The Iriqui National Park, located between the Provinces of Tata and Zagora, extends from the bed of the Oued Draa to the last folds of the Anti-Atlas. It appears as a vast plain and dry area with a Martian-like appearance. The major goal of the Iriqui National Park, which was established in 1994, is to restore the temporary wetlands of the eponymous lake, as well as to reintroduce extinct desert species.
Savannah steppes and dunes follow one another across more than 120,000 hectares, creating a stunning and breathtaking panorama. Adventurers, prepare your packages, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
The adventure starts at Foum Zguid, some 100 kilometers east of Tata. It is essential to hire a local guide here because the Park’s sceneries can be confusing, and you can quickly find yourself lost. The passage is done by all-terrain vehicle because the tracks are rocky and sandy, therefore impassable by light vehicles.
When you’re ready, you’ll go through a long corridor between the Anti-Atlas’ last reliefs before arriving at Iriqui’s dry lake. You will then start off to explore a wild and desert nature where only acacia and tamarisk trees punctuate the yellowish green landscapes.
During the day, the light is bright and the temperature quickly rises to 45° C. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, and the mood is quite romantic. When the night falls, the atmosphere shifts, and the sky transforms into a beautiful celestial veil. Prepare for a bivouac, a campfire, and an unforgettable evening.
You will have the opportunity to see highly uncommon desert species while traveling the plains and plateaus: oryx, addax, red-necked ostrich, Dorcas gazelle, Barbary sheep, hyenas, fennec fox… Some migratory waterfowl use Lake Iriqui as a stopover. During the rainy season, birders will have the chance to photograph rare and luxurious species such as flamingos, coots, and even wild geese.
A vibrant live entertainment that enriches the experience and adds charm to these magnificent locations.
During the rainy season, a few inches of water cover the dry lake of Iriqui, and its borders are surrounded by lush flora. As a result, it is not uncommon to come across nomadic tribes setting up camps in the area to graze their herds. Meeting these travelers is a fantastic human experience in which you will learn about the transhumant ancestral culture.