13 Day Moroccan Wildlife & Desert Expedition

Your wildlife adventure begins in the vibrant city of Marrakech. Upon arrival, you’re welcomed into a city rich in color, sound, and history. Spend the rest of the day exploring the medina, souks, or peaceful courtyards. Prepare for your journey deep into Morocco’s southern deserts.

After breakfast, you will embark on a journey travelling south through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and descending into the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river oasis. You continue toward Mhamid El Ghizlane, a charming frontier village situated at the edge of the vast Sahara Desert.

If time allows, you may spot remarkable wildlife near the outskirts, such as Addax antelope, North African Ostrich, or Dorcas Gazelle, especially near protected reserves. Overnight in Mhamid under a sky full of stars.

Today is devoted to tracking and observing wildlife in the Hamada (stone desert) and open plains around Mhamid. Guided by local trackers, you search for Addax, Ostrich, and gazelles tha inhabit the desert steppe.

There will be opportunities to encounter fascinating reptiles like the Horned Viper (Cerastes cerastes) and various agamas. The day offers excellent conditions for desert photography and behavioral observation. Return to Mhamid for overnight.

Rising early to explore desert habitats favored by sandgrouse (gangas), particularly near known watering areas. Continue scanning the desert plains for Addax, Ostrich, and Dorcas Gazelle herds. With luck, you may witness interaction among these species, or track fresh signs of their presence such as footprints or droppings. Overnight again in Mhamid.

After breakfast, you will depart for Merzouga, traveling through Morocco’s interior via Zagora, Tazzarine, and the fossil-rich town of Alnif, located near the Anti-Atlas. This full-day journey crosses showcases stunning desert plateaus and rocky valleys, ideal for occasional reptile or raptor sightings along the way.

By late afternoon, you will arrive in Merzouga where the vast Erg Chebbi dunes rise dramatically from the desert floor. Check in to your lodge and prepare for several days of deep desert wildlife exploration.

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.

Set out early for a full-day tracking expedition. Focus today on finding the majestic African Houbara Bustard, a rare and threatened bird species native to desert regions.

As you travel through remote areas, you may also spot Bar-tailed Larks, White-crowned Wheatears, and lizards basking on sun-warmed rocks. Return to the lodge for an evening Fennec Fox tracking session—a second chance to observe their behaviors under soft evening light.

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.

Leave Merzouga behind and head northwest toward Boumalne Dades. This scenic route offers a splendid view of Berber villages, hidden gorges, and dramatic rock formations. Along the way, stop to photograph landscapes, desert reptiles, and with luck, the elusive Pharaoh Eagle-Owl perched among cliffs or ruins. Arrive in Dades Valley by evening and settle in. Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

Start your Texploration early in the Valley of Birds, a hotspot for desert-adapted birdlife. jis region hosts notable pecies include Temminck’s Lark, Thick-billed Lark, Desert Wheatear, and possibly Trumpeter Finch. Explore surrounding rocky areas for more reptiles, small mammals, or raptors. Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

After breakfast, you will begin your return journey to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you will stop at scenic viewpoints and photograph the changing landscapes—from deep canyons to lush valleys. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon or early evening. Overnight in Marrakech.

Your expedition concludes. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxing morning or last-minute shopping in the medina before your transfer to the airport. Depart with unforgettable images and memories of Morocco’s wild and remote beauty.