Morocco Birding Tours: Spot 480+ Species Across Desert, Coast, and Mountain

Morocco is a land of ancient medinas and golden dunes, also a birdwatcher’s paradise hiding in plain sight. This North African country offers one of the most diverse birding landscapes on the continent. With over 480 bird species recorded.

Quick Summary of Top Morocco Birding Tours

If you’re short on time, here’s a snapshot of what to expect:

• Duration: Most tours last 5–7 days, allowing for a thorough exploration of key habitats.
• Best Time to Visit: February to June offers the most birding opportunities, with spring migration peaks in April and May.
• Key Locations: The Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, and southern wetlands are hotspots.
• Pricing: A guided Morocco birding tours experience typically starts at around $300 per day, with full packages available.
• Expertise: Local guides in the Area offer insights into rare species and bird behavior, based on deep knowledge of Moroccan ecosystems.

The Sahara Desert: A Birdwatcher’s Hotspot

When most people hear Morocco birding tours via tripadvisor, the image of the Sahara Desert might not immediately come to mind. But this iconic landscape is teeming with life, including several birds adapted to its harsh conditions.

The Sahara Desert in southern Morocco is a dream destination for desert birding, with areas like Merzouga and Erg Chebbi hosting species such as the Nubian Nightjar, Little Owl, and the rare Houbara Bustard.

The best time for these tours is early morning and late afternoon, when birds are most active.

Day-by-Day Sahara Birding Tour Itinerary

Let’s break down a typical Sahara-focused Morocco birding tours package:

1. Day 1: Arrival in Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara. Morning birding in the Draa Valley (target species: Red-billed Chough, Trumpeter Finch).
2. Day 2: Drive to Merzouga with stops at desert oases and farmland for species like the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and Cream-colored Courser.
3. Day 3: Camel trek to Erfoud to explore dry lakes and rocky outcrops for rare migrants like the Desert Wheatear and Black-winged Kite.
4. Day 4: Birding in Ziz Gorges, a lesser-known but species-rich area. Evening at a Berber-run guesthouse in Zagora.
5. Day 5: Depart for the next part of the tour or continue birding the desert plateau.

Final Thoughts:

Morocco is a country that rewards those who look deeper.

Its birding offerings are often overlooked by mainstream travelers, but the right Morocco birding tours can lead to discoveries that define a lifetime of birding.