A unique birding tour across North Morocco and coastal Spain
A fantastic combination of iconic species in a variety of wetlands
Marsh Owl, Double-spurred Francolin and other gems of the Maghreb
or request a private tour
Iconic birds of North Morocco
This birdwatching tour is focused in the wetlands along the Atlantic coast of Northern Morocco. We start and finish in Spain, hence adding a bit of birding in Europe as well. Join us across a variety of wetlands to find very localized birds such as the endemic subspecies of Marsh Owl and Double-spurred Francolin. This tour is recommended for small private groups, groups of birding friends or families.
Tour itinerary
We will meet in Málaga around 13:00 and head towards the Strait of Gibraltar. There will be time for some birding in the afternoon.
Night in the area of Algeciras.
Today we'll catch the ferry and cross to Morocco (around 1,5 h). We'll stop on route in the vecinity of Tangier to enjoy our first Moroccan birds.
Night in the area of Larache.
A day birding along the lower Loukkos river, which shall produce a very rich array of species. This river is particularly good for waders, egrets and also some Moroccan specialities, such as Brown-throated Martin.
Night in the area of Kenitra.
A challenging journey looking for the very localized own subspecies of Double-spurred Francolin. We'll enjoy nice walks across a Cork Oak forest with dense scrub. This species is quite difficult and secretive, hence we'll need luck to get views of it.
Later on we will travel north towards Kenitra, where the Sidi Bourhaba is a fantastic lake for birding. Here we will practice photography tips for Crested Coots and will also hopefully get nice views of Moroccan Magpie and Marbled Ducks.
Night in the area of Merdja Zerga.
An exciting day out at the marshes of the Zerga. We'll count with the invaluable help of local guides, which will get us closer to birds aboard a small boat. In the evening we will visit other corners of this lake to try and see the very declining Marsh Owl flying at dusk.
Important note: we will follow very ethical and respectful procedures for Marsh Owls. Please do not expect to get really close views of them.
Night in the area of Merdja Zerga.
Today we will try to cover any missing target along the Atlantic coast as we head north towards Tanger. We should have some time for birding the surroundings of Assilah.
Our ferry will get us back to Spain in the late afternoon. Time allowing, there will be some birding on route.
Night in the area of Tarifa.
After a relaxed breakfast and if flight times allow, we'll go birding to the renown La Janda lagoon. Here we'll look for Bluethroats and we shall also have nice views of Common Cranes and Zitting Cisticolas, to name just a few species. We can plan to finish the tour back in Málaga in the afternoon.
WHAT WILDLIFE TO EXPECT
BIRDS
Moroccan highlights include:
- Brown-throated Martin
- Double-spurred Francolin ayesha
- Marsh Owl tingitanus,
- Maghreb Magpie
- Red-knobbed Coot
- Common Bulbul
- African Chaffinch
We should enjoy good numbers of Marsh Harriers and Black-winged Kites.
Waders and water birds in general represent a big deal of the avian life on this tour. Chances on Black-crowned and Squacco Herons.
Gulls and terns are well represented, with species such as Audouin's Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Caspian Tern and Sandwich Tern.
OTHER WILDLIFE
Plain Tiger Butterflies may be active if good weather.
OPEN GROUP TOUR DATES
13-19 November 2024 (7 days)
* You can also book this as a private tour with guaranteed departure or on different dates (recommended from October till March)
FARES (2024)
Rates per person: 1600 €
Single supplement: +200 €
TOUR PARTY
Min 3, max 6 trippers + guide
Tour leader: Álvaro Peral
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transport on road and boats/ferrys
- Guidance by Álvaro Peral
- Accomodation (6 nights)
- All food
- Basic insurance
- All taxes and entry fees
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Any drinks
- Personal costs
- Travel insurance
ACCOMODATION
This is a multi-base holidays. We'll be based in a range of appartments/hotels in Tarifa, Larache and Rabat surroundings.
What trippers say
It's been my second time birding in Morocco with Wild Andalucia. This time I can outline the great views of Marsh Owl and Francolin -supposed to be quite tricky to find!-. Thanks again for this great holidays Alvaro
Thomas H., Germany
We guide this bird watching tour in Morocco by means of Andalucía Slow Tours, S.L., a local travel agency accredited by the Spanish Tourist Board with number CIAN 297083-2.