BIRDWATCHING IN THE AZZADEN VALLEY
Full day nature walk with expert guide.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Birdwatching!
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Expert Birder Guide
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Picnic Lunch by Waterfall
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Azzaden Valley Scenery
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Atlas Mountain Views
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Riverside Trails
We start our activity from Kasbah Africa following a footpath by the Azzaden river bank towards Tassa Ouirgane village. On our way we pass by many breathtaking green fields under the shadow of walnut, green olives, and pomegranate trees where we will enjoy the singing of birds and some rhyming drumbeats of woodpeckers. We stop under walnut trees for some time to see and watch some species like Levaillaint’s and Great-spotted woodpeckers, Haw-finch and European Green finch, Coal-tit, and many more.
Rachid, our English-speaking resident guide, is a specialist in birdwatching and bird photography. He is one of Morocco's foremost birders and will be on hand to answer all your questions and assist with specialist requests. Near Tassa Ouirgane village we pause at beautiful rocky hills where Blue-rock Thrush spends most of its time singing and hopping around. Next we cross the river and hike up the mountain to Takerkhort Nature Reserve which is the main spot of so many beautiful species.
We reach a small waterfall in the river and spend time here enjoying a picnic lunch. It is a very calm and ideal zone to spot and watch birds easily. Afterwards we descend down the valley back to Kasbah Africa by an apple farm and follow a new irrigation canal. This is the main water source for Berber people who water their plants and fruits in the villages down the valley. Finally, we stop for a short break under the shadow of almond trees where we can watch Moussier's redstart birds (the National Bird of Morocco). We will then cross the river to arrive back at Kasbah Africa.
ITINERARY
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0830 Meet guide and depart Kasbah Africa.
0900 Take a break under trees for birdwatching.
0930 Arrive Tassa Ouirgane village.
0940 Continue up the valley to Takerkhort Nature Reserve.
1100 Arrive Takerkhort; birdwatching and picnic lunch near a waterfall.
1230 Depart Takerkhort; follow irrigation canal.
1330 A break for watching Redstart birds.
1430 Arrive Kasbah Africa.
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Timings are approximate and may vary due to interests of the group, bird sightings, weather or seasons.
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DON'T FORGET
To bring binoculars, field guide to Birds and camera with zoom lens. Try and wear green or khaki-coloured clothing to blend in with nature. Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots.
PRICES PER PERSON
PRICE INCLUDES
English-speaking specialist birdwatching guide; picnic lunch. Back-up service provided by Kasbah Africa who can arrange transport at certain points en route if necessary.
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PRICE EXCLUDES
Beverages and meals not specified; tips and items of a personal nature.
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Price for children 5 to 11 years old is £5 (60 dh) per child (must be min. 2 adults accompanying). Children 12 and older pay adult price.
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