On the road between Ouarzazate and the Dades Gorge, most travellers see the Valley of Roses through a car window. That is a shame, because the side valleys north of Kelaat M’Gouna hold some of the most beautiful villages in southern Morocco.
Kelaat M’Gouna and the roses
The small town of Kelaat M’Gouna is the centre of Morocco’s rose-water production. The Damask roses grow as hedges between the fields and bloom in spring, and the town celebrates the harvest with a rose festival, usually in May. The Wednesday souk is a good moment to see the valley’s daily life.
Boutaghrar and the M’Goun valley
A road climbs north from Kelaat M’Gouna into the M’Goun valley. Around Boutaghrar, earthen kasbahs and granaries sit above terraced fields of barley, almond and walnut trees, with the High Atlas behind. It is a starting point for treks towards the M’Goun massif, and a wonderful place for an easy walk between villages.
Boumalne Dades
Boumalne Dades sits at the mouth of the Dades valley, with its own Wednesday market. From here the road climbs through the Dades gorge, with its famous hairpin bends and red rock formations.
Two ways to travel here
Fast: on a 3-day desert trip you pass through the valley in an hour, with a photo stop. That is enough if your main goal is the Sahara.
Slow: adding one night lets you walk in the M’Goun valley, visit a rose cooperative and see village life away from the main road. For many travellers that night becomes the most authentic part of the trip.
The Valley of Roses is on the route of most of our desert tours, including the 3-Day Sahara Tour and the 5-Day Student Trip. Ask us to add a night here.
All our tours are private, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, and every route can be adapted to you. Send us your dates on WhatsApp or through the enquiry form.
Written by Hda Abdou, founder of Morocco Cultours.
