Kelaat M’Gouna is a majestic town located less than 50 km from Skoura, with a population of about 15,000. Situated at 1500 meters above sea level, it is a fortified city famous for its rosewater distillation. Specifically, it is situated in the Valley of Roses, nestled at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, where the Dades Valley meets. It is highly recommended as one of the top destinations for trips in Morocco.”
Kelaat M’Gouna
The Valley of the Roses, with its intoxicating aromas, is made up of hectares of rose bushes whose aromas appreciate throughout May. Here you can immerse yourself in a dazzling and enchanting landscape. The cultivation of roses, the distillation of essences, and the production of perfumes are the most critical industries. Flowering runs from mid-April to mid-May. Kelaa M’gouna is inhabited mainly by a Chleuh Amazighpopulation. This bustling city is an economical, commercial and social center for the people of this region. It is well known for its Rose Festival, which takes place every May.
The damask rose was brought to Kelaa M’gouna in 1938 by the French. The first rosewater distillery in the area establishes around this time. The inaugural Rose Festival was held soon after and has since become an annual event.
Rose Festival
The Festival of Roses celebrates the first weekend of May each year. It lasts two days; it marks the arrival of these flowers in the Dades and M’goun valleys. During this moussem or Festival, Kalaat M’gouna doubles its population. It is a place much visited by Moroccans living in other cities of the kingdom, known for its perfumes and cosmetics made from rose water and the hospitality and warmth of its people. The Festival is also an opportunity for visitors to Kelaa M’gouna to discover its small artisan and agricultural products from the region. More than 4,000 tons are produced during the Festival, which takes about a ton to extract one liter.
As with other festivals that you can discover with our trips to Morocco, at the Rose Festival, a delicious meal is prepared together with the local Amazightribes singing, dancing, showing their swords, and playing traditional musical instruments; in addition, there is a parade of floats with the nominees for Miss Valley of the Roses.
accommodation
There are several options for lodging in the Valley of the Roses, including the Kasbah Itran on the outskirts of town and other options in the city or the surrounding area.
