Last updated: · by the Ballooning Experience team
The Roses Valley from above
Around Kelaat M'Gouna, the M'Goun river comes down from the High Atlas and waters a narrow green valley in the middle of a dry, stony land. Farmers plant hedges of damask roses around their fields, and every spring the valley turns pink. From the basket you follow the river, the gardens and the old kasbahs, and see how the green stops sharply where the water ends.
The rose season
The roses bloom from late April into May. Families pick them at dawn, and the town holds its rose festival in May, with music, dances and rose products everywhere. It is the most colourful time to fly. Outside the season the valley is still beautiful: almond and fruit trees in early spring, golden fields in summer, and clear, cold mornings in winter.
What you see from the basket
- The M'Goun river and its green valley, framed by dry hills
- Rose hedges around the fields, pink in the season
- Kasbahs and earth villages catching the first light
- The High Atlas to the north on clear mornings
How a Roses Valley flight is planned
The balloon, the crew and the vehicles come from Marrakech, so every flight here is arranged ahead with our guests. We confirm the date, the place to meet and the time before you travel. The morning follows the same steps as at home: tea, the pilot's briefing, the balloon inflated at dawn and a flight that starts as the sun rises. If the weather is not safe, we don't fly, and the options are agreed when you book.
Between Ouarzazate and the Sahara
Kelaat M'Gouna lies between Ouarzazate and the Dades valley, on the main road to Merzouga, so a sunrise flight can fit between two days of driving. If you travel with a driver or a tour, send us your route and where you sleep, and we look for a morning that works.
Hot air balloon in the Roses Valley: questions
Is there a hot air balloon ride in the Roses Valley?
Yes, on selected dates. Our team and balloon come from Marrakech to fly at sunrise over the valley around Kelaat M'Gouna. Ask us with your dates.
Where is the Roses Valley in Morocco?
In the Ouarzazate region, around the town of Kelaat M'Gouna, between Ouarzazate and the Dades valley. It is the valley of the M'Goun river, at the foot of the High Atlas, on the road from Marrakech to the Sahara.
When is the best time for a balloon ride in the Roses Valley?
Late April and May are special: the roses are in bloom and Kelaat M'Gouna celebrates its rose festival. The valley is beautiful in every season, and we fly when the weather and our schedule allow, so ask us about your dates.
How much is a hot air balloon flight in the Roses Valley?
€250 per person. Tell us your dates and how many you are, and we let you know if a flight is planned or possible.
Can I see the roses from the balloon?
In the rose season you see the hedges of pink damask roses that line the fields, and the gardens and kasbahs along the river. The colours are strongest in the first soft light of sunrise.
Can I combine the balloon flight with a desert tour?
Yes. Kelaat M'Gouna is on the main road from Marrakech to Merzouga, so a sunrise flight can fit between two days of driving. Tell us your route and where you sleep.
Ask about a Roses Valley flightSend a request
More about it: Kelaat M'Gouna on Wikipedia.