Private day tour in 4×4 vehicle from Ouarzazate heading east along the Dadès Valley, which forms part of the so-called “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs”.
This day tour takes in the Amerhdil kasbah at Skoura, the Valley of Roses (best seen in March/April/May), and the magnificient Dadès Gorge with its incredible rock-formations.
A special feature of this day trip is the off-road adventure section between the Valley of Roses and the Dadès Gorge where you will have the opportunity to share a glass of mint-tea with Berber nomads, living a simple life as goatherds and dwelling in rocky caves.
This is a stunning road trip from Ouarzazate for those who want to experience natural rugged beauty and Berber culture of the South of Morocco, literally taking you off the beaten path. Group size from 2 – 5 people sharing.
All ages and fitness levels. Approx 4 hours drive in each direction on and off-road. English-speaking tour driver/guide.
Departure – Ouarzazate (9.00am)
- Departure from your hotel in Ouarzazate to head through the Dadès Valley, which divides the High Atlas and the Jbel Saghro mountains to the south.
- After about 30 mins we reach the Skoura oasis and visit the restored mud-built Kasbah Amerhdil, dating to the 17th century.
Valley of Roses – Kelaa M’Gouna
- From Skoura the road continues towards the town of Kelaa M’Gouna in the Dadès Valley.
- This is the centre of the region known as the “Valley of Roses” – perfect conditions for cultivation of the damascus rose.
- Fields of roses line the route from Kelaa M’Gouna to Boumalne du Dadès, and into the valleys that cut into the southern slopes of the Atlas Mountains from Kelaa M’Gouna to Boutharar.
Festival of Roses (early May):
- The area is filled with dried roses, perfumes, garlands, traditional Berber music, celebration, and pageantry.
- Throughout April and May, women from surrounding villages pick around 700 tons of rose petals.
- Rosewater, perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and essential oils are produced from these petals.
Scenic Drive – Boutharar & Nomads
- Take the small road winding high up to Boutharar, with panoramic views over the valley and terraced fields where roses bloom in spring.
- Off-road visit to Ait Atta nomads, living a tough pastoral existence in caves in the rock.
- Stop to share a glass of mint tea with a family and learn about their culture.
Dadès Gorge
- Journey continues on rocky pistes to enter the Dadès Gorge.
- Along the route: kasbahs, adobe villages, palm groves, walnut, almond, fig, citrus, and pomegranate trees.
- Natural rock formations: eroded sandstone cliffs known as “the monkeys’ fingers”.
- Travel as far as the famous switchback bends of the Dadès Gorge route.
- Stop for lunch close to the water’s edge on route.
Return via the Dadès Valley – Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Time to stretch the legs before returning directly to Ouarzazate via the Dadès Valley, or “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”.
- Between Ouarzazate and Tineghrir and south towards Zagora in the Draa Valley, the so-called Route of a Thousand Kasbahs is lined with rust-red adobe fortresses:
- Some inhabited
- Some restored
- Some dissolving into ruin
Arrival – Ouarzazate (6/7pm)
Return to Ouarzazate by around 6/7pm after an exhilarating and spectacularly beautiful day tour in the Southern Valleys and Oases of Morocco.
Included in the Tour:
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle, fully licensed and insured for tourist transport
- Professional dedicated driver
- English-speaking or French-speaking guide/escort
- Visit of Skoura oasis and Kasbah Amerhdil (entrance not included)
- Scenic drive through the Valley of Roses with panoramic views at Boutharar
- Off-road visit to Ait Atta nomad family with traditional mint tea
- Drive through the Dadès Gorge including the famous switchback bends and “monkeys’ fingers” rock formations
- Lunch stop near the water’s edge (meal not included)
- Pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel/riad in Ouarzazate
- English-speaking in-country 24hr customer hotline
- Local tourist taxes
Not Included in the Tour:
- Entrance fees to kasbahs, museums, and monuments
- Lunch and drinks with meals
- Tips/gratuities (guidance on budget provided at booking)
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
