The Valley of Roses, the pink valley of Kelaat M'Gouna

El Kelaa, heart of the valley

El Kelaa, or Kelaat M'Gouna, is the business centre of the Valley of Roses. You will find cafes, banks, administrative services and several shops selling rose based products, so it is worth spending a few hours here choosing gifts for family and friends.

For more than 50 years the town has hosted the Moussem of the Roses, the Roses Festival. It takes place after the harvest, typically in the first week of May, although the date may vary. The festival celebrates a successful harvest and gives cooperatives a chance to showcase and exchange their rose products.

What to do in the Valley of Roses

The valley is at its best during the harvest, when the gardens turn pink and the scent of roses fills the air. Whether you come for a walk in the countryside, for the festival or simply for shopping, there is plenty to fill a day here.

• Hike through the pink gardens during the harvesting season.
• Enjoy the scenery of the region with friends and family.
• Shop for rose products, with good quality natural products at reasonable prices.
• Visit a cooperative to see how rose essence is extracted.

Getting there and where to stay

By car it takes about 1 hour 30 to drive the 100 km on national route N10 from Ouarzazate to Kelaat M'Gouna. The road is well paved, and you can visit the Skoura oasis on the way. Shared grand taxis leave daily from the Ouarzazate bus station, and several buses on the N10 stop in Kelaat M'Gouna, including CTM, though the bus may be slower. Times and dates can change, so check locally.

Quad Ouarzazate also runs a Valley of Roses and Dades Gorges day trip from Ouarzazate, crossing Skoura and Kelaat M'Gouna. If you prefer to stay, hotels and guest houses come in a wide range of styles and prices, and most guest houses are restored kasbahs, a charming base for an early walk in the gardens.

Photography etiquette

Avoid photographing women in the fields without permission, as locals, and women in particular, may not wish to be photographed by strangers. If you would like pictures of the harvest, visit a local cooperative, ask for permission and take your photos during the early morning picking.