7-Day Morocco Birding & Desert Expedition
This 7-day journey from Marrakech takes you across Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes, from the majestic High Atlas Mountains to the vast Sahara Desert.
Explore high-altitude sites like Oukaimeden, discover the rich ecosystems of the Tagdilt Track, and experience the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Designed for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts, this tour combines diverse wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and authentic cultural encounters.
A perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and discovery in southern Morocco.
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Oukaimeden
Your journey begins with a personalized welcome in Marrakech, followed by a scenic drive into the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains.
As we ascend through fertile valleys and traditional Berber villages, we explore cultivated landscapes rich in birdlife.
Gradually, the terrain becomes more rugged, leading us to higher altitudes where rocky slopes host unique mountain species.
Arrival at Oukaimeden (2,600 m), a remarkable alpine environment offering excellent opportunities for observing high-altitude wildlife.
Enjoy the tranquility and panoramic views before dinner and overnight stay in the Atlas Mountains.
Day 2: High Atlas → Tizi n’Tichka Pass → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
After breakfast, we depart the mountains and cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the most scenic drives in Morocco.
Along the way, we stop at selected viewpoints and natural habitats, ideal for spotting birds of prey and mountain species.
As we descend toward the south, the landscape becomes increasingly arid, revealing the gateway to the desert.
We continue toward Ouarzazate, with a stop near Mansour Eddahbi Dam, an important wetland attracting diverse birdlife.
Arrival in Boumalne Dades for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Dades Valley → Tagdilt Track Exploration
Today we explore the renowned Tagdilt Track, one of the best birding locations in southern Morocco.
This vast semi-desert landscape offers exceptional conditions for observing steppe and desert species.
We spend the day exploring different zones, taking our time to appreciate both the wildlife and the unique atmosphere of this remote region.
Later, we visit nearby rocky terrain and canyon areas, where additional species adapted to harsher environments can be found.
Return to Boumalne Dades for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Goulmima → Merzouga
We begin the day with a visit to the spectacular Todra Gorge, famous for its towering cliffs and dramatic natural setting.
Continuing east, we pass through oasis valleys and desert plains, stopping at selected locations to explore hidden habitats.
The journey offers a fascinating transition from mountains to desert landscapes.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Dinner and overnight near the dunes.
Day 5: Merzouga → Erg Chebbi Dunes Exploration
A full day dedicated to discovering the majestic Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s most iconic dune system.
We explore both the golden sand dunes and surrounding rocky desert, each offering distinct ecosystems.
The peaceful silence, vast open spaces, and changing light create a truly unforgettable desert experience.
Optional activities such as camel rides or sunset walks can enhance your connection with this magical environment.
Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.
Day 6: Merzouga → Anti-Atlas Mountains → Ouarzazate
After enjoying the desert sunrise, we begin our journey west through the rugged Anti-Atlas Mountains.
This region is characterized by dramatic volcanic formations, deep valleys, and remote landscapes.
Along the way, we stop for wildlife observation and scenic views.
Before reaching Ouarzazate, we revisit the Mansour Eddahbi Dam, where wetlands attract a variety of bird species.
Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 7: Ouarzazate → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
On the final day, we return to Marrakech, crossing once again the impressive High Atlas Mountains.
We travel via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass
with stops along the way to admire panoramic views and capture memorable photos.
Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon
marking the end of your journey.
What’s Included
- Private transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver/guide
- 6 nights accommodation (hotels & desert stay)
- Daily breakfast and dinners
- Guided birding and nature excursions
- Pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Fuel, road tolls, and local assistance
What’s Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments (if applicable)
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities (camel trekking, quad biking, etc.)
Tour Highlights
- Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains
- Visit the high-altitude site of Oukaimeden
- Explore the famous Tagdilt Track
- Discover the dramatic Todra Gorge
- Experience the Sahara Desert at Erg Chebbi
- Travel through the wild landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains
- Enjoy diverse ecosystems: mountains, valleys, desert, and oases
- Authentic Moroccan culture and local hospitality
Map Route
Birds List
Posted on Tripadvisor Vacation26684218673Verified Bird watching 👀 Just back from a week long tour of a lifetime! Traveling through the Dades Valley and Ouarzazate was breathtaking, but the birding highlights, like seeing the Pharaoh Eagle Owl and the African Blue Tit were the icing on the cake. Our guide and driver Yass, was the heart of the trip. He was incredibly professional, kind and possessed an eagle eye for spotting wildlife we would have otherwise missed. If you’re looking for a seamless, expert led tour of Moroccan wild side, look no further than Yass and the Discover Moroccan Birds team!Posted on Tripadvisor KaleashaVerified An unforgettable week across Morocco !! Me and some friends had spent a week exploring a diverse range of habitats, including the Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley, Merzouga and Ouarzazate. The birding and scenery were unlike anything I have ever experienced, but what really made the trip was our driver, Moha. He was incredibly patient and answered all of our questions without judgment. He navigated the winding mountain roads with ease and made sure we were comfortable every step of the way. Whether you are a hardcore birder or just a nature lover, this tour is a fantastic way to see the authenticity of Morocco. I highly recommend to everyone, from solo travellers to families wanting to create unique memories for their children.Posted on Tripadvisor Aylin BVerified Birding the Moroccan way Had an amazing tour with discover Moroccan birds, they truly are masters at not only showing us the key sites to get to see the birds we were wanting to see, but also the vast knowledge they have about birding not only in Morocco but also in the world, the passion our driver has for ornithology is admirable, he taught us a thing or 2 about it, and we have been keen birders for over 30 years, was such a fantastic trip, in our down time we also got a chance to watch the sunset after a camel trek to the dunes in the Sahara, our favourite moment has to be getting to see the elusive Tristam's warbler, and getting to see the Flamingos back in Merzouga. Our driver and guide also gave us a amazing lesson on the history and culture of Morocco on route between each stop, Moha was a true gentleman the whole tour, will definitely be coming back next year.Posted on Tripadvisor Carlos D'uvaVerified Experiencia increíble & Totalmente recomendable! El mejor opción se que tienen tiempo ese tour de 10 días por Marruecos de naturaleza y avistamiento de aves, superó toda nuestra expectativas. El recorrido es impresionante, desde las montañas del Atlas y Oukaimeden hasta el desierto de Merzouga y la costa atlántica en agadir Cada día fue diferente, combinando paisajes espectaculares, observación de aves y experiencias auténticas. Destacan las dunas de Erg Chebbi y los impresionantes paisajes del Dades Gorge. Todo estuvo muy bien organizado y el guía hizo el viaje fácil, interesante y muy agradable. Lo recomiendamos 100% para descubrir la belleza natural de Marruecos!Posted on Tripadvisor Abraham CouzoVerified ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Experience & Highly Recommended! We did the 4-Day Atlas Mountains & Desert Edge Birding Tour, and it was an incredible experience. The landscapes were stunning, from Marrakech to the High Atlas Mountains, Oukaimeden, and the beautiful Dades Valley. Our driver and guide, Lhoussin, was excellent, very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. He made the whole journey smooth and enjoyable, always stopping at the best spots for views and birding. Everything was well organized, and the experience felt authentic and relaxed. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Morocco!
