Merja Zerga, Tidal lagoon in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco.
Merja Zerga is a tidal lagoon in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra fed by the Oued Drader river and Atlantic Ocean tides, covering a large area with shallow waters. The lagoon averages about 1.5 meters (5 feet) deep and supports diverse aquatic life.
The lagoon became a protected biological reserve in 1978 and received international recognition as a Ramsar site in 1980. These decisions reflected growing awareness of the wetland's ecological importance.
The villages around the lagoon depend mainly on farming and fishing, practices that shape daily life and connect people directly to the water. Families have maintained these traditions for many generations, and you can see their boats and nets throughout the day.
Boat tours depart from Moulay Bousselham village and offer the best way to explore the lagoon and watch birds. Early morning visits give you the best light and activity for seeing wildlife.
The lagoon serves as a crucial stopover on the East Atlantic migration route where tens of thousands of birds rest during winter. This concentration of migratory waterfowl makes it a vital refueling station for birds traveling between northern and southern regions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
