Khenifiss National Park, National park and wetland sanctuary in Tarfaya Province, Morocco
Khenifiss National Park is a protected area on Morocco's southern coast, in Tarfaya Province, covering desert plateaus, coastal dunes, and a large lagoon. The lagoon is the central feature of the park, where saltwater and freshwater zones meet in a flat, open landscape.
The area was designated a nature reserve in 1960 and later upgraded to a Permanent Biological Reserve in 1983. It became a national park in 2006 and was subsequently listed as a Tentative World Heritage Site.
The area has long been home to salt harvesting traditions, with residents collecting salt from natural pans near the lagoon through simple methods. Visitors can observe how these practices remain part of everyday life in the nearby communities.
The park runs along a main coastal road and is easy to reach by car, with nearby towns offering places to stay and eat. The terrain is flat and exposed, so sun protection and enough water are essential for a comfortable visit.
The lagoon sits on a major flyway between Europe and Africa, making it a key stopover for migratory birds traveling long distances each year. In winter, the number of water birds at the lagoon peaks, making that season the best time to observe them in large numbers.
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