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Oukaimeden

Atlas  >  Morocco

A good and accessible place to view some endemic High Atlas mountain birds.

Added* by Maurice de Graaf
Most recent update 9 March 2023

Description

Oukaimeden is a ski resort. Once the snow resided in spring the alpine meadows house nice species such as Red-billed Chough, Yellow-billed Chough, Rock Sparrow, Crimson-winged Finch (African), Northern Wheatear (Black-throated) and the local subspiecies of Shore Lark (see the picture above). On the way up to the village there is a good chance to see Moussier's Redstart and Levaillant's Woodpecker. Also don't forget to check out the little dam and small reservoir just before you enter the village. Especially during migration all kinds of birds are found around the dam. The best place is the stream that flows down from the dam (see the star on the map)

Details

Access

The ski resort of Oukaimeden is about an 80 km drive from Marrakesh. The long winding road and many hairpin bends will take you almost two hours, and if you make some stops along the way, even longer. So plan a whole day to explore the area. But the road is in perfect condition, so driving yourself is no problem (a long as there is no snow). You can park in the village and explore the hilly meadows from there on foot to look for birds.

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain , Grassland

Conditions

Hilly

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Spring , Summer , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

The meadows are not too steep, but they will catch your breath due to the altitude. Take your time, walk slowly and enjoy the birds!

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

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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