The other shore of the Strait: Morocco

With its altitude of 840 m dominating the panoramic of North Morocco, Jbel Moussa is the undisputed star of the Strait. This mountain is also known as “the mountain of the sleeping woman” for its distinctive shape as seen from Ceuta. This massif, together with the rock of Gibraltar, known as Jbel Tariq, form the mythical Pillars of Hercules, which the Greek god pushed apart to separate Europe from Africa, creating the Strait of Gibraltar.

This huge mountain is one of the principal references for planing species en route to the African continent, and also marks an important rest area for thousands of birds who stop here to wait for good meteorological conditions before crossing to Europe.

In addition to its importance to migratory birds, Jbel Moussa is also home to a resident population of ornithological important species, such as Golden and Bonelli´s Eagle, Black-crowned Tchagra, Long-legged Buzzard, Red-billed Chough, and the Barbary Partridge to name a few. This mythical wonder can also claim a sizable wild population of Barbary Macaque.

Best time of the year: Winter, spring and autumn.
Target Birds: Black-crowned Tchagra, Red-billed Chough, Golden and Bonelli´s Eagle, Barbary Partridge, Long-legged Buzzard, Ruppell´s Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, African Blue Tit, African Chaffinch and Blue Rock Thrush.

This internationally important wetland was declared a biological reserve and Ramsar site at the end of 70s. The lagoon, surrounded by a wide belt of low vegetation, is an important staging and wintering place for ducks and waders, and a breeding site for some uncommon birds. It also acts as a sanctuary when climatic conditions are unfavorable in Europe, particularly in southern Spain.

Currently Merja Zerga is famous among birders because is the best place in Morocco to watch the scarce Marsh Owl, and also for the tour through the huge lagoon by a local fishing boat to view waterfowl.

Best time of the year: Winter, spring and autumn.
Target Birds: Marsh Owl, Osprey, Slender-billed Gull, Caspian Tern, Shelduck, Pintail, Wigeon, Bluethroat and African Blue Tit and Chaffinch.

The salt pans close to Larache and the mouth and marshes of the Loukkos River are among the most interesting wetlands in northern Morocco. Birds such as Marbled Teal, Purple Swamphen, Red-knobbed Coot, Moustached Warbler and Common Bulbul are here all year round and it´s a superb stop on the migration route for numerous herons, waders and passerines. Of course, to see Little Swifts in the main square and to eat fresh and delicious sardines at the fish harbor, are also unforgettable ways to experience the area.

Best time of the year: Winter, spring and autumn.
Target Birds: Marbled Teal, Purple Swamphen, Red-knobbed Coot, Moustached Warbler, Ferruginous Duck, Little Swift, Squacco and Purple Herons, Stone Curlew, Glossy Ibis, Common Bulbul, Brown-throated Martin, Ruff and Collared Pratincole

Located between Kenitra and Rabat, this lake runs parallel to the Atlantic coast between two rows of consolidated dunes. Its southern half has been a biological reserve since 1976 and the northern half is freely accessible and forms a lake fringed by a small marsh. It shelters several hundred wintering ducks and is a breeding place for species such as Red-knobbed Coot, Purple Swamphen or White-headed Duck. Another interesting species not difficult to spot in Sidi Bourhaba are Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Marbled Teal and the colorful Moroccan Magpie that is usually flies found amongst the junipers. Marsh Owls can also be seen hunting over the marsh in the evening.

Best time of the year: Winter, spring and autumn.
Target Birds:  Marbled Teal, Purple Swamphen, Squacco and Purple Herons, Red-knobbed Coot, Moustached Warbler, Marsh Owl, White-headed Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck and African Magpie.