Valley of Roses, Cave Nomads and the Dades Gorges Day Tour
A full day east of Ouarzazate through Skoura, the rose valley track and fortified villages, a visit to cave dwelling nomads and lunch in the Dades Gorges.
This day is about colour and contrast. The Valley of Roses lies between two parallel ranges, the High Atlas and Jebel Saghro, and the landscape keeps changing as you go, from palm groves to fortified earth villages to the red walls of the Dades.
Rather than staying on the main road, you take the rose valley track from Kalaat Mgouna through Berber villages to Ait Youl and its abandoned kasbah, and you stop to meet nomad families who still live in caves. Lunch is in the Dades Gorges before the drive back through Boumalne.
Highlights
- The Skoura palm grove
- Kalaat Mgouna, home of the May rose festival
- The rose valley track and its fortified villages
- Ait Youl and its abandoned kasbah
- A visit to nomad families living in caves
- Lunch in the Dades Gorges
Day by day
Skoura and Kalaat Mgouna
Pickup at your hotel in Ouarzazate, then east through the Skoura palm grove to Kalaat Mgouna, where the rose festival takes place in May.
The rose valley track
From Kalaat Mgouna the track leads through fortified Berber villages to Ait Youl and its abandoned kasbah, with a stop to visit nomad families living in caves.
Dades Gorges
Continue to the Dades Gorges for lunch in a local restaurant.
Return by the Dades Valley
Drive back to Ouarzazate through the Dades Valley and Boumalne, with drop off at your hotel or riad.
Where it happens
You leave Ouarzazate eastward through the Skoura palm grove to Kalaat Mgouna, the town of the rose festival held in May. The rose valley track starts there and climbs through fortified villages to Ait Youl, then continues to the Dades Gorges. The return follows the Dades Valley and Boumalne back to Ouarzazate.
Who it suits
Recommended for photographers, nature lovers and anyone who enjoys kasbahs and changing landscapes. Part of the route is a track rather than tarmac. The trip runs in a private licensed vehicle with your own driver; if anyone in your group has health or mobility concerns, mention it in your request so the team can advise you.
Included
- Private licensed vehicle with fuel and passenger insurance
- English speaking driver
- Pickup and drop off at your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
- Lunch in a local restaurant in the Dades Gorges
What to bring
- A camera with spare battery, the light changes all day
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A warm layer, the gorges can feel cool in the shade
- Small gifts such as tea or sugar are welcome when visiting nomad families
Good to know
- The meeting or pickup point and time are confirmed with your reservation.
How to book
Request your date online or on WhatsApp. The team confirms availability and the final price, which is per person and depends on how many of you travel. Nothing is paid online.
Questions and answers
What is the price of the Valley of Roses day trip?
Per person: 195 USD for a solo traveller, 105 USD each for two, 95 USD each for three and 84 USD each for four or more.
When is the rose festival?
The rose festival of Kalaat Mgouna takes place in May. The trip runs throughout the year.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch in a local restaurant in the Dades Gorges is included.
Request this trip
Choose an activity and a date. Our team replies to confirm availability, the meeting point and the final price. Nothing is charged online.
