Souss-Massa National Park

Souss-Massa National Park

Souss-Massa National Park stretches along the coast south of Agadir. It protects dunes, cliffs, wetlands and the mouth of the Massa river, and it is one of the last wild homes of the endangered northern bald ibis.

The park was created in 1991. Its best-known resident is the northern bald ibis, a strange-looking black bird with a bare red face. The colonies here are among the very few wild ones left in the world, and seeing them feeding on the cliff-top fields is a rare sight.

The Massa estuary, about 60 km south of Agadir, is the main birdwatching area. Flamingos, spoonbills, herons and many migrating birds stop here, especially from October to April. Early morning is the best time, when the birds are active and the light is soft.

The coast in the park is wild, with long empty beaches and strong currents. Swimming is not recommended. The weather is close to Agadir’s, though often windier, and morning fog is common in summer.