Souss-Massa National Park

The Souss-Massa Park was created in 1991 with the aim of preserving animal and plant species. Through this initiative, Morocco wishes to show its commitment to the environmental cause. The park brings together different ecosystems, including cliffs, wetlands and coastal dunes.

This park is one of Morocco's must-sees. It boasts over 275 species of birds, 46 species of mammals, 40 species of reptiles and amphibians, 9 species of fish and numerous species of lepidoptera. The park is made up of two animal reserves that have been set up to acclimatise four Saharan antelopes and the African ostrich, with the aim of reintroducing them to their original biotopes, the Moroccan south.

The plant species also has its place at the heart of the reserve, with a gradual reintroduction into their natural habitat. The argan tree is an ecosystem that is home to many animals, including the Barbary squirrel, wild cat, red fox, turtle dove and reptile species such as the Egyptian cobra. The Melanocephalous Warbler and the Thekla Cochevis are bird species that also land on the argan tree. More than 300 plant species are found here, including the argan tree, cedar, eucalyptus, euphorbia, etc.

The spectacular beauty of its landscapes and its commitment to the environment make the Souss-Massa National Park the most popular tourist destination in Agadir. Every year, students from the city come to explore the park with a guide, to learn more about nature and get closer to it.

The animal reserves can only be visited with a guide, as most of the species on show are threatened with extinction. You can see various species of antelope and the red-necked ostrich. There are seven villages in the park, including Tifnit and Douira, where the inhabitants are part of the development of the site. The latter are fishing villages surrounded by troglodyte dwellings that were originally caves used as warehouses for their materials.

There are four circuits in the park. The first two are at entrance 1 and the last two at entrance 2.

The first, "Discovering the great fauna of the Sahara - 4x4 Safari", can be booked through travel agencies. You will travel 30 kilometres to observe the animals: dorcas gazelle, North African ostriches, Addax, Oryx.

The second "Nature Walk - Gazelle Trail" can be booked with the park management as a group or individual visit. You will walk 3 kilometres and observe the Saharan fauna. There are rest areas where you can eat or simply take a short break.

The third is the "Birdwatching Trail", where you can observe migratory birds on a 5-kilometre footpath.

The fourth, "Nature Discovery Trail", is a donkey trail where you can hire an eco-guide.

There are several places to stay close to the Souss-Massa National Park. First and foremost, we recommend the Tikida Golf Agadir, which offers a prestigious setting and modern facilities. Not one but two swimming pools await you at the Tikida, along with a wellness centre. A free shuttle service is available to take you to the beach. Depending on the location of your room, you can enjoy views of the garden, pool and lake. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the Souss-Massa park.

We also recommend the Dar Maktoub hotel, which is 19 minutes from the park and offers a more traditional, natural setting, with plant life all around the swimming pool. The hotel is surrounded by 3 golf courses offering a range of different courses. The hotel's chic dining rooms serve typical Moroccan dishes made with fresh ingredients.