Beyond the vibrant cities and stunning architecture, Morocco holds a treasure trove of wildlife encounters waiting to be discovered. From playful primates in ancient forests to majestic camels traversing the Sahara, this guide will lead you to the best spots to witness Morocco’s fascinating fauna in their natural habitats. Get ready for an adventure filled with unforgettable animal sightings!

Region by Region: Spotting Morocco’s Amazing Animals

Let’s break down the best places to find specific animals across Morocco, offering you a straightforward guide to plan your wildlife adventures.

The Middle Atlas Mountains: Home of the Barbary Macaques

The cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains are the prime location to encounter the charming Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus), also known as the Barbary ape. These tailless monkeys are the only macaque species found outside of Asia and are a true highlight for any wildlife enthusiast visiting Morocco.

• Prime Location: The forests around Azrou and within Ifrane National Park are renowned for their Barbary macaque populations. The macaques here are often accustomed to human presence, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
• Best Time to See Them: Mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times as the macaques are most active during these cooler periods.
• Vantage Points: Keep your eyes peeled along the roadside as you drive through the cedar forests. Hiking trails within Ifrane National Park also offer great chances for encounters.⁷ Remember to observe them from a respectful distance and never feed them.
• Nearby Lodging: The town of Azrou offers various hotels and guesthouses. Ifrane itself has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to more luxurious hotels.

The Souss Region: Goats in Argan Trees & Rare Birds

The unique sight of goats climbing argan trees is a quintessential Moroccan experience, particularly in the Souss region near Essaouira and Agadir. These agile goats clamber up the thorny trees to feast on the nutrient-rich argan fruit.

• Prime Location: The roadsides between Essaouira and Agadir are your best bet. You’ll often see argan trees dotted with goats along this route.
• Best Time to See Them: Any time of day is usually good, but the goats are often most active when the argan fruit is ripe, typically from June to August.
• Vantage Points: Simply pull over safely along the roadside when you spot a tree with goats. Local herders may be present. Be respectful if you wish to take photos.
• Nearby Lodging: Both Essaouira and Agadir offer a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Beyond the goats, the Souss-Massa National Park, located south of Agadir, is a haven for birdwatchers. This park is the last stronghold of the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis.

• Prime Location: Souss-Massa National Park, especially around the estuaries of the Oued Souss and Oued Massa.
• Best Time to See Them: Spring and autumn are excellent for birdwatching as you’ll see both resident and migratory species. Early mornings are generally best for spotting the Northern Bald Ibis.
• Vantage Points: The park has designated nature trails and a visitor center at Oued Massa.⁸ Hiring a local guide from the nearby village of Massa can greatly enhance your birdwatching experience.
• Nearby Lodging: Agadir offers numerous hotels and resorts, providing easy access to the national park.

The Sahara Desert: Majestic Camels and Desert Wildlife

No trip to Morocco is complete without experiencing the iconic Sahara Desert and its majestic camels. Camel treks are a popular activity, offering a traditional way to explore the vast dunes.

• Prime Location: The desert areas around Merzouga and Zagora are the most popular starting points for camel treks into the Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga dunes respectively.
• Best Time to See Them: Camel treks typically take place in the late afternoon to witness the sunset over the dunes and again in the early morning for sunrise.
• Vantage Points: The entire desert landscape becomes your vantage point during a camel trek. Many tours include overnight stays in traditional Berber camps, offering a truly immersive experience.
• Nearby Lodging: Merzouga and Zagora have a range of desert camps and traditional riads to choose from.

While camels are the most prominent animals, keep an eye out for other desert wildlife, though they can be more elusive. You might spot the Dorcas gazelle in the Souss-Massa and Iriqui National Parks, or perhaps a fennec fox if you’re lucky during a desert excursion (though these are nocturnal and harder to spot).

The Coasts: Seabirds and Marine Life

Morocco’s extensive Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines are teeming with birdlife and marine creatures.

• Prime Location: Al Hoceima National Park on the Mediterranean coast is particularly important for seabirds, hosting the largest Mediterranean population of the osprey. You might also spot Audouin’s gulls and various terns.
• Best Time to See Them: Spring and autumn migrations bring a greater variety of bird species. Ospreys can be seen year-round.
• Vantage Points: Hiking along the coastal cliffs within Al Hoceima National Park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Boat trips may also provide sightings of dolphins.
• Nearby Lodging: The town of Al Hoceima provides various hotels and guesthouses.

Along the Atlantic coast, Khenifiss National Park is another important wetland area for migratory birds, including flamingos, marbled teals, and Audouin’s gulls.

• Prime Location: The Khenifiss Lagoon within the national park.
• Best Time to See Them: Spring and autumn are ideal for observing the diverse birdlife.
• Vantage Points: Explore the park’s trails and the edges of the lagoon. Boat tours may also be available.
• Nearby Lodging: Accommodation can be found in the nearby towns of Akhfennir, Tan-Tan, and Tarfaya.

Paradise Valley: Lizards, Snakes, and Exotic Birds

Nestled within the High Atlas Mountains, Paradise Valley offers a different kind of wildlife encounter, known for its reptiles and amphibians.

• Prime Location: Paradise Valley, located near Agadir.
• Best Time to See Them: Warmer months are when reptiles are most active. Birdlife can be observed throughout the year.
• Vantage Points: Explore the rocky terrain and riverbanks. Look for lizards basking in the sun and listen for the calls of exotic birds like kingfishers and Bonelli’s eagles.
• Nearby Lodging: Agadir is the main hub for accessing Paradise Valley and offers a wide range of accommodation.

Respecting Wildlife: A Note for Responsible Travelers

While seeking out these incredible animal encounters, it’s crucial to remember to observe wildlife responsibly. Maintain a respectful distance, never feed wild animals, and avoid making loud noises that could disturb them. Supporting eco-friendly tours and accommodations helps ensure the long-term well-being of these animals and their habitats.

Your Moroccan Safari Awaits

Morocco’s diverse landscapes offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature and witness a variety of fascinating animals. Whether you’re captivated by the playful Barbary macaques, the argan-climbing goats, the desert’s silent camels, or the vibrant birdlife along the coasts, Morocco’s wildlife is sure to leave you with lasting memories. Start planning your adventure today!