Experience the High Atlas: off-road excursion to the Valley of the Roses
One night is never enough at Eden Boutique Hotel – you have come on a journey to the heart of the High Atlas, and that journey continues with the experiences we have to offer once you are here. Relax in our hammam spa, learn Moroccan cookery in a lesson with our head chef, and – of course – take an excursion to discover our beautiful region, way off the beaten track.
Our off-road excursion to the Valley of the Roses is probably the one of the best days out in the whole of Morocco – a real adventure in safe hands! The Valley of the Roses carves its way into the M’Goun Massif of the High Atlas, with damask rose hedges surrounding each small field. Don’t expect to see masses of roses though – they bloom for just two short weeks in May, when the buds are harvested each morning and evening to preserve their essential oils. These are then exported to the top parfumiers around the world, and used to create Morocco’s famous rose products.
Top comfort, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles allow you to cross the dramatic landscapes in the High Atlas here, traversing the mountains between the Dades Valley and the Valley of the Roses. There is often an opportunity to meet a nomad family on the way, see how they live, and share a glass of tea with them if you wish. You might see the women making bread on an open fire, or weaving carpets on a wooden loom using age-old skills and patterns. Your expert local driver-guide will help you converse with them and learn about the area and its culture. These can be very special moments… Your driver also knows the very best spots for photo opportunities, as the landscapes become ever more impressive. He will stop as often as you like to take in the sights.
Top comfort, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles allow you to cross the dramatic landscapes in the High Atlas here, traversing the mountains between the Dades Valley and the Valley of the Roses.
You can, if you wish, take a gentle stroll between one village and the next, following an easy path. For those guests who want a more challenging hike, your driver-guide can accompany you for a 2-3 hour walk taking in all the different aspects of this varied landscape – shaded orchards and small agricultural gardens, hills with spectacular views, and the cool shallows of the river below.
Of course, food has to be part of every Moroccan adventure! If the weather allows, you will enjoy a luxurious outdoor picnic lunch, set up and prepared for you by Eden’s own kitchen staff. Alternatively, enjoy traditional Moroccan cooking at a small auberge in the mountain village of Bouteghrar, beside the sparkling River M’Goun.
The richness of nature in the High Atlas, the stunning views, the welcome of local people – all of these make this excursion truly unforgettable. And when you return to Eden Boutique Hotel, you can relax by the pool, enjoy the hammam, or sip a pre-dinner drink in our gardens or library. The end of a perfect day in the heart of the High Atlas, with memories to treasure…