BIRD WATCHING IN MOROCCO

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Todra Gorge and Dadès Gorge

Attraction These two rivers rise in the central part of the High Atlas. They pass through impressive gorges and irrigate lush, green valleys. The Dadès gorge has many local fortified villages (kasbahs), and the Drâ valley is lined with one of the nicest palm-groves in the country. This beautiful landscape is worth visiting in itself and is a odd example of the habitats to be found in the valleys of the southern foothills of the High Atlas. The more adventurous birdwatcher might consider driving from one valley to the other via Tamtattouchte. The desert immediately to the south of the P32, between the two valleys, is one of the most accessible in Morocco and the best place to see a range of desert birds.

 
Getting There Access to the va1leys starts from the towns of Boumalne du Dades and Tinerhir, on the main P32 that runs along the south side of the High Atlas. The two towns can be reached by bus (2-3 per day) but a car is rea1ly necessary to explore the area. The gorges can be reached by taxi but their prices can be exorbitant for tourists. From Boumalne the 56901 runs up the Dades gorge and from Tinerhir the 56902 leads to the Todra gorge (tarmac up to the gorge). The desert to the south is best explored along the track to Tagdilt, which runs south-east, leaving the P32 a few kilometers east of Boumalne, opposite a garage.

 
Strategy

The best time to visit the lower valleys is from March to May and the mountains are best from May to July .It is worth spending at least two days here. One day should be spent in the palm-groves and in the Todra gorge and the other exploring the Dades valley. If you intend to drive the circuit between the two valleys through the Atlas, start at Tinerhir, going through Tamtattouchte and Msem- rir to Boumalne. The most difficult part of the route is in the Todra valley. Only a quarter of the 140km route is tarmac and while it can be driven in one day, it would be better to take two. A Renault 4 is generally sufficient.