2-Day Merzouga Birdwatching Tour
Sahara Birding Adventure
Explore the birdlife of Erg Chebbi over two days, visiting dunes, small lakes, dry riverbeds, palm groves, and quiet desert areas by 4×4. Along the way, we search for Desert Sparrow, Egyptian Nightjar, African Desert Warbler, Greater Hoopoe Lark, Cream-colored Courser, Crowned Sandgrouse, Kestrel Falcon, Yellow-browed Warbler, Desert Lark, Crested Lark, Trumpeter Finch, Fulvous Babbler, Great Grey Shrike, Black Wheatear, House Sparrow, Desert Wheatear, Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Eurasian Stone-curlew, and other birds found around Merzouga.
With two days in the Merzouga desert, there is more time to reach different birding spots and enjoy unhurried observation in the Sahara. Depending on the season and bird activity, our local guide adapts the route to explore promising habitats while leaving time for photography and discovering the desert landscape.
Trip Highlights
- Let an experienced local guide help you spot and identify the desert’s remarkable birds.
- Travel by 4x4 to reach quiet desert areas, dunes, lakes, and dry riverbeds
- Look for rare desert birds like Desert Sparrow and Pharaoh Eagle Owl
- Visit small seasonal lakes where Crowned Sandgrouse come to drink.
- Explore rugged desert canyons, rocky cliffs, dry tamarisk riverbeds, and sandy scrub.
- Enjoy a traditional Berber picnic under an acacia tree in the desert
- Take your time for bird photography with help from a local guide
Daily Program
The tour route may be adjusted throughout the day based on bird activity, seasonal conditions, and weather to provide the best possible birdwatching experience.
We start early in the morning, around sunrise, because this is one of the best times to see birds in the desert. We pick you up from your hotel or desert camp in Merzouga by 4x4 vehicle and begin our birdwatching day. Our first stop is usually near the small seasonal lakes or water areas around Merzouga (such as Dayet Srij), where Crowned Sandgrouse come to drink in the morning. This is a special moment for birdwatchers and photographers, especially when the light is soft and the desert is quiet.
After that, we continue exploring different birding spots around Erg Chebbi. Depending on the season and recent bird activity, we may visit dry riverbeds, open desert plains, palm groves, and rocky areas, searching for species such as the Desert Sparrow, Greater Hoopoe Lark, Desert Wheatear, Cream-colored Courser, and African Desert Warbler. Across the two-day tour, depending on the season and bird activity, we also search for Egyptian Nightjar, Kestrel Falcon, Yellow-browed Warbler, Crested Lark, Fulvous Babbler, Great Grey Shrike, Black Wheatear, House Sparrow, and Eurasian Stone-curlew.
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, where you can relax, taste authentic regional cuisine, and recharge before continuing your afternoon birdwatching adventure.
After some rest, we continue birdwatching in the afternoon until late evening when we return to your hotel.
On the second day, we will set off at the crack of dawn to continue our exploration of the Merzouga desert, taking full advantage of peak birdwatching hours. Traveling by 4x4 to the rocky Hamada plateau, we will search for the Greater Hoopoe Lark, the Cream-colored Courser, and the Desert Lark. In the afternoon, Brahim will guide you to prime locations where the Crowned Sandgrouse—renowned for its spectacular camouflage against the sand—can be observed. We will also search for the Pharaoh Eagle Owl amidst its rocky outcrops. Afterwards, we will explore the local palm groves and oasis fields, which serve as a haven for various migratory and resident species, including the Trumpeter Finch and the Desert Sparrow. Throughout the day, you will have ample time to photograph these birds and learn from your expert guide's deep knowledge of the desert environment before we conclude our tour and return to Merzouga.
Includes & Excludes
Tour Includes
- 4x4 transportation during the birdwatching tour
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or desert camp in Merzouga
- Local expert birdwatching guide (Brahim)
- Visits to different birding spots around Erg Chebbi (lakes, dunes, Hammada)
- Berber picnic lunch in the desert with fresh ingredients
- Flexible program depending on bird activity, season, and weather
- Cold water and Berber mint tea throughout the journey
- Laminated bird identification sheet for use during the trip
Tour Excludes
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Travel & medical insurance
- Tips / gratuities for the guide (optional)
- Accommodation in Merzouga (can be booked together upon request)
Tour Information
Don't Forget These Essentials for a Better Birdwatching Experience
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Camera or smartphone for photography.
- Sunglasses (optional)
- Binoculars for a better birdwatching experience.
- Comfortable clothing suitable for the desert weather.
- Headwear: A lightweight, comfortable hat is suitable for a birdwatching tour in the Merzouga Desert.
Best Birdwatching Times
- Early Morning: The best time to observe birds, as they are most active while searching for food.
- Midday: Bird activity decreases due to the higher temperatures, so we continue exploring suitable areas, with a break for lunch before continuing the tour.
- Late Afternoon: As temperatures cool, many birds become active again, offering another excellent opportunity for birdwatching before sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Bird sightings cannot be guaranteed, as birds are wild and their activity changes with the season, weather, and local conditions. However, our local birding knowledge and field experience help us choose the best areas and timing to maximize your chances of seeing the target species.
Yes. Solo travelers are very welcome to book the tour. The experience can be adapted to your pace and interests, giving you more flexibility and personal attention throughout the day. Couples, families, and small groups are also welcome.
We accept several secure payment methods, including Visa, PayPal, and Western Union. Once your booking is confirmed, we will provide you with all the payment details.
Bird activity is often at its best during the cooler hours around sunrise and sunset. Starting early or staying later gives us a better chance to observe species when they are feeding, calling, or moving between habitats, while also avoiding the strongest desert heat.
You can confirm your booking by contacting us, and we will provide you with all the necessary details to complete your reservation.
Yes, it is possible to extend your tour or add extra days, subject to availability.
Yes. We can adjust the pace, timing, and stops to give photographers more time in suitable locations and better light, while always respecting the birds and their habitat.
Yes. Birdwatching in Merzouga is possible throughout the year because the area is home to resident desert species that can be seen in every season. In spring, especially from March to May, the region also welcomes many migratory birds moving north. Another migration period takes place in autumn, from September to November. At other times of the year, Merzouga remains rewarding for local desert species and birds associated with seasonal wetlands. Each season offers a different birdwatching experience, but birding is possible year-round.
Tour Route & Target Areas
Discover Merzouga's most famous birdwatching sites through carefully selected routes that take you across seasonal lakes, oases, open desert plains, and the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes, where a remarkable variety of resident and migratory birds can be observed in their natural habitat.
Explore Our Featured Target Species
Discover the remarkable bird species we’ll be searching for during our two-day birdwatching tour with Brahim, from fascinating desert specialties to rare birds that make Merzouga an exceptional destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
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