Morocco Western Sahara Extension 2 nd to 7 th May 2019 (6 days)

Transcription

1 Morocco Western Sahara Extension 2 nd to 7 th May 2019 (6 days) Golden Nightjar by David Hoddinott Western Sahara in the Maghreb region of North Africa is a remote and relatively unexplored birding destination. A former Spanish colony relinquished in 1975, the western two-thirds of the territory is now administered by Morocco. The resulting stability has fostered a growing tourism industry in one of the most sparsely populated areas of the world. This exploratory adventure offers varied desert vistas; endless uncrowded beachscapes; and the sense of freedom that comes from vast empty spaces. Most importantly, it also provides an easily accessible opportunity to observe some unusual and rarely seen desert specials such as Sudan Golden Sparrow, Golden Nightjar, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, Dunn s Lark, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Cricket Warbler and Fulvous Babbler.

2 RBL Morocco Western Sahara Extension 2 THE ITINERARY THE TOUR AT A GLANCE Day 1 Days 2 to 4 Day 5 Day 6 Casablanca to Dakhla Oued Jenna & Aousserd Dakhla Peninsula & boat trip around Dakhla Bay Duna Blanca and depart from Dakhla TOUR MAP

3 RBL Morocco Western Sahara Extension 3 THE TOUR IN DETAIL Day 1: Casablanca to Dakhla. After arriving in Dakhla, we will transfer to our accommodation on the northern shore of the Baie de Dakhla, a miniature Sea of Cortez formed by a long narrow peninsula extending southwards into the Atlantic Ocean. This afternoon we ll explore the beaches adjacent to the hotel for Mediterranean, Audouin s and Slender-billed Gulls, flocks of elegant Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Great Cormorant and the impressive Caspian Tern. We can also expect to see an array of waders, with many in, or approaching full breeding livery. Notable species are Bar-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Grey, Kentish and Common Ringed Plovers, Dunlin and Sanderling. The country boasts an impressive collection of wader records and there is always the chance of seeing the unexpected. Days 2 to 4: Oued Jenna & Aousserd. We begin the day with a dawn walk around the hotel grounds. The irrigated gardens provide habitat for species such as White and Western Yellow Wagtails, Common and Iberian Chiffchaffs, Eurasian Trumpeter Finch by Markus Lilje Blackcap, Black Wheatear and Sardinian Warbler. After a fortifying breakfast we ll begin our journey to the fringes of the Sahara Desert. As we head east into the hinterland along the Aousserd Road we ll stop at suitable sites to search for birds. On the flat hamada rocky desert plains we will search for Crowned Sandgrouse, Trumpeter Finch, Southern Grey Shrike and a plethora of Wheatears including Black, Desert, Red-rumped and White-crowned. Heading eastwards, the landscape shifts progressively to typical Sahelian arid savanna characterised by scattered, short, scrubby Acacia thorn-trees and sparse tall grass tussocks, ideal habitat for Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, a Western Palearctic special. Scattered clumps of trees may reveal Northern Wheatear, Subalpine, Spectacled and Sardinian Warblers, Eurasian Hoopoe and Eurasian Collared Dove. Keeping an eye overhead, we may see Common Kestrel, Lanner Falcon, Red-rumped Swallow, Pallid Swift, House and Sand Martins, and the bulky Long-legged Buzzard. Cricket Warbler by Markus Lilje The open sandy spaces between vegetation clumps support ground-dwelling birds such as Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Desert Wheatear, family groups of the beautiful Cream-colored Courser and the pale Saharan subspecies of Dunn s Lark, sometimes considered a separate species (African Dunn s Lark). This trip may constitute your best shot at seeing this species anyway, in one of the most accessible sites internationally. We should reach Oued Jenna towards the late afternoon, giving us our first opportunity to

4 RBL Morocco Western Sahara Extension 4 Greater Hoopoe-Lark by Clayton Burne search for two further specials, namely the nervously hyperactive Cricket Warbler and noisy Fulvous Babbler. Great Spotted Cuckoo, Eurasian Collared Dove and Subalpine and Western Orphean Warblers are also seen regularly, while Sudan Golden Sparrow is a distinct possibility. We will spend our first night camping in the desert within a sheltered valley in the Leglat Derraman Mountains. The black igneous rock intrusions within the dun-coloured surroundings lend the landscape an otherworldly appearance, a feeling heightened by moonlight. Dinner will be cooked over an open fire, while listening to the sounds of the desert. There is real freedom here, the only constraint being consideration to the desert ecosystems and their inhabitants. After dinner we will go for a night walk, savouring the increasingly rare majesty of a night sky unspoiled by light pollution. Birding by starlight and moonlight reflected against a pale desert landscape promises to be a truly invigorating, beautiful and memorable experience. The main prizes are Pharaoh Eagle-Owl and Golden Nightjar. Little Owl and Egyptian Nightjar are also possibilities, together with a host of nocturnal mammals such as African Golden Wolf, Desert Hedgehog, the very cute Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, Fennec Fox, rarely seen Sand Cat, Ruppel s Fox, Wild Cat, Pygmy and Lesser Egyptian Gerbils and the rugged Honey Badger. A dawn walk around Leglat Derraman may yield White-crowned Wheatear, Lanner Falcon, Laughing Dove, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Woodchat Shrike, Trumpeter Finch and Desert Lark. Long-legged Buzzards nest in the area, while we should also get good views of several hirundine species, such as House and Rock Martin as well as Barn Swallow and possibly Red-rumped Swallows, the latter species an indication of the kinds of unusual and unexpected sightings this area has to offer. After hot coffee and breakfast, the day will be spent exploring the vast hinterland of this empty country. We ll move on to Aousserd and explore the habitats associated with the rocky Sudan Golden Sparrow by David Hoddinott

5 RBL Morocco Western Sahara Extension 5 hillsides, sandy valleys and ephemeral drainage lines of the nearby mountain outcrops. As one may expect, the surrounding plains contain a number of larks such as Dunn s, Bar-tailed, Thekla and the range-restricted Thick-billed Lark. Other potential species include African Desert Warbler, Desert Sparrow, Eurasian Hoopoe and Southern Grey Shrike. We ll head south, exploring the vast gravel plains until the road traverses a steep, rocky mountain side adjacent to a complex of steep-sided valleys. This change in habitat relative to the homogenous surroundings may yield some unexpected species, truly adventurous birding in an area not often explored. The road network in this area is poorly Thick-billed Lark by Markus Lilje developed, and we will through necessity have to backtrack through Aousserd. We ll spend the afternoon birding the road back towards Dakhla before moving off the road and into the desert for another unforgettable Saharan star-filled night of camping, and another shot at Pharaoh Eagle-Owl and Golden Nightjar. We begin our last full day in the desert with another session of early morning birding followed by a desert breakfast. We ll make our way slowly back to Dakhla, stopping en route at Gleb Jdiane, a small freshwater well that attracts thirsty birds during the heat of the day. Common Chiffchaff, Spectacled Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Ortolan Bunting, Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin, Wood Warbler, Western Yellow Wagtail, Woodchat Shrike and Trumpeter Finch are all regulars here. Migrating obligate water-birds are also attracted to these small patches of reed cover, with even Allen s Gallinule having been recorded here. This locality is recognised as a good place to view huge migrating flocks of Barn Swallow and Common Swift, accompanied by migrant raptors such as Western Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, European Honey Buzzard, Common Kestrel and Montagu s Harrier. The surrounding plains are worth searching for Temminck s Lark, Greater Hoopoe- Lark and Bar-tailed Lark. Time-permitting we'll also make a detour south to the Sebhket Imlily wetland, a fascinating and recently described ecosystem of deep saltwater ponds fringed by salt-tolerant reeds that give it the romantic appearance of a desert oasis. The nearby caves shelter the pale desert form of Little Owl, while Great Spotted Cuckoo, Eurasian Hoopoe, Northern Wheatear, Cream-colored Courser, Kentish Plover and Desert Wheatear are also possibilities. In the afternoon we ll head back to our accommodation in Dakhla for a well-earned break from the sun and the dusty heat. Pharaoh Eagle-Owl by Ignacio Yufera

6 RBL Morocco Western Sahara Extension 6 Day 5: Dakhla Peninsula and boat trip around Dakhla Bay. In a region gaining increasing fame as a kite-surfing Mecca, it is wise to plan boat trips for first-light when both wind and sea are calm. A boat trip around Dakhla Bay provides the opportunity to view some pelagic birds and mammals (which surprisingly venture into the bay) while drifting on calm waters uniquely surrounded by desert dunes. We can hope to see Razorbill, Pomarine Jaeger, European Storm Petrel, Northern Gannet, Royal Terns and Western Osprey. We will also have the opportunity to view shorebirds from a floating platform, Fulvous Babbler by Clayton Burne allowing close views of Eurasian Spoonbill, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Greater Flamingo and thousands of shorebirds against a desert backdrop a photographers dream. Killer Whale, Common Bottlenose Dolphin and Atlantic Humpbacked Dolphin are regularly seen sheltering within the bay. After a relaxing lunch we ll explore the Dakhla Peninsula itself beginning with Oum el Bouir, a wellknown vantage point for viewing seabirds. The continental shelf is close to the shore here, and it is possible to see drifting Northern Gannet, Great Skua and both Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers from the beach. In addition to large flocks of Lesser Black-backed and Audouin s Gulls, there is also always the chance of coming across surprising extra-limital species. La Sarga, the southern tip of the peninsula, contains a network of tidal mudflats that we will scan for waders. Beached fishing boats provide shelter from the wind for Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Red Knot, Yellow-legged Gull, Sanderling and Ruddy Turnstone. Day 6: Duna Blanca and depart from Dakhla. This morning we will visit the lagoon at Duna Blanca on the eastern shore of the bay. At low tide the tidal flats contain thousands of waders, a spectacular sight when viewed against the desert backdrop. We ll manoeuvre so that we have the best possible views of Greater Flamingos, Great Cormorants, Eurasian Spoonbills, large numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits and Dunlins, Grey Plovers and Eurasian Curlews. Photographers will have the opportunity to capture flocks of Royal, Black, Little, Caspian and Sandwich Terns. From there we will head back to the hotel to pack and relax before beginning our journey home. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Tour dates, prices, single supplement rates, approximate flight costs and spaces available for this tour are displayed on our website. Please see under IMPORTANT NOTES below. This includes: All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 6; Drinking water; All lodgings as per the itinerary; Ground transportation; Boat trip in the Bay of Dakhla;

7 RBL Morocco Western Sahara Extension 7 All entrance fees; All guiding services; and Tips for local guides and services. The tour fee does not include: ANY flights (see above); Visa fees; Any drinks; Telephone calls, laundry and items of a personal nature; and Special gratuities. Single Supplement: The single supplement cost for this tour will be charged if you wish to have single accommodation. If RBL cannot provide you with a rooming partner for these nights although you choose to share, the single supplement will become applicable. We will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a rooming partner is found if you do wish to share. IMPORTANT NOTES: a) Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we quote our tours in 4 currencies. The tour price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold, and the actual cost in the other currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (usually 4 months before the tour.) The same applies to approximate flight and single supplement rates, which are also quoted in the respective fixed currency. b) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration a small party supplement will have to be charged. c) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may have to be adjusted as a result. d) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary and / or the designated Rockjumper leader/s at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware that we will attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible. Tipping: As noted above, gratuities (drivers, hotel staff, restaurants etc.) are included on this tour. However, this does NOT include your Rockjumper leader/s. If, therefore, you feel that he/they have given you excellent service, it is entirely appropriate to tip them. Special Notes: The Western Sahara is controlled by Morocco and as such is a Muslim controlled company. The drinking of alcohol is strictly restricted to certain tourist hotels and may only be sold to non-muslims. It is an offence to consume alcohol outside of these specified hotels, or in view of the public. We therefor do not permit participants to purchase or consume any alcoholic drinks for consumption outside of these hotels. A good deal of our time is spent in vehicles, as we do have to cover long distances in order to get to the best areas for birds. It is important for the comfort of your fellow travellers that you do not over-pack. Kindly stick to 20kg (44lb) for check in luggage and 8kg (18lb) for hand luggage. It is important for you to be aware that it can sometimes get hot on this tour. Nights and early mornings can often be cool.

8 RBL Morocco Western Sahara Extension 8 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DETAILS: This tour does not include ANY airfares. The tour will depart from Casablanca Airport on day 1 with a flight to Dakhla. We can typically expect to arrive in Dakhla in the early evening. The tour will conclude on the morning of day 6 at Dakhla Airport (IATA: VIL). The above information in respect of arrivals and departures is a guide only. Precise arrival and departure information will be sent to you in your Tour Confirmation package once the tour has been officially confirmed. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in this regard, kindly contact the Rockjumper office. FLIGHTS: Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca (IATA: CMN) is the main port of entry for this tour and is well serviced by several airlines. Dakhla Airport (IATA: VIL) is the main port of exit for this tour, with Royal Air Maroc providing internal flights to Casablanca. Please DO NOT book any flights until you have consulted the Rockjumper office for confirmation on the status of the tour. Rockjumper Birding Ltd Vanilla Village, Royal Road Black River Mauritius Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: info@rockjumperbirding.com Alternative rockjumperbirding@yahoo.com Website: