If you are researching your Morocco travel ideas or have an interest in Moroccan ceramics you may already be familiar with some of the country’s ceramic centres you may wish to include in your Morocco travel plans. Fez tends to be the most widely known ceramic production centre – particularly for its classic blue and white patterned ceramic designs.   Safi may not be familiar to as many people by name but if you have seen Moroccan ceramics you will probably recognise the colourful ceramic glazes favoured by the Safi artisans – such as bright yellows, rich reds and lush greens. If you have already heard of somewhere such as tiny little Tamgroute with its strikingly unique metallic green glaze you are likely a collector, an avid potter or Moroccan crafts’ enthusiast.

Typically Morocco’s ceramic artisans work in local collectives comprised of specialist artisans, including master potters, painters, glaziers, zellij master craftsmen, kiln masters and etchers, each of whom has a unique roll to fulfil in the different stages of ceramic manufacture.

Including a visit to one of these collectives in your Morocco travel itinerary will certainly give you an appreciation of the days of painstaking precision craftsmanship and skill put into each individual handcrafted ceramic piece – it is remarkable.

Many of our Berber Treasures Morocco tours small group tours of Morocco include a day tour of Fez which visits one of the local Fez ceramics collectives (CE1, CE2, CE9, CE10, CE12) and some also travel to Tamgroute to visit the charmingly small ceramic collective there and the impressive Koranic library.

Our bespoke customised private tours of Morocco can be tailored to include tours of Fez ‘ceramic collectives, Safi, Tamgroute and other Moroccan ceramic centres.

Email or call us now to discuss how best to explore the history, culture and craftsmanship of Morocco’s marvellous ceramics on your Berber Treasures Morocco Tours itinerary.

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

Join us in Morocco this autumn for your Morocco travel adventure and the return of the birds southward or plan your Morocco tours itinerary for next spring for the northward migration. Email or call us now to discuss how best to include see this or other wonderful Morocco highlights of nature in your Berber Treasures Morocco Tours itinerary.

We have other blogs on the bi-annual bird migration here on our Berber Treasures Morocco Tours website.  Contact us for more information.

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

Unquestionably the fabulous Moroccan desert region is a unique and important part of Morocco’s cultural heritage, landscape and history, Morocco desert trip is a definite must for all Morocco travel plans (and you will see it included in most of our Berber Treasures Morocco Tours of Morocco we have here on our website).  But when you think about Morocco, think big and more, because Morocco is big, the Morocco desert is one of many different regions and there is even more to see, do and explore on your Berber Treasures Morocco Tours Morocco travel itinerary.

Morocco’s desert region lies to the east of the High Atlas Mountains and south of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. This desert is in fact the western most reaches of the vast Sahara Desert.  The most commonly visited areas of the desert included in most Morocco desert tours, such as Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, Merzouga and Erg Chebbi, are in fact very close to the south eastern face of the High Atlas Mountains and this is where you also find Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge.
To the west and north of the High Atlas Mountains are sweeping fertile coastal plains and plateaus, mountain valleys and forests, and high plateau mountane grasslands.  Located in this area of the Morocco are many of the cities, towns and sights you may of heard and will find included in our Berber Treasures Morocco Tours of Morocco, eg Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Volubilis, Asilah, Al Hocemia, Merja Zerga National Park, the Rif Mountains, Middle Atlas Mountains and High Atlas Mountains.

Between the Anti-Atlas Mountains and High Atlas Mountains lies the agriculturally rich Souss Valley and if you Berber Treasures Morocco Tours itinerary was to head here, you find places such as Taroudant, Agadir, Tizinit and Souss Masa National Park.

Choose one of our Deluxe Cultural Experience small group tours of Morocco or let us design your perfect bespoke private tours of Morocco for  Morocco travel adventure with a personalised custom itinerary.

Email Us Now or Call us now for more details of all our Morocco tours.

You can now find us on Facebook – come say hello to us there and see some lovely photos from past Berber Treasures Morocco Tours clients.

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

Chefchaouen wonderfully preserves and nurtures its authentic Moroccan character and nature.  Chefchaouen’s main square, Plaza Outa el Hammam, is the vibrant centre of the town.  There is always lots of activity happening and lots to see here:  the imposing old Kasbah, colourful shops, local folk coming and going, family homes, and local plaza side cafes, which are popular with locals and visitors alike, provide a great spot to sit with a delicious mint tea, watch the local goings on and enjoy the attractive surrounds.

You could easily spend a day just enjoying Chefc
haouen’s old medina.

Chefchaouen is unquestionable worth including in your Morocco tours itinerary.  Chefchaouen is situated in the north of Morocco, and only about 90 minutes or so from Tangier.  But if you do only allow the time to drive directly to Chefchaouen you will miss out on everything in between, including, for example, UNESCO world heritage Tetouan and the beautiful Mediterranean coastline – on clear days you can Spain and Gibraltar – more about that in a later post.

If you are interested in including a visit to Chefchaouen in your Berber Treasures Morocco Tours itinerary keep in mind that it is a long, long way from wonderful Marrakesh, Morocco’s fabulous Sahara Desert area (eg Erg Chebbi, Merzouga and Ait Benhaddou) and charming Essaouira.  Like every Morocco travel decision it comes down to a question of how much time you have for your Morocco tours itinerary and prioritising your Morocco must sees and want to sees – hard decisions when you want to see it all, do it all, experience it all.

Many of our Berber Treasures Morocco tours small group tours of Morocco include Chefchaouen (CE2, CE9, CE11/CE11R, CE12/CE12R) and of course if you choose to take one of our custom designed private tours of Morocco – your bespoke Morocco tours itinerary can most definitely include Chefchaouen.

Email or call us now to discuss how best to include Chefchaouen in your Berber Treasures Morocco Tours itinerary.

Morocco Travel: When is the Best Time to Go to Morocco – the Weather – Berber Treasures Morocco Tours.

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Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

The short answer is any time of year because although Morocco experiences all four seasons even during hottest July summer days and the coldest January winter days the temperatures are not those extremes that cause you to rethink your Morocco travel plans altogether – it is simply a question of your personal preference.

Winter in Djemma Fna Square in Marrakesh

Morocco’s seasonal differences combined with its magnificent geographically diverse landscape, from glittering coastlines and rich agricultural belts, through soaring mountains to spectacular desert scapes, means there is no one best time of year – it’s always a good time to experience your Morocco travel adventure.

Winter is cold, but we are talking Australian cold meaning at its coldest it’s around the 15°C – 20°C average temperature range but very cold in the high mountains – there will be snow in the High Atlas Mountains).  So nothing that can’t easily be dealt with warm clothing.

Spring time sees lots of lush farms: Road side farms on the road to Casablanca

Spring starts around mid-February and gets into full swing in March through to early June.  Average spring temperatures move into the low 20s°C and rise through the mid to upper 20s°C by late May.  Spring flowers, nesting and migrating birds, bright blue clear skies…

Local Berber people around Erg Chebbi drawing water from a well during summer – the days are hot but it is still a fascinating time to travel to Erg Chebbi and Merzouga.

Summer is very warm to hot depending where you are.  Temperatures peak in July:  the sparkling Atlantic coastline is in the pleasant 22°C – 28°C range, a few degrees warmer along the Mediterranean coast, higher still inland, around mid to high 30s°C (Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes) and definitely hot in the desert (40°C – 45°C in July).

If you prefer to avoid the desert heat there is plenty to see nd do along Morocco’s sparkling coastline: ancient Roman settlements, UNESCO world heritage sites, national parks and beaches; and inland there are always, swimming pools, air conditioning and shade.

What is not to like about Fez in autumn, or winter, or spring or summer … just go…

Autumn / Fall: stable steadily falling, but still warm, moderate temperatures, the hallmark of autumn make this a very comfortable and extremely popular time of year to visit Morocco.  By late September temperatures are generally back into the 20s°C range and moving to equalise throughout much of the country to the low 20s°C by mid-November with cooler weather creeping into the mountain areas. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, it’s just right for everyone.

As we said every time of year is the perfect time to visit Morocco – let us show you our beautiful Morocco on one of our Berber Treasures Morocco Tours of Morocco.  Choose one of our small group tours of Morocco or let us design your perfect bespoke private Morocco travel adventure with a personalised custom itinerary.

Email Us Now or Call us now for more details of all our Morocco tours.

You can now find us on Facebook – come say hello to us there and see some lovely photos from past Berber Treasures Morocco Tours clients.

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

His Excellency Mr Mohamed Mael-Ainin Ambassador of Morocco & Berber Treasures Director Georgina Hayden

Berber Treasures Morocco recently had a wonderful time participating with the Ambassador of Morocco, His Excellency Mr Mohamed Mael-Ainin, other members of Australia’s Moroccan community, the University of New England and members of the NSW branch of the Country Women’s Association in the Morocco study program (University of New England, Armidale 1-3 February). Each year the CWA chooses a country of study and this year it is Morocco. In February the University of New England sponsored and hosted the 3 day study program at their Armidale campus putting together a terrifically interesting program showcasing many aspects of Morocco including its history, countryside, people, culture, cuisine, and the unforgettable sights of Morocco.

As Australia’s leading Morocco/Australia based specialist Morocco tours operator when the University approached Berber Treasures Morocco late last year and asked us to participate in and present at the February Morocco study weekend we were, of course, delighted to accept the invitation.The University and CWA members warmly welcomed us with a dinner on Friday night.  On Saturday the formal study part of the school began with His Excellency Mr Mohamed Mael-Ainin the Ambassador of Morocco providing an engaging and informative overview of Morocco.

Berber Treasures Morocco Director Georgina Hayden who is in charge of developing new itineraries for our Morocco tours spoke about the Roman Empire in Morocco highlighting some of Morocco’s Roman settlements including the Roman capitals of Volubilis and Tingis (Tangier) and the western most outpost of the Roman Empire, Sala Collonia (at Rabat); the ancient trade routes the incredible trans-Sahara camel caravans followed through the towns and cities of Morocco including Sijilmasa, the legendary city of gold, along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the desert Kasbah villages of Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou over the High Atlas Mountains via Telouet to the great trade centres and imperial cities of Marrakech and to Fez, the Port of Timbuktu (Essaouira) and onto Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains and Tangier; and Morocco during the European Age of Discovery when Moulay Ismail established his new imperial capital at Meknes in the 17th century.

We were fortunate enough to be able to have members of our Moroccan staff visit us in Australia and join us at the University of New England including our Head of Operations & Tours in Morocco and one of our senior driver guides.  The CWA members heard a very personal experience of the life of a Berber nomad in the Moroccan Sahara Desert. This unique insight into the lifestyle, traditions and culture of Morocco’s Berber nomad tribes was fascinating. We learned about how the nomads navigate through the desert, the different tribes, their traditional clothing and the practicalities of the flowing indigo blue robes and shesh worn by the men, the tribal decorations on the black legnaa worn by the women, the importance of dates and camel milk, traditional medicines, the 5 day Berber marriage ceremonies, the Berber Amazighe language and alphabet and so many more interesting aspects of the Berber nomads’ life.

Professor Jeanette Hoom of the University of Melbourne shared the story and paintings of Hilda Rix an early 20th century Australian painter who captured her Morocco travel experiences in some of her paintings. Dr Soufiane Boufous of the University of New South Wales told us about the beautiful, spiritual Gnawa Moroccan music. We were entertained by a fashion show of gorgeous Moroccan traditional and contemporary kaftans designed by two talented Australian Moroccan women and authentic Moroccan music. What a treat and this was just some of the wonderful Saturday program with much more to come on Sunday.

It was a terrific event. We at Berber Treasures Morocco loved sharing our passion for and knowledge of Morocco with all the study school participants.

Thank you again to the University of New England, and in particular the energetic Sharon Gallen who planned and coordinated the study program, the delightful members and guests of the CWA for their eager audience and generous and participation, and His Excellency Mr Mohamed Mael-Ainin the Ambassador of Morocco and his Deputy Mr Abdelkader Jamoussi and all of the other speakers and presenters at the study weekend who contributed to a truly tremendous Moroccan experience.

Join us on one of our Berber Treasures Morocco tours of Morocco. You can explore Morocco’s wonderfully diverse countryside and culture as well as medieval cities, old pirate ports and kasbahs of Morocco.

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

MOROCCO TOUR 10:  Highlights of Morocco (10 days/9 nights)

This Morocco tours 10 day itinerary showcases Morocco’s imperial cities with their exotic old medinas and souks, the fabulous Sahara Desert of Morocco with its romantic kasbahs, soaring sand dunes and magnificent gorges, and the majestic High Atlas Mountains – the perfect introduction to Morocco travel if you only have time for a short Morocco holiday.  This itinerary operates as one of our deluxe Cultural Experience group tours of Morocco or you can choose it for your own private Morocco tour.

Ө  Itinerary Overview

Ө  Morocco Group Tours Departure Dates & Pricing

Ө  Morocco Private Tours Dates

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS

*         8 nights’ accommodation riads, kasbahs & hotels
*         1 night camping in Berber nomad’s tents at Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert oasis camp
*         9 breakfasts
*         2 dinners ((Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert Camp)
*         Full-day city tour of Marrakech with English speaking licensed professional local guide
*         Full-day city tour of Fez with English speaking licensed professional  local guide
*         Entrance Fees for included sightseeing
*         Airport transfer
*         Overnight Sahara Desert camel safari in Erg Chebbi Dunes
*         Air-conditioned private vehicle with English speaking licensed professional tour driver guide

MOROCCO TOUR 10 ITINERARY

Day 1:    Casablanca

Begin your tour of Morocco when you arrive at Casablanca Airport and are met by your Berber Treasures Morocco tour driver guide and transferred to your Casablanca hotel.  Afternoon city tour of Casablanca ’s principal sights.  Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 2:    Casablanca – El Jadida – Marrakech

Travel south along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline to the historic El Jadida with it’s interesting Moroccan and Portuguese heritage.  Turning inland your Morocco travel adventure takes you to the wondrous old imperial city of Marrakech – a highlight of all Morocco tours and your first experience of the magical Morocco riads in your Marrakech riad located in the heart of the old Marrakech medina.  Overnight in Marrakech.  (Breakfast)

Day 3:    Marrakech

Full-day city tour of Marrakech with your expert local Marrakech travel guide.  Your heritage tour of Marrakech showcases the city’s stunning past and allows you to immerse yourself in sights, sounds and smells of this captivating city.  Explore Marrakech’s UNESCO world heritage designated old walled medina, La Bahia Palace, el-Badi Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs, Place Djemaa El-Fna with it magicians, story tellers and snake charmers and Marrakech’s famous souks.   Overnight in Marrakech.  (Breakfast) 

Day 4:    Marrakech – Tizi n’Tickha (High Atlas Mountains) – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate

Making your way into the soaring High Atlas Mountains and through the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 m), the highest pass through the High Atlas Mountains, you travel to Morocco s fabulous Sahara Desert.  Visit the spectacular UNESCO world heritage designated ksar village of Ait Benhaddou where you will see some of Morocco’s most exotic and best preserved kasbahs – a must on all Morocco tours to the desert.  Resuming your journey you continue on to the oasis town of Ouarzazate, strategically located on the crossroads of old desert caravan routes – formerly an old French Foreign Legion garrison and now the movie making capital of Morocco.  Overnight in Ouarzazate.  (Breakfast)

Day 5:    Ouarzazate – Todra Gorge – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

Your Morocco travel adventure takes you along the stretch of road known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, through the Roses Valley and on to the Berber town of Tingehir.  Here you arrive to the marvellous Todra oasis nestled at the base of the High Atlas Mountains.  Turning into the Mountains you enter the beautiful Todra Gorge.   Then travelling via the desert town of Erfoud it is on to the small desert Berber village of Merzouga situated on the edge of Morocco’s spectacular Sahara Desert sand dunes known as Erg Chebbi.   Overnight in Merzouga/Erg Chebbi area. (Breakfast & Dinner)

 Day 6:    Morocco Camel Safari & Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert Oasis Camp

Explore the Merzouga oasis area.  The Berber of this region are famous for their striking indigo blue gandoras and turbans.  In Merzouga village you visit a local Berber family and share a cup of refreshing mint tea.  Returning to your kasbah there is some time to relax before your Morocco holidays immerse you in a night straight out of the pages of a Thousand and One Nights.  In the late afternoon led by your local Berber guide you take a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi sand dunes of the Sahara Desert to watch the sun setting over the desert.  A highlight of all Morocco tours to this incredible region, tonight is spent camping under the stars in a Berber nomad tent at a desert oasis camp in the heart of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Overnight camping in Berber nomads’ tents in desert.   (Option to overnight at Merzouga kasbah.)  (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 7:    Merzouga – Midelt – Ifrane (Middle Atlas Mountains) – Fez

Beginning your northward journey your holidays in Morocco travel along the Ziz River through Er-Rachadia to the magnificent Ziz Gorge with its vast date palm groves.  Climbing into the High Atlas Mountains you say farewell to the Sahara Desert.  After crossing these mountains for the last time your Morocco tours path takes you through Midelt and on into Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains.  Your route through the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco travel s via the mountain towns of Azrou and Ifrane passing past cedar, oak and pine forests on your way to the old imperial city of Fez.  Staying at another of the fabulous riads in Morocco you soak up the medieval atmosphere of this imperial city at your unique Fez riad.   Overnight in Fez.  (Breakfast)

 Day 8:    Fez

Full-day heritage tour of Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities with your expert local Fez travel guide.  Your Fez tours  itinerary visits the UNESCO world heritage designated old walled medina, historical monuments (including Madrasa (Medersa) Bou Inania, the Kairaouine Mosque and Mihrab), bazaars and souks (such as the Souk Ain Allou (leather souk), the Souk Attarine (spices), Souk au Henne (henna and kohl)), Fes el Jdid, the exterior of Dar el Makhzen (Royal Palace) including the enormous Merenid gate of Bab Dekakene, formerly the main entrance of the royal palace, the Mellah (old Moroccan Jewish heritage quarter) and late 16th century Borj Nord fortress (exterior).  Return to you Fez riads.  Overnight in Fez.  (Breakfast)

Day 9:    Fez – Volubilis – Meknes – Rabat – Casablanca

Today your holidays in Morocco travel first to the ancient Roman town of Volubilis where you can investigate the ancient ruins which include some marvellous mosaics.  Your Morocco tours exploration of Morocco’s imperial cities takes you on to  the UNESCO world heritage designated imperial city of Meknes.  In Meknes you can see the sights of this old city, including the famous massive gate of Bab el Mansour, the main entrance to the second Alaouite sultan, Moulay Ismails’s 17th century city.    Resuming your journey your travel to Morocco ‘s current capital, the imperial city of Rabat.   During your heritage tour of Rabat you visit the city’s principal sights including the Oudaia Kasbah, the Hassan Tower and the medieval Necropolis of Chellah, situated in the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Sala Collonia.  The final leg of your Morocco travel adventure returns you to Casablanca.  Overnight in Casablanca.  (Breakfast) 

Day 10: Casablanca

Transfer to Casablanca Airport where your Morocco holidays end.  We hope to see you again on one of our other Morocco tours    (Breakfast)

2013 DEPARTURES & PRICING

Berber Treasures Morocco Group Tours:

• Deluxe Cultural Experience group tour of Morocco
• Average 4 **** star accommodation
• Fabulous kasbahs and riads in Morocco with great hotel options too
• Small groups only
• These tours are guaranteed to operate
• Regular departures
• Private transport with English speaking licensed professional tour driver guide
• Group airport transfer included on Day 1 and last Day at scheduled time
• Lots of optional activities, inclusions and private airport transfers available

Deluxe Cultural Experience of Morocco Group Tour
 (Thurs – Sat)

* A single supplement for single client bookings (single room only) applies. Please ask for details.
† Sat – Mon departure
‡ Tues – Thurs departure
# Special Christmas/New Year itinerary. Please ask for details.

EMAIL US now for this Morocco tours itinerary details and to book your Morocco holidays.

Berber Treasures Morocco Private Tours of Morocco:

• Departures every day
• Luxury to budget accommodation options available
• Lots of fabulous kasbahs and riads in Morocco with great hotel options too
• Your personal chauffeured vehicle with English speaking driver guide
• Private airport transfer included on Day 1 and last Day
• Variations to the itinerary permitted – or choose a personalised tailor made Morocco tours itinerary
• No minimum numbers
• Lots of optional activities and inclusions available

EMAIL US now for pricing information, further details and to book your private tour of Morocco.

The price of your private tour of Morocco depends on the standard and type of accommodation you seek, the itinerary you choose, the number of people travelling and the time of year you are planning to travel to Morocco.

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

In this article I will concentrate on some of the many amazing Morocco bird watching opportunities you can enjoy on our Berber Treasures Morocco tours of northern Morocco.   In future articles  I will explore in more detail particular Morocco bird watching highlights including the incredible Moroccan Sahara Desert, the southern Morocco Atlantic coast, Morocco’s Atlas Mountain chains,  Morocco’s northern Atlantic and Mediterranean migratory and resident birding hotspots and more.  In my earlier article I provided a general overview of the diverse bird habitats in Morocco.

One of the many highlights for bird watching tours of Morocco is the biannual migratory crossing of the Straits of Gibraltar.   During the Northern Hemisphere spring huge populations of birds mass along Morocco’s Mediterranean coastline reading themselves for their journey northward into Europe and beyond, only to return in the autumn seeking the warmer northern African and Southern Hemisphere climate.   The biannual raptor migration crossing the Gibraltar Straits between Morocco and Spain is spectacular.  During favourable weather conditions in the peak migratory periods the sky over the Gibraltar Straits and Morocco’s Mediterranean coastline seem literally crowded with raptors, storks and other soaring birds as well as seabirds, waders and countless passerine species.   The rocky headland of Cape Spartel to the west of Tangier provides sheltering woodlands that serve as a respite haven for migrating birds and the thermal currents critical to the migratory crossing between Morocco and Europe.

Complementing the thrill of witnessing this natural phenomena are the marvellous interesting landscape, towns and villages, culture and cuisine of far northern Morocco.   Berber Treasures Morocco bird watching tours of Morocco can showcase the diversity of northern Morocco from the old Barbary coast pirate port of Asilah, the beautiful Rif Mountains town of Chefchaouen which became a sanctuary for Muslim and Jewish refugees during the European exodus caused by medieval Spanish Inquisition, to Tangier whose strategic Mediterranean location on the Gibraltar Straits has been recognised and sought after by seemingly every ancient and modern world power from the Phoenicians, Carthaginians Vandals and Romans to Great Britain, France, Spain and the USA.

Close to Chefchaouen in the rugged Rif Mountains is the proposed Talassemtane Natural Park.  More than 100 species of birds habitat this area which is particularly known for its raptor populations.

Located roughly half way between Rabat, one of Morocco incredible imperial cities, and charming Asilah is wonderful Merja Zerga – one of Morocco’s many natural treasures.   This important wetland site is a crucial point on the East Atlantic Flyway connecting northern breeding grounds from northern America, the Arctic Circle and Northern Europe to wintering ground in Western Europe, Morocco and Western Africa.  In addition to providing a haven for migratory birds, Merja Zerga has over a rich diversity of resident Moroccan birds and is a vital breeding ground for the critically endangered Moroccan Mash Owl.  On our Berber Treasures Morocco tours you will witness the bio-diversity of this wonderful wetland exploring Merja Zerga by boat with local expert bird guides.  Please note in order to protect the Marsh Owl you cannot approach the Marsh Owl breeding roosts during the breeding season (February – May).

Morocco’s Merja Zerga is also the last known wintering ground for the extremely rare Slender-billed Curlew – regrettably the rarest bird in Europe and the Western Palearctic.   On our Berber Treasures Morocco bird watching tours of Morocco we encourage you to keep an eye out for this critically endangered bird and report any sightings to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds – there hasn’t had a reported confirmed sighting here since 1995 and the last verified sighting of it anywhere was in 2001 in Hungry.  Our Berber Treasures Morocco tours to Merja Zerga will provide you with the RSPB and AEWA factsheets to assist in identification.  We encourage you to visit the RSPB’s dedicated webpages at www.slenderbilledcurlew.net.

Morocco has fantastic birding opportunities. Join us on our Berber Treasures Morocco bird watching tours of Morocco and you can explore Morocco’s wonderfully diverse birding environments as well as medieval cities and souks, old pirate ports, ancient desert camel caravan oasis towns, traditional mountain and desert Berber villages, the famous Morocco kasbahs and so much more. Our Berber Treasures Morocco tours include special group bird watching tours of Morocco with different itineraries focusing of Morocco’s birding highlights.

Berber Treasures Morocco tours of Morocco including our bird watching tours of Morocco are conduct throughout the year. Our Morocco group bird watching tours focusing on migratory birds operate in February through April and August through October. If you have questions about Morocco travel at particular times or want to know more about our bird watching tours of Morocco please ask us. Contact us now for more details of all our Morocco tours.

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

Morocco’s diverse bird habitats range from soaring mountains, craggy coastlines, wetlands, lush plains to desert sand dunes and everything in between.  In this article on bird watching in Morocco I will provide an overview of some of the glorious variety of bird habitats in Morocco which you can include on the Morocco bird watching holiday  you choose from our Berber Treasures Morocco tours of Morocco and also focus a little more on migratory birds in Morocco.  In future articles I will explore in more detail particular Morocco birding highlights including Morocco’s Desert, the southern Morocco Atlantic coast, Morocco’s Atlas Mountain chains,  Morocco’s northern Atlantic and Mediterranean migratory and resident birding hot spots and more.

The Northern Hemisphere spring and autumn (fall) offer amazing opportunities for bird watching in Morocco on our Morocco tours as hundreds of species of birds travel in Morocco following their migratory routes.  Birds seem to be everywhere you look.  Whether you are a keen birding enthusiast or a casual birder you can’t helped but be impressed by the sight of huge populations of migrating eagles, storks, cranes, harriers, kites, vultures, buzzards, larks, thrushes, martins, finches and so many more – in fact more than 250 different bird species migrate through Morocco.   So get your binoculars and field guides ready because on our Berber Treasures Morocco bird watching tours of Morocco you will be busy spotting a wonderful array of migratory and resident birds in Morocco.

While different bird species migrate through Morocco at different times there are periods of more clustered activity which you can take advantage of on our Morocco tours geared to bird watchers.  In general the greater swell of migratory bird movement northward takes place from February through May (with lesser movements during June) reaching a crescendo of activity in March and April.  The southward bird migrations through Morocco principally occur from August through November with a concentrated peak in September and October, but some species (including some Warblers, Nightingales and Woodchat Shrikes) arrive as early as July and others (including some sea birds) as late as December.

Storks nesting atop an ancient kasbah tower – join our Berber Treasures Morocco tours for bird watching in Morocco

Morocco’s Atlantic coastline is a crucial link in the East Atlantic Flyway connecting northern breeding grounds in North America, the Arctic Circle and nearby islands and Northern Europe to wintering grounds in Western Europe, Morocco and Western Africa,  Some important Morocco birding hot spots along Morocco’s Atlantic coast include Souss Massa National Park (also known as Souss Masa and Oued Masa), Tamri, Sidi Moussa – Oualidia, Merja Zerga; and of course along Morocco’s Mediterranean coastline, most especially Cape Spartel, during the biannual migration across the Gibraltar Straits.  Berber Treasures Morocco bird watching tours of Morocco allow you to tract the Moroccan aspects of the East Atlantic Flyway.

Morocco’s majestic mountain environments include the High Atlas Mountains, Middle Atlas Mountains, Anti-Atlas Mountains, Rif Mountains and Jebel Saghro Mountains (also known as Jebel Sahro).  The oldest and highest national park in Morocco Toubkal National Park located in the western High Atlas Mountain and the proposed Ifrane National Park area in the Middle Atlas Mountains both offer landscapes or mountain peaks, forests, alpine lakes and rivers which attracts a great variety of birds.  More than 140 different species have been recorded in the Middle Atlas Mountain area around Ifrane with most breeding here and you can also find many migratory Palearctic birds.

The incredible Morocco Sahara Desert attracts a surprisingly diverse array of bird species from resident desert birds to migratory soaring and water birds.  Morocco’s desert environments range from stony plateaus, baked earthen plains, soaring sand dunes, lush oases, both permanent and seasonal lakes and rivers, to the desert side foothills and high valleys of the High Atlas Mountains and Jebel Saghro Mountains.  Morocco desert bird watching hotspots to add to your list of must sees on your Berber Treasures Morocco tours of Morocco include the permanent lake Barrage al Mansour Eddhabi at Ouarzazate, the seasonal Merzouga Lake (also known as Tamezguidat or Dayet Srij) at the base of the 100 m to 150 m high Erg Chebbi sand dunes, as well as the gorges (eg Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge and their oasis’), the desert foothills of the eastern High Atlas Mountains and the proposed Eastern High Atlas Mountain Park area and the Jebel Saghro Mountains area especially around the Tagdilt area.

Morocco has fantastic birding opportunities.  Join us on our Berber Treasures Morocco bird watching tours of Morocco and you can explore Morocco’s wonderfully diverse birding environments as well as medieval cities and souks, old pirate ports, ancient desert caravan towns, traditional Berber villages  and Morocco kasbahs.  Our Berber Treasures Morocco tours include special group bird watching tours of Morocco with different itineraries focusing of Morocco’s birding highlights.

Berber Treasures Morocco tours of Morocco including our birdwatching tours of Morocco are conduct throughout the year.  Our Morocco group bird watching tours focusing on migratory birds operate in February through April and August through October.   If you have questions about Morocco travel at particular times or want to know more about our bird watching tours of Morocco please ask us.  Contact us now for more details of all our Morocco tours.

White-crowned Black Wheatear: see the Birds of Morocco on our Berber Treasures Morocco tours

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

In planning our Morocco tours we take these Moroccan holidays into account. We also keep of Morocco Travel Tips page up to date with all the Moroccan holidays as a handy resource for you.

By and large a public holiday in Morocco means government offices, schools, post offices and the like are closed but fairly much everywhere else – including the places tourists to Morocco are interested in – will be open.   So you can travel to Morocco at any time of the year on our Berber Treasures Morocco tours of Morocco.

While the non-religious public holidays in Morocco always fall on the same date, this is not the case for the religious public holidays in Morocco.  The reason for this is that the religious public holidays in Morocco are determined by the Islamic calendar rather the the Western Gregorian calendar.  The differences between these two calendars means that each successive year each of these Morocco holidays (the religious public holidays) falls earlier in the year by approximately 10 days.  The Islamic calendar provides a date which acts as a guide for these religious Morocco holidays.  However, the actual date of some of the religious public holidays in Morocco are celebrated is governed by human sighting of the moon, so there can be a little variation as between Morocco and other counties as to the day its celebrated.   The Morocco holidays I am referring to are: Eid al-Mawlid (the Prophet’s Birthday); Eid al- Fitr (the End of Ramadan); Eid al-Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice) and Fatih Muharram (the Islamic New Year)

Here on our Berber Treasures Morocco tours website we have a dedicated Morocco travel guide webpage – Morocco Travel Tips – which contains all the information about the Morocco holidays as well as lots of other handy Morocco travel tips and information useful in planning Morocco tours.  We keep our Morocco Travel Tips webpage updated, so if you are looking for up to date information on Morocco’s public holidays you can find it here and you can also contact us directly by email or telephone to plan your perfect Morocco holidays.

The 2012 Morocco Public Holidays:

In addition, because in the Islamic faith each new day begins after sunset rather than after midnight, the celebrations for the religious public holidays in Morocco may start the evening before the date on our Morocco public holiday calendar.

Contact us now for more information about our unique Berber Treasures Morocco tours.

See Marrakech’s old medina on your holidays in Morocco with one of our Berber Treasures Morocco Tours

Australia’s leading Morocco-Australia based Moroccan specialist tour operator – conducting unique small group tours of Morocco and customised individual private tours of Morocco. We are Morocco travel experts.

© Berber Treasures 2012