did a wonderful job of finding the birds and helping me get on them.

Glen Valentine
TD, Morocco 2018

The guides, Glen Valentine and Mark Beevers, were excellent and got us on nearly all the target birds for the trip. Their knowledge of North African birds added to the enjoyment. Both the touring van and hotel accommodations were very comfortable, making the tour of Morocco delightful. A tour not to be missed.

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