Roses valley | ⵜⵉⵖⵔⵎⵜ ⵏ ⵉⵎⴳⵓⵏⵏ

The Pink Valley of Kalaat M’Gouna

Unlike the northern High Atlas Mountains, the south is predominantly dry, with a few green areas along various valleys, and the Roses Valley is one of them.

The Mgoun River is the life source of the valley, and its banks are adorned in pink, especially during the harvesting of the Damask rose. The rose’s origin is still unknown, but a popular story suggests pilgrims brought it from Mecca. Today, the rose is not only the symbol of the region but also the main source of income for many families. Small cooperatives in the region produce rosewater and other cosmetics based on roses.

  • Damask roses field - Roses valley, Morocco
  • Damask roses field - Roses valley, Morocco
  • Damask rose - Roses valley, Morocco
  • Damask rose - Roses valley, Morocco
  • Roses fields - Roses valley, Morocco
  • Roses fields - Roses valley, Morocco
  • Roses fields - Roses valley, Morocco
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El Kalaa

The Castle

El Kalaa – Kalaat Mgouna serves as the business center of Roses Valley. Here, you can find cafes, banks, administrative services, and several shops selling rose-based products. While in town, consider spending a few hours shopping for gifts for family and friends. Kalaat Mgouna has been hosting the Roses Festival for over 50 years.

Morocco Rose Festival

For over 50 years, Kalaat Mgouna has hosted the Moussem of the Roses, or the Roses Festival. Occurring after the harvesting season, typically in the first week of May (though the date may vary), the festival celebrates the successful harvest. It provides an opportunity for different cooperatives to showcase and exchange their rose-based products.

What to Do in Roses Valley?

  • During the harvesting season, hiking in the pink gardens is a must.
  • Enjoy nature’s sights in the region with friends and family.
  • Shop for rose-based products, with a focus on high-quality bioproducts at reasonable prices.
  • Visit a cooperative’s factory to witness the full experience of rose essence extraction.

How to Reach Roses Valley

  • Car: It takes 1h30 min to drive 100km on the national route N10 from Ouarzazate to Kalaat Mgouna. The route is well-paved, and you can visit Skoura oasis on the way if planning to spend the night in the valley.
  • Taxi: Share a Grand Taxi to Kalaat Mgouna. Taxis depart daily from Ouarzazate’s bus station.
  • Bus: Several buses travel route N10 daily, stopping by Kalaat Mgouna. Check Ouarzazate’s bus station or CTM bus station. The bus ride might take longer than Grand Taxis.

Hotels in Roses Valley

There is a wide range of choices and prices for hotels and guesthouses, with most guesthouses being restored Kasbahs.

Woman collecting roses - Roses valley, Morocco

Photography Etiquette

Avoid taking pictures of women in the fields without permission, as locals, especially women, may dislike being photographed by strangers. If interested, visit a local cooperative, seek permission, and take photos during the early morning harvesting.

Woman collecting roses - Roses valley, Morocco

Boutique

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© Ouarzazate City 2024