Morocco in Spring
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A spring journey to the edge of the Sahara, that will take us from the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains across stony desert plains and rocky wadis to the huge golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, back to the coast and finishing at the superb coastal wetland of Oued Massa. All this, and some of the best spring birdwatching anywhere in our region!Magnificent at any season, Morocco boasts the richest birdlife in Northwest Africa. Set against an ever-changing backcloth, a spring visit finds this beautiful and incredibly varied country at its best. With the northward rush of migration in full flow, this is also an excellent time to seek Morocco's long list of outstanding breeding birds. After flying to Marrakech, we transfer directly to our first hotel for lunch... and the prospect of finding migrants in and around the hotel garden. In forest nearby, we will look for Levaillant's Woodpecker, the first of several species on this tour that are endemic to Northwest Africa. Crimson-winged Finch is possible next day as we climb to over 2,500m in the snow-capped High Atlas mountains. Descending to the oasis town of Ouarzazate, we head next to Boumalne for our first real taste of desert birding. Larks abound on the stony hamada at Tagdilt and we may find sandgrouse and Cream-coloured Courser, too. Continuing east, we head deeper into the desert for a two-night stay at an isolated auberge on the fringes of the great Sahara. An excursion by four-wheel drive vehicles will carry us out to Merzouga, where the huge red dunes of Erg Chebbi create a spectacular setting to our quest for African Desert Warbler and Desert Sparrow. |
© Ray Nowicki
The ancient town of Kasbah, Morocco
Price: £ 1,895
The price is per person and includes return scheduled flights London-Marrakech/Agadir-London, all accommodation, meals and transport, 4WD Land Rover desert excursion at Merzouga, tips, airport taxes, map, bird checklist and services of the leader/s.
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Retracing our steps to Ouarzazate, we leave the weathered hills and wadis of the interior behind and drop down towards the Moroccan coast on our way to the ancient walled city of Taroudannt (where our hotel for the night began life as a sultan's palace). Our travels continue to Agadir, where the bird-rich estuaries of the rivers Sous and Massa offer a remarkable contrast. We go in search one of the world's rarest and weirdest-looking birds, the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis. All in all, it should make for a fitting climax to a truly wonderful tour - one that we think will surprise you in the warmth of its people, its richness of landscape and, above all, its birds! Please note: airline schedules to Morocco vary year on year, sometimes necessitating an adjustment to the itinerary on Days 1 and Day 11 as outlined above. We have no control over this of course but any changes should not affect the birds seen or places visited on tour. Accommodation: Hotels range from a former Sultan's palace to a French-run auberge in the Sahara desert. Standards do vary across Morocco, but overall surprisingly good. All rooms have private facilities. Meals: All included in the price. Dinner and breakfast at the hotels. Most lunches (and the odd breakfast) will be picnics. Some lunches taken at local restaurants, where the food is good. Walking: Easy. Short walks (approx 1-3 kms) over easy-moderate terrain. Maximum elevation: 2600-3000 metres, at Oukaimeden (for a few hours on one day only). Walking shoes or lightweight boots with sturdy, corrugated soles recommended for this tour. Principal Leader: Arnoud van den Berg Numbers: Max. 14 clients
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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© Ray Nowicki
Erg Chebbi dunes © Ray Nowicki 
View towards Todra Gorge |
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