Birdwatching
Merzouga Birding Tour in the Erg Chebbi Desert
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A half-day of desert birding around Merzouga with a licensed nature guide: Desert Sparrow, Egyptian Nightjar, African Desert Warbler and Dayet Srij lake.
At a glance
All the key details for your experience at a glance.
- Duration Half day (about 5 hours)
- Group size From 1 people
- Location Merzouga, Erg Chebbi and Dayet Srij lake
- When it runs All year; best from February to May
- Pick-up Pickup included from your hotel or guesthouse in Merzouga.
- Cancellation Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Highlights
What makes this experience special.
- Desert Sparrow
- Egyptian Nightjar at its daytime roost
- African Desert Warbler and Greater Hoopoe-Lark
- Sandgrouse at dawn
- Dayet Srij lake when it holds water
Around the Erg Chebbi dunes lives a group of birds that very few travellers ever see. Desert Sparrow, pale as the sand, Egyptian Nightjar, which spends the day motionless on the ground, African Desert Warbler and Greater Hoopoe-Lark with its display flight are among them. Finding them takes knowing the hamada, the palm groves and the camps where they show.
The outing starts at dawn, when sandgrouse come in to drink and the birds are singing. Depending on the season we finish at Dayet Srij, a lake that usually holds water from November to May and draws flamingos, Ruddy Shelducks and waders to the foot of the dunes. It is the ideal add-on if you spend one or two nights in Merzouga.
Photographs
What the price covers
Clear and transparent, so you know exactly what is included.
Included
- Licensed nature guide
- 4x4 vehicle during the outing
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Merzouga
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Binoculars and scope (ask us)
- Tips
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
How the day runs
A step-by-step look at your experience.
Good to know
- Egyptian Nightjar is mainly present from March to September
- Dayet Srij depends on rainfall: some years it is dry
- No species can be guaranteed
What to bring
- Binoculars
- Layers: dawn is cool and midday is hot
- A scarf for dust and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and water
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Deposit as agreed and the balance in cash on the day, in any currency accepted in Morocco.
Travel insurance is mandatory.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time?
February to May brings more species and pleasant temperatures. In summer we start very early because of the heat.
Can I join if I sleep in a dune camp?
Yes. Tell us the name of your camp when booking so we can arrange the pickup.
Is it good for photographers?
Yes. The guide looks for the best light and approaches slowly, without disturbing the birds.
