Partridge Hunting Packages in Morocco: A Complete Guide for Upland Bird Shooters

Morocco is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for driven partridge shooting outside Europe. With its dramatic terrain, extended season, and the elusive Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara), the country offers a blend of wild sport and refined hospitality that’s hard to match. This guide breaks down everything serious hunters need to know about partridge hunting packages in Morocco—from estate options and shooting styles to pricing, logistics, and what makes the Barbary partridge such a prized quarry. --- 🐦 The Barbary Partridge: Morocco’s Signature Game Bird Native to North Africa, the Barbary partridge is a medium-sized upland bird known for its explosive flight and unpredictable movement. Unlike its European cousins, it thrives in arid, rocky terrain and is notoriously difficult to shoot cleanly. • Size: 32–36 cm, 400–600 grams • Flight: Fast, erratic, often downhill or across ravines • Habitat: Hillsides, olive groves, argan forests, and dry valleys • Challenge: Requires quick reflexes and confident shooting Hunters often describe the Barbary partridge as “grouse-like” in its flight behavior, but with the added difficulty of navigating steep Moroccan topography. --- 🏞️ Where to Hunt Partridge in Morocco 🔸 Widiane Chasse (Azilal Province) • Estate Size: 70,000 hectares • Terrain: Mountain valleys, cliffs, oak forests • Shooting Style: Driven shooting with loaders and beaters • Accommodation: 5★ Widiane Hotel & Spa overlooking Lake Bin El Ouidane • Bag Size: 100–600 birds/day • Season: October 1 – March 31 • More about Widiane Chasse 🔸 El Koudia Estate (North of Marrakech) • Estate Size: 12,000 acres • Terrain: Deep valleys, rocky hillsides • Shooting Style: High bird drives, walk-up options • Accommodation: Azaren private residence or Marrakech hotels • Bag Size: Up to 500 birds over two days • Season: Mid October – Late February • Details on El Koudia 🔸 Hajala Atlas Chafani (Taroudant Region) • Estate Size: 1,500 hectares • Terrain: Argan groves, ravines, Berber plateaus • Shooting Style: Traditional driven shooting with Berber hospitality • Accommodation: Courrier Sud luxury riad • Bag Size: 300–500 birds/day • Season: October 4 – March 31 • Explore Hajala Atlas Chafani --- 🎯 Shooting Styles & Field Experience 🪶 Driven Shooting • Setup: Pegs positioned across valleys and ridgelines • Support: Loaders, beaters, dog handlers • Drives: 4–6 per day, with breaks for field lunch • Bird Behavior: Fast downhill flights, towering cliff launches 🐕 Walked-Up Days • Setup: Hunters walk in line with pointing dogs • Dogs Used: English Setters, Brittany Spaniels, GSPs • Terrain: Olive groves, scrubland, almond fields • Challenge: Requires stamina and sharp shooting --- 🏨 Accommodation & Hospitality Moroccan hunting estates offer a level of comfort that rivals European lodges: • Widiane Hotel: Infinity pool, spa, lake views, gourmet dining • Azaren Residence: Private villas, heated pool, tennis court, yoga studio • Courrier Sud Riad: Hammam, tropical gardens, French-Moroccan cuisine Non-shooting guests are welcome and catered to with excursions, spa treatments, and cultural tours. --- 💰 Package Pricing & Inclusions Estate Duration Bag Size Price Range Widiane Chasse /3–4 days/100–600 day/£3,750–£5,000 El Koudia/2–3 days/250–500 total/£3,000–£4,500 Hajala Atlas Chafani/3–4 days/300–500 day/£3,500–£4,800 Included: • Hunting license & insurance • Gun import assistance or rental • Guides, loaders, beaters, dogs • Accommodation & meals • Field transport Not Included: • Flights to Marrakech or Casablanca • Ammo (typically £100/250 shells) • Tips & gratuities (optional but customary) --- 🧾 Legal Requirements • Hunting License: Issued locally; outfitters handle paperwork • Insurance: Mandatory; can be arranged by outfitter • Firearm Import: Requires advance approval; bolt-action and shotguns only • Permits: Species-specific and zone-based --- 🧭 Final Thoughts Partridge hunting in Morocco is not just about numbers—it’s about terrain, tradition, and the thrill of chasing a bird that knows every rock and ravine better than you do. Whether you’re standing on a peg in the Atlas Mountains or walking up birds through argan groves, Morocco delivers a sporting experience that’s wild, refined, and unforgettable.