Oued Souss Estuary

The Souss reaches the Atlantic at the southern end of Agadir bay through an estuary of mudflats, sandbanks and tamarisk that is protected as a permanent biological reserve, and its usefulness is proximity: it is the only place in Morocco where a serious wetland sits at the edge of a large resort city, so birds that would otherwise mean a long drive are twenty minutes from a hotel. Greater flamingo are usually present, along with spoonbill, Eurasian curlew, black-winged stilt, greenshank, several tern species and Audouin's gull; marsh harrier work the reeds and osprey come through. The northern bank has a track and a screen of tamarisk to watch from, and low tide is when the flats are exposed and the birds come in. The Royal Palace grounds occupy part of the northern shore, so some access is restricted and it is worth staying to the marked track.

What's there

• A protected estuary - mudflats and tamarisk at the southern end of Agadir bay.
• Flamingos near a resort - a serious wetland twenty minutes from the hotels.
• Waders and terns - spoonbill, curlew, stilt and Audouin's gull on the flats.
• A bank track - the northern side, with tamarisk to watch from at low tide.

When to go

September to April, at low tide. Half a day.

What to expect

Access is restricted near the palace grounds - stay on the marked track. There are no hides or facilities. Disturbance from dogs and vehicles on the flats is common. Binoculars are essential.

Nearby

Agadir's beach and marina are north; Souss-Massa National Park is south.