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Mouth of the Oued Massa

Souss Massa National Park  >  Morocco

The mouth of the Oued Massa is one of the most important rivers in the Western-Sahara area.

Added* by Mats van Kasteren
Most recent update 30 January 2023

Description

This site is situated at the mouth of the Oued Massa, which acts as a magnet for all the regions wildlife, since it is the most important river in this, otherwise desolate, desert area. The main highlight is that the area holds the biggest of only two remaining breeding colonies of Northern Bald Ibis in the entire world. This remains the main reason to visit the area, but the site is also great for many other waders, Greater Flamingo, Great Cormorant and raptors.

Details

Access

You can park your car at the Southern edge of the village of Sidi R'bat and then take the track down into the river valley. You can walk as far as you like, but bear in mind that you will have to walk the same way back.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Desert , Steppe , Mud flats , Beach , Scattered trees and bushes , River , Sea , Dunes

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , Wet , Hilly , Dry , Open landscape , Dusty , High water possible

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

When trying your luck with the Northern Bald Ibis, keep in mind that they tend to be here at the hottest part of the day, needless to see that you are in fact in the Sahara desert and the heat can be almost unbearable here. The birds usually favor the beach, at the very mouth of the river, but they may be seen in flight more upstream as well.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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