Iriqui National Park

Iriqui National Park is a protected area in southeastern Morocco, in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, established to conserve desert-steppe landscapes and a seasonal salt pan known as Sebkha Iriqui. The park protects a mix of dunes, arid plains and temporary wetlands and is one of the region’s larger conservation areas.

Within the park the main natural attractions are the seasonal lakebed and the surrounding steppe and dune habitats that support desert-adapted plants and animals. The site is noted for its value to migratory and wading birds when the sebkha fills after rains; it also provides habitat for typical Saharan-edge mammal and reptile species.

The national park designation dates from the late 20th century and reflects Moroccan conservation efforts to protect fragile desert ecosystems and migratory bird habitat. Management seeks to balance pastoral use, local livelihoods and biodiversity protection.

Geographically the park lies inland from Morocco’s southern Atlantic flank, in a largely arid zone of plains and low dunes. The nearest small towns are in the Drâa valley and the area is remote, with access by unpaved roads from regional centres.

• Seasonal wetland: The central salt flat can be dry for long periods and is most active after winter rains, when migrating waterbirds use it as a temporary stopover.

What to See #

• Sebkha Iriqui: A shallow seasonal salt lake known as Sebkha Iriqui that fills in wetter years and forms the park's focal wetland habitat for birds.