10 Days Marrakesh To Merzouga Birdwatching Tour

Your 10 Days Marrakesh To Merzouga starts when you arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech. From here, set off on a scenic five hours drive through the High Atlas foothills toward Boumalne Dades. The route offers manys types of landscapes—from busy city areas to serene mountain valleys.

In the evening, visit the renowned Vallee des Oiseaux (Valley of Birds), a great place for birdwatching. This area is home to unique desert species such as the Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Crowned Sandgrouse, and the Cream-coloured Courser. As the golden hour sets in, take the opportunity to capture these birds in the warm, soft light—ideal conditions for wildlife photography.

Begin your day with an early morning photography session in the Valley of Birds, where the peaceful desert atmosphere offers the perfect setting for spotting and capturing special species. Look out for birds like Temminck's Lark, Thick-billed Lark, and Desert Wheatear, along with some reptiles and small desert mammals.

In the afternoon, explore deeper into the wild to observe desert foxes and other local wildlife. As the sun sets, prepare for a magical evening shoot, this is the best time to photograph nocturnal species such as hedgehogs and jerboas in the fading light.

As we leave Boumalne Dades behind and head towards the Sahara Desert, the scenery changes beautifully. We will see dry plains, green palm trees, and steep rocks. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way birds soaring above, reptiles warming in the sun, and mammals moving through the brush.

Upon arriving in Merzouga, settle into your desert lodge. Take a moment to unwind as you prepare for the days of Sahara exploration that lie ahead.

We begin the day early with a thrilling 4x4 off-road adventure to explore the desert's unique birdlife. About an hour after sunrise, we'll find the perfect spot to capture stunning views of sandgrouse species. As we follow the sandy riverbeds, we'll keep eyes peeled for the shy African Desert Warbler and discover fascinating desert reptiles along the way.

Eventually, we'll track down the mysterious Egyptian Nightjar. With some luck, we may also spot the majestic African Houbara Bustard. We return to the hotel for lunch and rest before heading out again in the afternoon for a second session focused on spotting the elusive Fennec Fox among the dunes. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we set out in 4WD vehicles to search for remarkable desert reptiles, including the iconic Horned Viper (Vipera cerastes), Cerastes cerastes, and the Desert Monitor, both of which showcase the unique adaptability of life in harsh environments. We return to the hotel for lunch and prepare for the third dedicated Fennec Fox tracking session in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Our last Fennec Fox session begins before sunrise, using ATVs to glide over the sand dunes during the golden hours of morning light. This 2-hour outing is a prime opportunity for photography and observation.

Afterward, there’s an optional off-road excursion to revisit desert reptiles like the Horned Viper and Desert Monitor. Lunch is served back at the hotel, with an optional additional Fennec outing available in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will head out for another off-road journey in search of desert reptiles, focusing again on Vipera cerastes, Cerastes cerastes, along with the impressive Desert Monitor. Lunch at the hotel is followed by another optional Fennec Fox tracking session in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

For our final full day, we wake up early for a peaceful walk into the dunes to capture the sunrise. After breakfast, we embark on ATVs for an exhilarating ride through the sand dunes, perfect for landscape photography.

After lunch at the hotel, we saddle up for a camel ride into the desert to witness and photograph the golden hour sunset. We return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing final night in the heart of the Sahara.

Depart the desert and head back toward civilization as you travel to Ouarzazate. The journey takes you through captivating desert scenery, with occasional wildlife sightings.

Pause along lovely viewpoints and natural habitats, taking time to photograph any interesting species you may encounter.
Once in Ouarzazate, check into your accommodation and take the evening to relax and reflect on the experiences of the past days.

Begin your return journey to Marrakech, keeping your camera ready for final wildlife sightings along the road. The shifting landscapes offer one last chance to capture Morocco’s natural beauty.

Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon. Once there, you’ll have some time to relax and prepare for your departure. This adventure filled with amazing photographs from Morocco will soon come to an end.