The Souss Massa National Park is closely related to ecotourism and the environment: it is an example of the benefits that sustainable tourism can bring to the local population and natural ecosystems, with very good results in the conservation of species and in the well-being of the inhabitants of the area. Below we show you the main attractions of this natural reserve, and how to enjoy them.
Where it is and Basic Information
The Souss Massa National Park is located in southern Morocco, on the Atlantic coast. Its northern end is located about 15 km by road from Agadir. The territory it comprises is more than 30,000 hectares, spread over a space parallel to the coast about 35 km long, extending up to 5 km inland. The limits of this natural park are clear: to the north, the mouth of the Souss River; and to the south, that of the Massa River.
In that strip of land there is an interesting biodiversity, both animal and plant, which is why it has received the different protection statuses it holds. Not only a national park, but also two Ramsar sites and a Biosphere Reserve.
Main Attractions of the Park
As is logical, the main attractions of the Souss Massa National Park have to do with the biodiversity of its ecosystem. One of the most important is the sighting of natural species, especially native or endangered animals, which have their natural home here. This sighting can be done as a safari, in a 4×4 with stops for observation.
The great symbol is perhaps the oryx (or oryx), a white African bovid with spectacular horns. The same goes for the addax, a beautiful ungulate with curved horns. In addition, special mention should be made of the North African ostrich, as well as the dorcas gazelle, which have been reintroduced to create a stable population in the reserve.
Within the sighting of animals, it is important to highlight the activity of birdwatching or ornithological tourism: this national park is a very important place for the wintering of migratory birds, with more than 250 species. One of them attracts a lot of attention (and conservation funds), due to its interest and fragility: the hermit ibis (also called bald ibis), as it is believed that the community that lives here is the last truly viable one on the planet, and is therefore in critical danger of extinction. Specific observation posts have also been set up for this activity.
On the other hand, there are many hiking routes that cross the park. And in this way, on foot, the visitor can better admire the plant biodiversity of its coastal-terrestrial landscape. Despite its relatively small size, riverside landscapes coexist with coastal landscapes and also dry Mediterranean forests, in addition to the north-Saharan steppe: cliffs, wetlands, dunes… all this just a stone’s throw away. Among the most numerous and iconic trees is the argan, the tabaiba or the thuja. In some cases, these routes can also be done on donkey, thus helping to conserve this other traditional species.
How to Enjoy the National Park
Due to its proximity, the Souss Massa National Park is closely related to Agadir. And from this great tourist destination it receives most of its visitors, although they can also do so from other places in the interior (Taroudant) or in the south (Sidi Ifni). The park has two entrances: the north one is Rockein and the south one is Sidi Binzarne. From each of them you can more easily reach each conservation area, depending on the preferences of each group. And to reach both accesses, the best means is a private vehicle.
