21 safari lodges
    Southern Anti-Atlas & Sahara Gateway, Morocco
    Moderate
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Canyon

    Canyon is a protected area in Morocco.

    Best timeMarch to May and September to November for pleasant temperatures. Year-round for coastal regions.
    Species
    10
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    21
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Canyon Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    Recent sightings at Canyon

    Sign in to report

    10 species recorded in Canyon

    Book Safari Experiences in Canyon

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Canyon

    Morocco offers a unique safari experience, blending dramatic landscapes with fascinating wildlife. We find the shoulder seasons, April to May and September to October, offer the most comfortable...

    January

    Now
    low

    Winter

    Expect cold temperatures, especially in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara. Days are generally sunny but can be crisp.

    Birding is excellent as resident species are active and winter visitors are present. Look for Barbary macaques in the mountains.

    We love the stark beauty of the desert in winter, perfect for stargazing.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park

    February

    low

    Winter

    Temperatures begin to moderate, though mornings and evenings remain cool. Sunny days are common.

    It's a great time for birdwatching with many species still in residence or preparing for migration. Desert species are active.

    We recommend heading to the coast for excellent birding opportunities before the spring rush.

    Souss Massa National Park
    Oued Massa National Park

    March

    moderate

    Spring

    Spring arrives with milder temperatures across the country. The Atlas Mountains may still have snow at higher elevations.

    The landscape begins to green, attracting more herbivores. Migratory birds start to arrive, boosting birdwatching potential.

    We find March ideal for exploring the foothills of the Atlas Mountains as wildflowers begin to bloom.

    Toubkal National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    April

    moderate

    Spring

    Pleasant and warm temperatures prevail, making it comfortable for exploration. Occasional spring showers are possible.

    Wildlife activity increases significantly with newborns appearing. Bird migration is in full swing, offering fantastic viewing.

    We love the vibrant colours of the landscape and the abundance of birdlife this month.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    May

    moderate

    Spring

    Temperatures become warmer, especially in the desert regions. Coastal areas remain pleasantly mild.

    This is a prime month for spotting various desert-adapted species and enjoying the last of the spring bird migrants.

    We recommend a desert excursion in May to witness the fennec fox and other nocturnal creatures.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Ifrane National Park
    Bouhedma National Park

    June

    high

    Summer

    It gets hot, particularly inland and in the Sahara. Coastal areas offer a welcome respite with cooler sea breezes.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources. Birding is still good, though many migrants have moved on.

    We suggest focusing on coastal parks or higher altitude reserves to escape the intense heat.

    Souss Massa National Park
    Toubkal National Park

    July

    high

    Summer

    Peak summer heat. Days are long and very hot across most of the country, especially in the desert.

    Activity is concentrated in the cooler early mornings and late evenings. Barbary macaques are often seen seeking shade.

    We find the Atlas Mountains offer the most comfortable wildlife viewing conditions during the height of summer.

    Toubkal National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    August

    high

    Summer

    Similar to July, with intense heat dominating. Coastal areas remain the most comfortable.

    Wildlife remains concentrated around water. Look for desert species that are well adapted to the heat.

    We recommend early morning drives in the mountains to spot macaques and other mammals.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park

    September

    moderate

    Autumn

    Temperatures begin to cool down, especially towards the end of the month. Desert nights become pleasant.

    As temperatures drop, wildlife activity picks up. The start of autumn bird migration begins.

    We love the return of comfortable temperatures, making desert exploration a pleasure again.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    October

    moderate

    Autumn

    Autumn is generally mild and pleasant across Morocco. Ideal for outdoor activities.

    Bird migration is in full swing, making it a superb time for birdwatchers. Desert species are very active.

    We recommend a desert safari in October for incredible stargazing and wildlife spotting.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park

    November

    low

    Autumn

    Temperatures are cool, especially in the mountains and desert. Coastal areas remain mild.

    Winter visitors begin to arrive, enhancing birdwatching. Resident wildlife is active in the cooler weather.

    We find November perfect for exploring the diverse landscapes from mountains to coast without the summer crowds.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Oued Massa National Park

    December

    low

    Winter

    Cold temperatures return, particularly in higher elevations. Sunny days are common but can be chilly.

    Birding remains excellent with winter residents and migrants. Desert species are active during the day.

    We recommend a desert trip in December for clear skies and a chance to see desert wildlife in its element.

    Toubkal National Park
    Oued Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Winter

    Expect cold temperatures, especially in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara. Days are generally sunny but can be crisp.

    Birding is excellent as resident species are active and winter visitors are present. Look for Barbary macaques in the mountains.

    We love the stark beauty of the desert in winter, perfect for stargazing.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park

    February

    low

    Winter

    Temperatures begin to moderate, though mornings and evenings remain cool. Sunny days are common.

    It's a great time for birdwatching with many species still in residence or preparing for migration. Desert species are active.

    We recommend heading to the coast for excellent birding opportunities before the spring rush.

    Souss Massa National Park
    Oued Massa National Park

    March

    moderate

    Spring

    Spring arrives with milder temperatures across the country. The Atlas Mountains may still have snow at higher elevations.

    The landscape begins to green, attracting more herbivores. Migratory birds start to arrive, boosting birdwatching potential.

    We find March ideal for exploring the foothills of the Atlas Mountains as wildflowers begin to bloom.

    Toubkal National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    April

    moderate

    Spring

    Pleasant and warm temperatures prevail, making it comfortable for exploration. Occasional spring showers are possible.

    Wildlife activity increases significantly with newborns appearing. Bird migration is in full swing, offering fantastic viewing.

    We love the vibrant colours of the landscape and the abundance of birdlife this month.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    May

    moderate

    Spring

    Temperatures become warmer, especially in the desert regions. Coastal areas remain pleasantly mild.

    This is a prime month for spotting various desert-adapted species and enjoying the last of the spring bird migrants.

    We recommend a desert excursion in May to witness the fennec fox and other nocturnal creatures.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Ifrane National Park
    Bouhedma National Park

    June

    high

    Summer

    It gets hot, particularly inland and in the Sahara. Coastal areas offer a welcome respite with cooler sea breezes.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources. Birding is still good, though many migrants have moved on.

    We suggest focusing on coastal parks or higher altitude reserves to escape the intense heat.

    Souss Massa National Park
    Toubkal National Park

    July

    high

    Summer

    Peak summer heat. Days are long and very hot across most of the country, especially in the desert.

    Activity is concentrated in the cooler early mornings and late evenings. Barbary macaques are often seen seeking shade.

    We find the Atlas Mountains offer the most comfortable wildlife viewing conditions during the height of summer.

    Toubkal National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    August

    high

    Summer

    Similar to July, with intense heat dominating. Coastal areas remain the most comfortable.

    Wildlife remains concentrated around water. Look for desert species that are well adapted to the heat.

    We recommend early morning drives in the mountains to spot macaques and other mammals.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park

    September

    moderate

    Autumn

    Temperatures begin to cool down, especially towards the end of the month. Desert nights become pleasant.

    As temperatures drop, wildlife activity picks up. The start of autumn bird migration begins.

    We love the return of comfortable temperatures, making desert exploration a pleasure again.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    October

    moderate

    Autumn

    Autumn is generally mild and pleasant across Morocco. Ideal for outdoor activities.

    Bird migration is in full swing, making it a superb time for birdwatchers. Desert species are very active.

    We recommend a desert safari in October for incredible stargazing and wildlife spotting.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park

    November

    low

    Autumn

    Temperatures are cool, especially in the mountains and desert. Coastal areas remain mild.

    Winter visitors begin to arrive, enhancing birdwatching. Resident wildlife is active in the cooler weather.

    We find November perfect for exploring the diverse landscapes from mountains to coast without the summer crowds.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Oued Massa National Park

    December

    low

    Winter

    Cold temperatures return, particularly in higher elevations. Sunny days are common but can be chilly.

    Birding remains excellent with winter residents and migrants. Desert species are active during the day.

    We recommend a desert trip in December for clear skies and a chance to see desert wildlife in its element.

    Toubkal National Park
    Oued Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Winter

    Expect cold temperatures, especially in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara. Days are generally sunny but can be crisp.

    Birding is excellent as resident species are active and winter visitors are present. Look for Barbary macaques in the mountains.

    We love the stark beauty of the desert in winter, perfect for stargazing.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park

    February

    low

    Winter

    Temperatures begin to moderate, though mornings and evenings remain cool. Sunny days are common.

    It's a great time for birdwatching with many species still in residence or preparing for migration. Desert species are active.

    We recommend heading to the coast for excellent birding opportunities before the spring rush.

    Souss Massa National Park
    Oued Massa National Park

    March

    moderate

    Spring

    Spring arrives with milder temperatures across the country. The Atlas Mountains may still have snow at higher elevations.

    The landscape begins to green, attracting more herbivores. Migratory birds start to arrive, boosting birdwatching potential.

    We find March ideal for exploring the foothills of the Atlas Mountains as wildflowers begin to bloom.

    Toubkal National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    April

    moderate

    Spring

    Pleasant and warm temperatures prevail, making it comfortable for exploration. Occasional spring showers are possible.

    Wildlife activity increases significantly with newborns appearing. Bird migration is in full swing, offering fantastic viewing.

    We love the vibrant colours of the landscape and the abundance of birdlife this month.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    May

    moderate

    Spring

    Temperatures become warmer, especially in the desert regions. Coastal areas remain pleasantly mild.

    This is a prime month for spotting various desert-adapted species and enjoying the last of the spring bird migrants.

    We recommend a desert excursion in May to witness the fennec fox and other nocturnal creatures.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Ifrane National Park
    Bouhedma National Park

    June

    high

    Summer

    It gets hot, particularly inland and in the Sahara. Coastal areas offer a welcome respite with cooler sea breezes.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources. Birding is still good, though many migrants have moved on.

    We suggest focusing on coastal parks or higher altitude reserves to escape the intense heat.

    Souss Massa National Park
    Toubkal National Park

    July

    high

    Summer

    Peak summer heat. Days are long and very hot across most of the country, especially in the desert.

    Activity is concentrated in the cooler early mornings and late evenings. Barbary macaques are often seen seeking shade.

    We find the Atlas Mountains offer the most comfortable wildlife viewing conditions during the height of summer.

    Toubkal National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    August

    high

    Summer

    Similar to July, with intense heat dominating. Coastal areas remain the most comfortable.

    Wildlife remains concentrated around water. Look for desert species that are well adapted to the heat.

    We recommend early morning drives in the mountains to spot macaques and other mammals.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park

    September

    moderate

    Autumn

    Temperatures begin to cool down, especially towards the end of the month. Desert nights become pleasant.

    As temperatures drop, wildlife activity picks up. The start of autumn bird migration begins.

    We love the return of comfortable temperatures, making desert exploration a pleasure again.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park
    Ifrane National Park

    October

    moderate

    Autumn

    Autumn is generally mild and pleasant across Morocco. Ideal for outdoor activities.

    Bird migration is in full swing, making it a superb time for birdwatchers. Desert species are very active.

    We recommend a desert safari in October for incredible stargazing and wildlife spotting.

    Oued Massa National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park

    November

    low

    Autumn

    Temperatures are cool, especially in the mountains and desert. Coastal areas remain mild.

    Winter visitors begin to arrive, enhancing birdwatching. Resident wildlife is active in the cooler weather.

    We find November perfect for exploring the diverse landscapes from mountains to coast without the summer crowds.

    Toubkal National Park
    Souss Massa National Park
    Oued Massa National Park

    December

    low

    Winter

    Cold temperatures return, particularly in higher elevations. Sunny days are common but can be chilly.

    Birding remains excellent with winter residents and migrants. Desert species are active during the day.

    We recommend a desert trip in December for clear skies and a chance to see desert wildlife in its element.

    Toubkal National Park
    Oued Massa National Park
    Bouhedma National Park
    Planning & reference

    The sheer scale of the canyon is breathtaking, a dramatic geological wonder carved by time and water. We love the feeling of remoteness and the raw beauty that surrounds you, offering a profound connection to nature. The sunsets here are truly sensational, painting the rock faces in hues of orange and red.

    Gate Times

    The main gates to the canyon are generally open from sunrise to sunset. While specific times can vary slightly by season and park management, it is wise to check with local authorities or your lodge for the most up-to-date information. No special permits are usually required for day visits, but for overnight stays or specific trekking routes, advance booking and permits might be necessary. We recommend arriving early to make the most of the daylight.

    Tipping

    Tipping is customary and appreciated in Morocco. For guides, we recommend around 10-15% of the tour cost, or a daily rate of $20-30 USD per person. For camp staff, a collective tip of $5-10 USD per guest per day, distributed amongst the team, is a good guideline. Rangers typically do not expect tips, but a small token of appreciation for exceptional service is never out of place.

    Dress Code

    We advise dressing in light, breathable layers. Neutral colours like khaki, beige, and olive green are best to blend in with the environment and avoid startling wildlife. For game drives, comfortable trousers and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for sun protection and to ward off insects. In the evenings, a fleece or light jacket is useful as temperatures can drop. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for any excursions.

    Photography

    Photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful of wildlife and avoid using flash directly at animals, especially at night. Some areas might have restrictions on photography, particularly around military installations or sensitive cultural sites. Drone usage is often restricted or requires special permits; we advise checking local regulations before flying. The light in the canyon is often dramatic, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, offering sensational photo opportunities.

    Etiquette

    When on safari, we always emphasize keeping noise levels to a minimum to avoid disturbing the wildlife and other visitors. Always remain inside your vehicle unless the guide explicitly states it is safe to disembark. Never feed the animals. In camp, be mindful of shared spaces and respect the quiet hours. We also recommend listening to your guide's instructions at all times; their knowledge is invaluable for a safe and rewarding experience.

    What to Bring

    High SPF sunscreen
    Insect repellent
    Wide-brimmed hat
    Reusable water bottle
    Binoculars
    Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
    Comfortable walking shoes
    Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing
    A small backpack for day trips
    Personal first-aid kit
    Headlamp or flashlight
    A good book for downtime

    Temperature

    11.28°C

    52°F · Range: 4.76–17.39°C

    Rainfall

    3.9 mm

    Dry season · 1 rainy days

    Humidity

    37.7%

    Sunshine

    9.6 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    3.93 m/s

    14.1 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

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