Morocco - 10th to 20th September Special Safari

Morocco – 10th to 20th September 2010

During the middle of September I will be travelling to Morocco and not only exploring the Draa Valley for autumn migrating birds, but also venturing into the southern Sahara searching for speciality birds such as Desert Sparrow. My tour is as much to do with progressing the education programme ‘For the Birds’ in local schools and the project of assisting a women’s cooperative in Zagora, as it is for actual birdwatching! Andalucia Bird Society in collaboration with The Audubon Society (New York) has developed an elementary education programme that teaches environmental awareness and appreciation of nature through the study of birds. The programme is not just for Spain, it has also been adapted for rural schools in Morocco, where we have already introduced concepts to 3 schools!

Through Spanish Nature, a small group will travel from Marrakech, over the Atlas Mountain pass of Tizi-n-Tichka and arrive in Ouarzazate before slowly making our way down the Draa Valley to Mhamid (the end of the tarmac). We will stay in this desert area for 3 nights, making excursions into the sand desert and expecting to find Desert Sparrow, Brown-necked Raven, Hoopoe Lark, Bar-tailed Lark, various sandgrouse and other species. The Draa Valley is lined with palmeries and various places where water is retained via small dams, although I have never visited the area in September, I am expecting migrants to be using this natural highway as their approach route and final feeding area before crossing the Sahara.

It will be an adventure for me, as well as an opportunity to meet local communities and finding ‘new’ birding sites. If anyone has an interest to join the tour please contact me by private message.

Itinerary:

10th Sept. Marrakech – airport collection and one night near the famous souk.
11th Sept. Marrakech to Ouarzazate our route taking us over the highest pass of the Atlas Mountains
12th Sept. Ouarzazate to Mhamid with stop en route for birding
13th Sept. Mhamid – Sahara safari, exploring the sand deserts and scrub – packed lunch
14th Sept. Mhamid – Sahara safari with visit late pm to the local community centre and schools*
15th Sept. Mhamid – Zagora exploring the desert areas en route visit to women’s cooperative pm*
16th Sept. Zagora – visit various birding sites including for Fulvous Babbler visit cooperative pm*
17th Sept. Zagora – Ouarzazate birding en route
18th Sept. Ouarzazate – Marrakech birding en route and lunch in the Atlas Mountains.
19th Sept. Marrakech. Visit the high Atlas for Crimson-winged Finch etc and lunch. Tour Marrakech*
20th Sept. Departure day.

* These visits are optional and alternatives are available if requested.

Peter

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