Morocco’s Oualidia: Hidden Gem for Oyster Lovers and Birdwatchers

"There are two places famous for oysters in Morocco: Dakhla and Oualidia," explains the guide, Nabil El Bahri, to a National Geographic Traveller (UK) reporter. The guide and he went to the town by boat to see them up close. "Those from Oualidia are more delicious and perfect for tasting directly in the water," adds the guide, who is also an expert on oysters. It is also the main export product of the city. According to Nabil’s explanations, Oualidia is a favorite place for birds during their journey from Spain to Senegal. "We know this because they are all equipped with a beacon. We note their number when we see them."

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The British media reporter was charmed by Oualidia. "As we sail in front of wooden stakes protruding from the lagoon, each marking the location of a submerged oyster bed, I keep an eye on an amusing flotilla of brightly colored boats carrying children and women in hijabs towards a long beach on the coastal side of the lagoon. Pedal boats and kayaks pass us, some with children waving at us. The smoke from makeshift grills on the sand dissipates in the sea air; the atmosphere is jubilant," he recounts.

The beauty of nature is fascinating. "I soon realize that we are not the only ones discovering the natural larder of the shimmering lagoon. As we head upstream, we see a gray heron and spoonbills wading in a reed bed, terns flying low, and coots slapping their feet on the water as they take flight," he continues. His guide explains to him that the water temperature and food are good for the birds. "There are worms, fish and shrimp for them," Nabil adds.