6 Day Moroccan Wildlife & Desert Photography Adventure

Your Moroccan 6 Day Moroccan Wildlife begins upon arrival in Marrakech, a city alive with culture and color. From there, you head out on a scenic five-hour drive through the High Atlas Mountains, watching the landscapes shift from urban bustle to quiet valleys and red rock canyons.

You arrive in Boumalne Dades, known for its rugged terrain and proximity to excellent birding sites. In the late afternoon, visit the Valley of Birds (Vallée des Oiseaux), a stunning desert zone home to species such as the Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Crowned Sandgrouse, and Cream-coloured Courser. As the sun sets, the golden light offers superb conditions for photography.

You start your day early with a sunrise photography session back in the Valley of Birds. In the calm desert morning, you may spot Temminck’s Lark, Thick-billed Lark, and Desert Wheatear all rare, striking birds well-adapted to this dry habitat.

After a mid-day break, the afternoon takes you farther into the desert outskirts to search for desert foxes, small mammals, and various reptiles. As dusk approaches, prepare for a nighttime shoot, focusing on nocturnal creatures like jerboas and hedgehogs, using low light and star-filled skies to capture unique desert life.

Today you transition from high desert to deep Sahara. The drive to Merzouga (around 5–6 hours) reveals spectacular desert scenery—rocky plains, oases, and sand dunes rising in the distance.

Along the way, be on the lookout for wildlife such as soaring raptors, sunbathing reptiles, and desert foxes crossing the road. Upon arriving at your desert lodge, take time to rest before heading out for a short sunset walk into the dunes, where the soft light and shifting sands offer dramatic photo opportunities. Overnight in Merzouga.

At dawn, you set out in a 4x4 vehicle to explore the desert’s remote zones. This is a prime time to observe and photograph desert birdlife, including sandgrouse, the African Desert Warbler, and possibly the secretive Egyptian Nightjar. There’s also a chance to spot the regal African Houbara Bustard.

After lunch and a short rest, the afternoon is reserved for your first Fennec Fox tracking session, guided by local trackers. These small, shy foxes are a true symbol of the Sahara. With patience and luck, you’ll catch them as they emerge from their burrows at dusk.

After breakfast, you embark on a second desert outing, this time focused on the region’s remarkable reptiles. With the help of guides, you’ll search for species like the Horned Viper (Vipera cerastes), Cerastes cerastes, and the Desert Monitor, all highly adapted to the extreme conditions of the Sahara.

After lunch and downtime, you head out again for a second Fennec Fox tracking session, increasing your chances of not just spotting but capturing sharp images of these elusive creatures during the golden hour. Evening at the lodge.

Your final day begins before dawn with a special sunrise ATV or walking session in the dunes. The warm morning light transforms the sand into a glowing canvas—ideal for capturing both desert landscapes and any remaining wildlife encounters.

After breakfast back at the lodge, you pack up and begin your return journey to Errachidia Airport, traveling through beautiful desert scenery one last time. Your six days in Morocco come to a close with unforgettable memories and a gallery of images showcasing the raw, wild beauty of the Moroccan desert.