Day Tour from Ouarzazate — Skoura, Valley of Roses, Dades Gorge
Private 4x4 day east of Ouarzazate along the famous Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, the Valley of Roses, an Ait Atta nomad family in their rock cave, and the dramatic Dades Gorge.
Local guide
Hotel pickup
Small groups
Private available
1 day (about 9 hours)
Private — 2 to 5 people
English / French
About Us
- ›A private day trip east of Ouarzazate along the Dades Valley, which divides the High Atlas Mountains from the Jbel Saghro range to the south.
- ›You visit the 17th-century mud-built Kasbah Amerhdil at the Skoura oasis, then continue to the town of Kelaa M'Gouna at the heart of the Valley of Roses — the area where Moroccan rose water, perfumes and soap are made (the rose fields are best in March, April and May).
- ›A special part of the day is the off-road drive up to Boutharar, with panoramic views over the terraced fields and a visit to an Ait Atta nomad family who live in rock caves.
- ›You share a glass of mint tea with them and hear about their tough pastoral life.
- ›The day continues into the dramatic Dades Gorge, with its eroded sandstone cliffs known as the "monkeys' fingers", famous switchback bends, palm groves, walnut and pomegranate trees.
- ›Lunch is taken near the water in the gorge.
- ›Return to Ouarzazate via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Experience Itinerary
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1
Departure from Ouarzazate (9 am)
- ›Pickup at your hotel at around 9 am.
- ›Drive east into the Dades Valley, which separates the High Atlas Mountains from the Jbel Saghro range to the south.
- ›After about 30 minutes, arrive at the Skoura oasis — a sea of date palms and old kasbahs.
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2
Kasbah Amerhdil at Skoura (17th century)
- ›Visit the restored mud-built Kasbah Amerhdil, dating back to the 17th century.
- ›Climb to the top for views over the palm groves and the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains beyond. (Entrance fee not included.)
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3
Valley of Roses (Kelaa M'Gouna)
- ›Drive to the town of Kelaa M'Gouna, the centre of the Valley of Roses.
- ›The damask rose grows here in perfect conditions, and rose fields line the road from Kelaa M'Gouna to Boumalne du Dades.
- ›In April and May, the women of the villages pick around 700 tons of rose petals, which are used for rosewater, perfumes, cosmetics, soap and essential oils.
- ›If you come in early May, you may catch the Festival of Roses with dried roses, garlands, traditional Berber music and celebration.
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4
Off-road to Boutharar and an Ait Atta nomad family
- ›Take the small road that winds high up toward Boutharar, with panoramic views over the valley and the terraced fields where roses bloom in spring.
- ›Stop for an off-road visit to an Ait Atta nomad family who live in caves carved in the rock.
- ›Share a glass of mint tea and learn about their pastoral life and traditions.
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5
Dades Gorge — "the monkeys' fingers" and switchbacks
- ›Drive on rocky pistes into the dramatic Dades Gorge.
- ›Along the way, see kasbahs, adobe villages, palm groves, walnut, almond, fig, citrus and pomegranate trees.
- ›Photo stops at the eroded sandstone cliffs known as the "monkeys' fingers", and at the famous switchback bends.
- ›Lunch stop near the water in the gorge (lunch not included).
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6
Return via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- ›Return to Ouarzazate via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs — the long line of rust-red adobe fortresses, some inhabited, some restored, some slowly dissolving into ruin.
- ›Arrival at your hotel around 6 to 7 pm after a spectacular day.
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, fully licensed and insured for tourist transport
- Professional dedicated driver for the day
- English- or French-speaking guide and escort
- Visit of the Skoura oasis and Kasbah Amerhdil (entrance not included)
- Scenic drive through the Valley of Roses with panoramic views at Boutharar
- Off-road visit to an Ait Atta nomad family with traditional mint tea
- Drive through the Dades Gorge with the switchback bends and "monkeys' fingers" rocks
- Lunch stop near the water in the gorge (meal not included)
- Pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
- 24-hour English-speaking customer hotline
- Local tourist taxes
Not Included
- Entrance fees to kasbahs, museums and monuments
- Lunch and drinks with meals
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Travel insurance (required)
Know Before You Go
| Duration | 1 day (about 9 hours) |
| Languages | English / French |
| Level | Easy — all ages and fitness levels |
| Group type | Private — 2 to 5 people |