Walking in Morocco - The Birdwatcher’s Trail

A holiday walking in Morocco can be a most rewarding experience for the globetrotting bird watcher. The country’s host of endemic species, coupled with flocks of migrants make their way to the green fields of springtime Europe. There is one particular trail that leads through dry deserts, mysterious wetlands and imposing mountain habitats; the beautiful Birdwatcher's Trail has many unique offerings for birdwatchers.

Marrakech

Any visit to the country will start in the gem of Morocco – Marrakech. Spend a couple of days acclimatising and exploring this fascinating city before you head out to the more remote areas. This ancient city is steeped in culture and history, so take your time and appreciate the beauty of Marrakech.

Oukaimenden

Next you should head to the Oukaimenden ski resort, where you can take a lift up to an altitude of 3,000 km to witness the breath-taking summits. The Alpine Accentor, Horned Lark and Crimson-winged Finch can be spotted in the mountains, while Moussier’s Redstarts and Levaillent’s Green Woopeckers can be found in the valley villages down below.

Tizi n’ Tichka Pass

This magnificent pass offers numerous stops, where birds of prey soar high above. While walking in Morocco here you will spot Bonelli’s, Booted and Short-toed Eagles. Descending to the nearby towns will allow you to see a wider variety of birds – from Ruddy Shelducks and Eurasian Spoonbills to Ospreys and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters.

The Dades Gorge

The spectacular rock formations and rural villages near the Dades Gorge make it an ideal destination for walking in Morocco – especially since it is chock-full of various bird species that thrive in the local habitat. Red-rumped Wheateaters, Desert Wheateaters, Hoopoe Larks, Temminck’s Larks, Greater Short-toed Larks, Cream-coloured Coursers, Thick-Billed Larks and Sandgrouses all call this gorge home.

Merzouga

This is the classic desert landscape that has made walking in Morocco so popular in the first place. It is also home to its own unique brand of birds, from the awe-inspiring Pharaoh Eagle Owl to the hardy Desert Sparrow. Getting around in 4x4 vehicles allows you to access the more inaccessible parts of the desert to spot more endemic species, such as the Brown-Necked Raven, Fulvous Babbler, Red-throated Pipit, Southern Grey Shrike, Trumpeter Finch, Egyptian Nightjar, and so many more.

Souss Masa National Park (via Ouarzazate)

This is where you can snap photographs of the rare birds found only in the valleys and coastlines near this part of the country. You’ll need to be extra vigilant while in Ouarzazate and Souss Masa National Park so you can spot Black-winged Kites, Cirl Bunting Sparrows, Squacco Herons, Glossy Ibises, Kentish Plovers, Slender-billed Gulls, Brown-Throated Martins and the ultra-rare Northern Bald Ibis.

If you choose this particular route you will ultimately circle back to Marrakech to complete the journey. So, if you're planning a holiday in this wonderful country and want to feed your passion, remember what the Birdwatcher’s Trail has to offer.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday walking in Morocco to see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.