Overview
A must-do half-day 4×4 excursion to explore the wildlife park.
The animals in the “Rokein & Arrouais” reserves are in decline in the wild. The Oryx and Addax are even at risk of extinction in the short term. Intensive hunting with firearms and fast vehicles has accelerated their decline in recent decades. In addition to human factors, the droughts that have affected the Sahel region for the past 50 years have further worsened the situation. Condemned to roam vast desert areas in search of food, these animals have become more vulnerable, adopting a very low reproduction rate. Their survival in the wild now depends on human intervention.
Excursion Plan
Addax:
The Addax is an antelope that lives in herds in the sandy desert. It migrates long distances with the pastures that arise after rainfall. The wild population is very limited and scattered across the southern Sahara. This species disappeared from Morocco in 1956 due to poaching and intensive hunting. It is classified as "Endangered."
- Length: 110 – 130 cm
- Height: 95 – 115 cm
- Weight: 60 – 125 kg
Dama Gazelle:
The Dama Gazelle is the largest of the gazelles and also the fastest, reaching speeds of over 100 km/h. It is a very shy animal that can flee over long distances. This species is rare and found only in the southern Sahara. It is threatened by poaching and is classified as "Endangered."
- Length: 140 – 165 cm
- Height: 90 – 120 cm
- Weight: 40 – 75 kg
Red-necked Ostrich:
The largest bird on the planet, the Red-necked Ostrich does not fly but can run up to 50 km/h. It has the largest eyes of any terrestrial vertebrate (5 cm in diameter). Its diet mainly consists of plants, requiring 3 to 4 kg of fresh material daily. The subspecies "Red-necked" is found only in the southern Sahara and differs from those in southern Africa. The Ostrich disappeared from Morocco in 1945 and is considered "Endangered" in its range.
- Height: 220 – 250 cm
- Weight: Up to 150 kg
Oryx:
The Oryx is the largest antelope in the semi-desert regions of the Sahara, with its horns often exceeding 1 meter in length. It is rarely found across its entire range, with only the populations in Chad being somewhat viable. This species disappeared from Morocco in 1973 and is classified as "Critically Endangered."
- Length: 160 – 175 cm
- Height: 110 – 125 cm
- Weight: 180 – 200 kg
Dorcas Gazelle:
This small gazelle is often seen in family groups and is most active during the cooler parts of the day. It is the most widely distributed species across the Sahara, though its populations are localized due to poaching. The Dorcas Gazelle is classified as "Vulnerable."
- 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 illegal construction in the maritime domain. Despite this, we can still stop for a photo opportunity and take a short hike along the beach to enjoy the natural surroundings, the small motorboats, and the fishermen's activities. Afterward, we continue our journey toward the village of Sidi Rbat, following a sandy trail that runs along the wild Atlantic coast for about 20 km, taking approximately 2 hours on the track.
These troglodyte houses, carved into the cliff face facing the ocean, serve as shelters for fishermen. They allow them to stay for a few days by the sea, where they can fish and keep their equipment and belongings close by. Once a week, the fishermen leave to visit their families in the village further inland. The location offers stunning, untouched natural landscapes, perfect for a peaceful tea break.
Unfortunately, these houses were also demolished by the authorities in early 2024 due to illegal construction in the maritime domain.
The Barbary Ibis, an endangered species and one of the most threatened birds in the world, used to be widely distributed around the Mediterranean Basin and as far as Egypt, where it symbolized splendor for the contemporaries of the pharaohs. It was also found in Europe, nesting in the Alps as recently as the 16th century. Over time, its numbers steadily declined due to hunting, agricultural development, and widespread pesticide use. The last colony in Europe disappeared in Turkey during the 1970s. In Morocco, 40 colonies were known at the beginning of the 20th century, but today, only 4 breeding colonies remain in the country, with 3 of them located in Parc National Souss Massa. The total population is now fewer than 500 individuals, representing the majority of the species' wild population worldwide.
We cross the village of Sidi Rbat to descend to the mouth of the Oued Massa, where we find a beautiful lagoon where the Oued Massa meets the Atlantic Ocean. This is part of the Parc National Souss Massa—a privileged area for many migratory bird species, and the last refuge of the Barbary Ibis. The mouth of the Oued Massa offers lush greenery amidst a desert landscape, creating a stunning contrast.
The Oued Massa Estuary has been a Ramsar site since January 2005, situated on one of the major migratory routes for waterfowl. Its ecological importance, especially for waterbirds, is vital for biodiversity conservation.
The Ramsar Convention, related to wetlands of international importance, is an international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, aiming to halt degradation and loss while recognizing the ecological, economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value of these areas.
We will then return peacefully to Agadir.
This excursion is available every day of the week, preferably in the morning, but it can also be arranged in the afternoon.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- 4x4 Transportation
- Driver/Guide
- Entrance fee to the wildlife reserve
Excludes
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Pickup/Drop-off from Taghazout