Member's Moroccan Tour

[Peter]

I was asked, during our member's day on the 25th October, if we could organise an excursion to Morocco during December. Well the answer is yes, provided we can get enough people interested and share costs.

I would propose avoiding a a period too near Christmas and with this in mind suggest a 3 night 4 day visit. Depart on Wednesday 2nd and return Saturday 5th. The length of stay will give us plenty of time to visit Larache marshes, Moulay Bousselham (incorporates a boat trip around the lagoon), Oued Tahadart and a few other prime birding areas. Target species will include Marsh Owl, House Bunting, Lanner Falcon, Tern sp including Caspian, Gull and Waders sp, Common Bulbul and other typical species hard to find or absent in Spain.

The cost will be dictated by numbers and obviously the more that go the less the cost per person. Initially can I have your reaction to the idea and whether you would be interested to attend. Of course before you know it December will be upon us, so if you could let me know asap it would be appreciated.

Peter 

[David]

Peter,

I am interested.

David

[Franky no Hair]

Hi Peter
            I would be interested and  Eileen would also be interested depending on the price.
                                   Have Fun Frank

[ali]

Peter

          I am very interested.      /    Arne

[Andy Granada]

Hi

I'm new to the ABS site, but would potentially be intersted in a Morocco trip. I'm based in Granada, no car. Do you hold any other outings? Where? I will look at the website, but just wanted to make contact. Are there any otehr members in Granada (apart from Mick Richardson who I know).

Cheers

Andy Mountford

[Bob Wright]

Hi Andy

I live in the mountains above Lake Vinuela and also have an apartment at Velez de Benaudalla.  As a result, I often visit Charca de Suaraez at Motril.  I laso, for my sins, organise the Axarquia Bird Group.

I travelled to the last morning out so know the problems re long distances, etc.

Bob Wright

[Peter]

Hi Andy
I live in the mountains above Lake Vinuela and also have an apartment at Velez de Benaudalla.  As a result, I often visit Charca de Suaraez at Motril.  I laso, for my sins, organise the Axarquia Bird Group.
I travelled to the last morning out so know the problems re long distances, etc.
Bob Wright

We all appreciate that in order to visit areas outside of our 'own patch' involves travelling. There really is no alternative other than to wish birds from outside - in. For instance. people from say San Pedro would have to travel a long way to join your bird outings Bob. Its the nature of birding.

Peter

[Peter]

PROPOSED Moroccan tour 2nd December to 5th December 2009

After much investigation and searching for prices I am able to cost the proposed excursion to Morocco. However, I would just like to make what I consider some important points:

1. The excursion does not replace our ABS member’s days i.e. field trips. It is an excursion, an extra in response to requests by members.

2. After investigating prices, I think it looks expensive, but with ferry costs at 75 euros each, hotel for 3 nights, guide and boat trip, plus all meals and transport I cannot find better prices.

The actual itinerary is as follows:

Day 1. Depart Tarifa at 10:00 hrs. Arrive Tanger and be met by transport. Investigate area south of Tanger for birds. Lunch and then explore the coastal area between Tanger and Asilah. 17:00 hrs check-in to hotel in Asilah. Dinner in the old quarters of the town.

Day 2. Depart for Larache and explore marshes for such birds as Crested Coot, Moustached Warbler, Terns sp and waders etc. Lunch in Larache. Before returning to Asilah, visit nearby estuary and playa for waders and seabirds. 17:00 hrs arrive at hotel and relax before dinner in the old quarters of the port.

Day 3. Drive to Moulay Bousselham and meet our guide and boatman for our morning’s cruise around the lagoon of Merja Zerga. Before lunch see Marsh Owl roost near to the fishing port. Lunch. Drive around the back route towards Larache to seek such birds as Black-winged Kite. 18:00 hrs arrive in Asilah and prepare for dinner.

Day 4. Drive to back route through wetland and plains towards Tanger. Quest to find Cranes and Great Bustard, but many other great species can be found here. Lunch in Tanger and depart for Tarifa on first available ferry i.e. poss. 16:00hrs.

Prices: not including drinks.

8 persons: price per couple; 450 euros per person / single; 485 euros
7 persons: price per couple; 485 euros per person / single; 510 euros
6 persons: price per couple; 505 euros per person / single; 540 euros
5 persons: price per couple; 550 euros per person / single; 585 euros
4 persons; price per couple; 615 euros per person / single; 650 euros


As previously mentioned the costs looks expensive, but includes such a lot and I cannot find better prices.

If interested please let me know asap.

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you.

Peter 

[Peter]

Hi
I'm new to the ABS site, but would potentially be intersted in a Morocco trip. I'm based in Granada, no car. Do you hold any other outings? Where? I will look at the website, but just wanted to make contact. Are there any otehr members in Granada (apart from Mick Richardson who I know).
Cheers
Andy Mountford

Hi Andy,

Welcome to the forum. As you can see from the earlier post the full Moroccan itinerary is listed together with costs. I guess it is difficult without a car, but we are running a member's day/field outing to Fuente de Piedra on the 12th December (see new thread later).

The forum and society are only recently formed, so apart from Mick, we don't yet have any more members in your area. Of course we hope that will change very quickly! Hopefully there will be a meeting, it is planned, in your area before the end of winter.

Keep an eye to the forum for future meetings.

Peter

[David]

Hi Peter,

I was expecting it to be cheaper than €450 - and this is with eight people and sharing rooms.

I assume this cost is for fully inclusive so there will be little additional expenditure - there is the cost of parking cars at Algercias.  Maybe we could organise lift sharing with pick-up points.

If we can keep the cost to €450ish  then I am still interested.

David

[Andy Granada]

Hi Peter, and Bob

Thanks for doing Morocco research...can't run to that sort of money but I guess it's just the price it must cost. I wasn't certain if you were running a minibus but maybe that would work out even more!!

As for logistics, no problems...it's just that I wasn't sure what your "local area" is...Andalucia is a large Comunidad! I'm involved a bit with SEO Sierra Nevada. Car problem is mine...no estoy quejando!! Not sure where Bob's place is...haven't heard of the places mentioned but I HAVE heard of Motril!

Hope to meet up some time soon.....even Fuente Piedra is a struggle by public transport...maybe I'll rent a car for a few days.

Regards

Andy

[ali]

Hi Peter

I am still interested and maybe also my wife Gunilla.
      /    Arne

[Stephen]

Hi Peter, Put my name down! Here's a pphoto of Kahlid's boat..
Stephen 

[Peter]

Morocco – ABS Excursion 2nd to 5th December 2009

I am pleased to say we have 6 people who have confirmed they will be going on the above trip and that in order to get the best price for the excursion, we need another two persons.

If you definitely want to join this trip, please can you confirm before the 16th November 2009. Deposits will be required by 21st November 2009.

Going:

Stephen +2
Arnie
John B
Steve

Thanks for your urgent attention.

Peter

[Franky no Hair]

Hi Peter
            You can put me down so we only need an other one.
                               Have Fun Frank