Addax Antelope
The Addax is a desert-dwelling antelope that lives in herds. It follows long migratory routes in search of pastures that appear randomly with rainfall. Wild populations are now very limited and scattered across parts of the southern Sahara. The species disappeared from Morocco in 1956 due to poaching and intensive hunting. It is currently listed as "endangered."
Length: 110 – 130 cm / Height: 95 – 115 cm / Weight: 60 – 125 kg

Dama Gazelle
The largest and fastest of all gazelles, the Dama Gazelle can reach speeds over 100 km/h. Extremely shy, it flees over long distances when disturbed. It is a rare species, mainly found south of the Sahara, and is threatened by poaching. It is also listed as "endangered."
Length: 140 – 165 cm / Height: 90 – 120 cm / Weight: 40 – 75 kg

Red-Necked Ostrich
The largest bird on the planet, the ostrich cannot fly but can run up to 50 km at a speed of 30 km/h! It has the largest eyes of any land vertebrate (5 cm in diameter). Its diet is mainly plant-based, requiring 3 to 4 kg of fresh vegetation daily. The red-necked subspecies is found only south of the Sahara and is different from the one in southern Africa. Ostriches disappeared from Morocco in 1945 and are considered "endangered" in their natural range.
Height: 220 – 250 cm / Weight: up to 150 kg

Scimitar-Horned Oryx
The Oryx is the largest antelope found in the semi-desert regions of the Sahara. Its impressive horns can grow over 1 meter long. The species is now only found sporadically throughout its native range, with viable populations mostly limited to Chad. It disappeared from Morocco in 1973 and is currently listed as "critically endangered."
Length: 160 – 175 cm / Height: 110 – 125 cm / Weight: 180 – 200 kg

Dorcas Gazelle
This small gazelle is usually seen in family groups and is mainly active outside the hottest hours of the day. Although it is the most widespread gazelle species across the Sahara, it remains locally distributed due to ongoing poaching. It is listed as "threatened."
Length: 90 – 110 cm / Height: 55 – 65 cm / Weight: 15 – 20 kg

We arrive at the fishing village of Tifnit, which was demolished by the authorities in early 2024 due to construction on maritime public land without permits.
We’ll stop for photos and enjoy a short walk along the beach to appreciate the natural setting, the small motorboats, and the fresh fish.
Then, the journey continues towards the village of Sidi Rbat, following a sandy track that winds along the wild Atlantic coastline (20 km & approx. 2 hours off-road).

These troglodyte houses, carved into the cliffside facing the ocean, served as shelters for fishermen. They allowed them to stay by the sea for several days, fish, and keep their equipment and belongings close. Once a week, they would leave to visit their families in a nearby village.
The area offered breathtaking, untouched natural landscapes, and a tea break here was always a pleasant moment.

Unfortunately, these houses were also demolished by the authorities in early 2024 due to construction on maritime public land without permits.

Discover an exceptional site where ocean, lagoon, and unique biodiversity come together: the mouth of the Oued Massa, located in the heart of the Souss Massa National Park.

🔸 The Northern Bald Ibis, one of the most endangered birds in the world, finds its last refuge here. Once widely distributed around the Mediterranean Basin, extending to Egypt and Europe, this species has seen its numbers drastically decline over the centuries due to hunting, agriculture, and widespread pesticide use.
Today, only four breeding colonies remain in Morocco, with three in the Souss Massa National Park, representing fewer than 500 wild individuals worldwide.

After passing through the village of Sidi Rbat, you'll head towards the mouth of the Oued to discover a beautiful lagoon, where the Oued Massa meets the Atlantic Ocean. This magical place, lush with greenery in the midst of a semi-desert landscape, offers a stunning contrast and is a prime location for birdwatching, especially for migratory species.

🛡️ Since January 2005, the Oued Massa Estuary has been listed as a Ramsar site, in recognition of its vital role in biodiversity conservation.
The Ramsar Convention aims to protect wetlands for their ecological functions, as well as their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational values.

A photo stop at the highest point of the rock to admire the dam and discover this lake with a capacity of 300 million cubic meters, nestled in the middle of this desert landscape.

After descending from the highlands, we head towards a traditional Berber village, following a scenic off-road trail.
A well-deserved reward awaits: a typical homemade lunch prepared by a local family, served in a warm and welcoming setting.
Payment is made directly on site.

Following this delicious break, enjoy a relaxing mint tea before continuing your adventure...

Dunes de Sable du Petit Sahara

A short excursion on the fine, ochre sand dunes, a brief hike through the small desert, and a photo session to capture the beauty of the landscape.

Lunch with locals = 10€ per person and 5€ per child (under 10 years old).