Iriki National Park
Iriki National Park, located in southern Morocco, stands out for its vast desert landscapes. It holds great cultural richness, marked by the life and history of nomadic people, with fascinating and diverse landscapes that are still little known to travelers. Thanks to our guide, who grew up in these lands and passionately shares all the secrets of this territory, you will discover the unique features of these places, taking a journey through time and across vast expanses that leave unforgettable memories.
Key Figures of Iriki National Park
The park is part of the Souss Massa region, in the province of Tata, and extends from Foum Zguid to M’Hamid El Ghizlane, between the Drâa River and the southern Anti-Atlas, covering an area of 123,000 hectares.
It was established in 1994 with the aim of preserving animal species and rehabilitating the wetland areas of the dried-up central lake, where desertification continues to intensify.
Iriki National Park is located 150 km south of Ouarzazate and 80 km southwest of Zagora. The main roads from major cities such as Agadir, Marrakech, or Ouarzazate leading to Foum Zguid are easily accessible with any type of tourist vehicle. From Foum Zguid, you can reach Lake Iriki and the dunes by 4×4 or motorcycle via rocky and sandy tracks.
Nearly half of the park’s surface is covered by sand dunes, including the Erg El Mhazil, where you can embark on a bivouac in a preserved natural setting, with an incredible view of Jbel Bani in the distance and breathtaking dune landscapes
The Wildlife of Iriki National Park
Iriki National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, specific to this desert and mountainous region of Morocco. Some of the species found here include the Dorcas gazelle, Barbary sheep, striped hyena, houbara bustard, monitor lizard, various lizards, chameleon, spiny-tailed lizard, snakes, and scorpions. The park is also home to numerous bird species, one of the most iconic being the “traveler’s bird,” recognizable by its black-and-white plumage and melodious song.
Some of these animals are easily observable, such as the traveler’s bird or lizards, but for most, patience and discretion are required to spot them. The hiking and trekking experiences we offer at FOUM ZGUID TOURS are the best way to explore the desert, as they take you to remote areas. You may be lucky enough to spot graceful gazelles in the distance, but this is never guaranteed, as nature always holds surprises.
In recent years, several species that had previously disappeared have been reintroduced to Iriki National Park, such as the Oryx, Addax, and, since 2023, the red-necked ostrich. These species have managed to reproduce, but their survival remains fragile and constantly threatened. During winter, when the bed of the former Iriki Lake fills with some water, it becomes a stopover for migratory birds such as flamingos, storks, and coots. However, with increasingly dry winters, it is becoming rarer to see these birds in the area.
You will also find herds belonging to nomads, freely roaming under the watchful eye of their shepherds—camels, goats, sheep, and donkeys. These peaceful animals can be easily approached.