Souss-Massa National Park

Souss-Massa National Park runs down the Atlantic coast south of Agadir, taking in dunes, low cliffs, argan scrub and the estuaries of the Souss and Massa rivers. Its reason for existing is the northern bald ibis, a bare-headed bird that has vanished from most of its old range and holds on here in one of its last wild breeding populations; the cliffs and fields near Tifnit and the Massa estuary are where you have a chance of seeing it. A fenced reserve inland holds Saharan species reintroduced from captive stock, among them addax, oryx and dorcas gazelle. The estuaries also draw flamingos, spoonbills and waders in winter.

What you actually see

• The northern bald ibis - one of the last wild populations of a nearly lost bird.
• The Massa estuary - reed beds and mudflats with flamingos and waders.
• The reintroduction reserve - fenced enclosures with addax, oryx and gazelle.
• The dune coast - argan scrub and empty sand between the two river mouths.

When to go

Winter is the season for birds, from October to March, when migrants and wintering flocks fill the estuaries and the light is soft. Early morning gives the best chance of seeing ibis feeding in the fields. Summer is hot, dusty and quiet on the bird front. The fenced reserve keeps set visiting hours, so check before driving out.

Honest expectations

This is a working landscape rather than a manicured park, with roads, farms and villages inside it, and the entrance is easy to miss. Bald ibis sightings are not guaranteed and need patience, binoculars and ideally a local guide. The fenced antelope enclosure feels closer to a safari park than wilderness. Facilities are minimal and signage in English is almost absent.

Nearby

The fishing hamlet of Tifnit sits on the coast inside the park, and Agadir is under an hour north.