When I first heard about the National Park of Souss-Massa, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it be just another zoo disguised as a natural reserve? The thought weighed on my mind until I realised the only way to be sure was to experience it myself.
Choosing to visit this park became one of the highlights of my Slow Travel itinerary through Morocco. Its luxurious yet arid landscapes, where waves cuddle rugged cliffs, felt like a paradise for nature lovers. The park is a haven for wildlife, with animals roaming freely across this vast, well-preserved ecosystem.
For Slow Travellers, the National Park of Souss-Massa offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and sustainability. Whether you’re attracted by the park’s incredible biodiversity, its significance to the region, or the dedicated people who live and work there, this is one hidden gem you shouldn’t miss.
When I first heard about the National Park of Souss-Massa, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it be just another zoo disguised as a natural reserve? The thought weighed on my mind until I realised the only way to be sure was to experience it myself.
Choosing to visit this park became one of the highlights of my Slow Travel itinerary through Morocco. Its luxurious yet arid landscapes, where waves cuddle rugged cliffs, felt like a paradise for nature lovers. The park is a haven for wildlife, with animals roaming freely across this vast, well-preserved ecosystem.
For Slow Travellers, the National Park of Souss-Massa offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and sustainability. Whether you’re attracted by the park’s incredible biodiversity, its significance to the region, or the dedicated people who live and work there, this is one hidden gem you shouldn’t miss.
How to reach the National park of Souss-massa entrances?
Globally, there are two main entrances to start your exploration. The Ourais Reserve, the Tifnit Reserve, and the Rokein Reserve. So, come with me to take your first steps into the national park of Souss-Massa.
Rokein Reserve
How to Get There
This is the closest entrance from Agadir 15km down South (30.289792, -9.561270). You can access it by public transport with the bus to Sidi Binzarne when you learn how to travel in Morocco by train and bus. However, you will have to go down around here and then walk to the entrance which is one hour away more or less. I hitchhiked which shortened the way drastically and was way more enjoyable than walking an hour under a scorching sun.
This is the closest entrance from Agadir 15km down South (30.289792, -9.561270). You can access it by public transport with the bus to Sidi Binzarne when you learn how to travel in Morocco by train and bus.
However, you will have to go down around here and then walk to the entrance which is one hour away more or less. I hitchhiked which shortened the way drastically and was way more enjoyable than walking an hour under a scorching sun.
What to Expect about the Rokein Reserve
Upon arrival, the friendly park staff will present two tour options. The first is a shorter 3 km hiking loop, ideal for visitors without vehicles. The second option is a much longer driving loop with a guide, allowing you to see more of the park. Unfortunately, without a car, I had to opt for the shorter hiking loop (ticket: 70 MAD, long loop: 150 MAD).
Initially, I was disappointed to miss the extended tour, but my guide quickly cheered me up. During the hike, we spotted various animals, including gazelles, ostriches, and onyxes, along with a variety of birds. One key aspect that impressed me was the park’s ethical approach: animals only remain in the enclosed area for a week before being rotated, ensuring the park does not mimic a zoo.
The guide was also incredibly knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, providing fascinating insights throughout the tour.
Upon arrival, the friendly park staff will present two tour options. The first is a shorter 3 km hiking loop, ideal for visitors without vehicles.
The second option is a much longer driving loop with a guide, allowing you to see more of the park. Unfortunately, without a car, I had to opt for the shorter hiking loop (ticket: 70 MAD, long loop: 150 MAD).
Initially, I was disappointed to miss the extended tour, but my guide quickly cheered me up. During the hike, we spotted various animals, including gazelles, ostriches, and onyxes, along with a variety of birds.
One key aspect that impressed me was the park’s ethical approach: animals only remain in the enclosed area for a week before being rotated, ensuring the park does not mimic a zoo.
The guide was also incredibly knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, providing fascinating insights throughout the tour.
Ourais Reserve
How to Get There
My adventure to the Ourais Reserve began somewhat unexpectedly. Initially aiming for the Rokein reserve, a local on the bus insisted the park entrance was in Sidi Binzarne. Instead of stressing over the detour, I embraced the spirit of this Slow Travel Blog and followed his advice. Surprisingly, I found myself in a completely different area, but that’s part of the journey, right?
If you want to explore this entrance, you’ll have to take the same bus: Sidi Binzarne, for a one-hour ride. At the terminus, you can either walk the 40 minutes to the Souss-Massa Ecomusée National Park (here) or, like me, try your luck with a hitchhike (as you guessed I’m a fan of hitchhiking and sometimes a bit lazy!).
My adventure to the Ourais Reserve began somewhat unexpectedly. Initially aiming for the Rokein reserve, a local on the bus insisted the park entrance was in Sidi Binzarne.
Instead of stressing over the detour, I embraced the spirit of this Slow Travel Blog and followed his advice. Surprisingly, I found myself in a completely different area, but that’s part of the journey, right?
If you want to explore this entrance, you’ll have to take the same bus: Sidi Binzarne, for a one-hour ride. At the terminus, you can either walk the 40 minutes to the Souss-Massa Ecomusée National Park (here) or, like me, try your luck with a hitchhike (as you guessed I’m a fan of hitchhiking and sometimes a bit lazy!).
What to Expect about the Ourai Reserve
One of the highlights of this entrance to the Souss-Massa National Park is that there’s no entrance fee! However, upon arrival, you’ll likely be greeted by guides offering their services, which are not necessary for the easy-to-follow trails.
Solo explorers are only required to stick to the designated paths, which leads to a more immersive experience in the heart of nature. The main hiking trail follows the Oued Massa River for about 10 kilometres, winding through impressive dunes all the way to the beach. Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy this hike, as the park is one of the few places worldwide where you might spot the endangered bald ibis.
One of the highlights of this entrance to the Souss-Massa National Park is that there’s no entrance fee! However, upon arrival, you’ll likely be greeted by guides offering their services, which are not necessary for the easy-to-follow trails.
Solo explorers are only required to stick to the designated paths, which leads to a more immersive experience in the heart of nature. The main hiking trail follows the Oued Massa River for about 10 kilometres, winding through impressive dunes all the way to the beach.
Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy this hike, as the park is one of the few places worldwide where you might spot the endangered bald ibis (above photo).
What can I see/observe in this national park?
Both entrances to the National Park of Souss-Massa offer a great opportunity to observe wildlife. I truly appreciate the sustainable commitment demonstrated by the rangers and the Moroccan authorities. Overall, it contributes to why Souss-Massa or Agadir are worth a visit.
From gazelles and antelopes to ostriches and various bird species, the park’s wildlife roams freely, making you feel like a humble guest in their natural habitat.
As a Slow Traveller, this is an ideal spot to connect with nature and escape the mass and luxury tourism spreading along Morocco’s coast. Fortunately, Souss-Massa has resisted such development, thanks to local regulations and the commitment of its people to preserving the area’s natural beauty.
In addition to its wildlife, the diversity of landscapes in the park is impressive. You’ll find everything from rocky cliffs and sandy beaches to wild rivers and lush plains, offering something for every nature lover’s taste.
Both entrances to the National Park of Souss-Massa offer a great opportunity to observe wildlife. I truly appreciate the sustainable commitment demonstrated by the rangers and the Moroccan authorities. Overall, it contributes to why Souss-Massa or Agadir are worth a visit.
From gazelles and antelopes to ostriches and various bird species, the park’s wildlife roams freely, making you feel like a humble guest in their natural habitat. As a Slow Traveller, this is an ideal spot to connect with nature and escape the mass and luxury tourism spreading along Morocco’s coast.
Fortunately, Souss-Massa has resisted such development, thanks to local regulations and the commitment of its people to preserving the area’s natural beauty.
In addition to its wildlife, the diversity of landscapes in the park is impressive. You’ll find everything from rocky cliffs and sandy beaches to wild rivers and lush plains, offering something for every nature lover’s taste.
Prepare your expedition to the national park of Souss-Massa
There isn’t much you need to think about when preparing for a day at Souss-Massa, but from my experience, a few items are essential. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of useful tools and objects for your visit:
- Binocular glasses
- Flasks (no shops to sell water sometimes)
- Hat
- Hiking shoes
- Cash (don’t accept cards at the entrance)
- Food (no shops)
It’s also best to arrive early in the morning. The park usually opens around 10 AM, giving you time to explore before the sun reaches its peak, which can be punishing. I also recommend visiting during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
Once inside, plan to spend 2-4 hours exploring the National Park of Souss-Massa. This allows enough time to take in the sights and sounds without rushing. Enjoy the slow pace and let the park reveal its wonders.
There isn’t much you need to think about when preparing for a day at Souss-Massa, but from my experience, a few items are essential. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of useful tools and objects for your visit:
- Binocular glasses
- Flasks (no shops to sell water sometimes)
- Hat
- Hiking shoes
- Cash (don’t accept cards at the entrance)
- Food (no shops)
It’s also best to arrive early in the morning. The park usually opens around 10 AM, giving you time to explore before the sun reaches its peak, which can be punishing. I also recommend visiting during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
Once inside, plan to spend 2-4 hours exploring the National Park of Souss-Massa. This allows enough time to take in the sights and sounds without rushing. Enjoy the slow pace and let the park reveal its wonders.
Dive into the amazing National park of Souss-Massa
We arrive at the end of our adventure through the National Park of Souss-Massa, a place where nature thrives, and wildlife roams free. Whether you’re drawn by the park’s rare species, its rugged landscapes, or its commitment to sustainability, this gem offers something unique for every Slow Traveller.
Now that you’ve had a taste of what the park has to offer, what will your next adventure be? Will you uncover more travel gems through your Slow Travel Itinerary in Morocco like Figuig the hidden oasis or perhaps return for a deeper exploration? The world is full of places like this, waiting to be experienced in a way that leaves a lasting impact on you and the places you visit.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
We arrive at the end of our adventure through the National Park of Souss-Massa, a place where nature thrives, and wildlife roams free. Whether you’re drawn by the park’s rare species, its rugged landscapes, or its commitment to sustainability, this gem offers something unique for every Slow Traveller.
Now that you’ve had a taste of what the park has to offer, what will your next adventure be? Will you uncover more travel gems through your Slow Travel Itinerary in Morocco like Figuig the hidden oasis or perhaps return for a deeper exploration?
The world is full of places like this, waiting to be experienced in a way that leaves a lasting impact on you and the places you visit.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
