Hidden Gem of Morocco: Rose Valley’s Pink Paradise Captivates Travelers

"One of my favorite moments was the Rose Valley, a region of the Atlas. In April, it’s a valley that is all pink. It’s magnificent. It’s not too crowded, not too touristy. We mainly meet locals there. Even the taxis are pink. They are pink," explained Zina Bencheikh, in an interview given to the Mirror during the World Travel and Tourism Council summit in Rome in late September.

The Rose Valley, or M’Gouna, is a stunning region in southeastern Morocco, located at the foot of the High Atlas and along the M’Goun River. This destination is especially famous for its rich Damask rose culture and its annual rose festival, held in Kelaât M’Gouna, but also for its lush greenery and intense floral color bursts against a backdrop of arid and dusty lands.

"We go there on some of our most popular trips, on a women’s trip. [...] There are no inns, so we stay with local women. These are extraordinary women. The most memorable moment of this trip for me was a several-hour walk, in the middle of nowhere, to meet local nomads who have lived in the region for millennia and whose way of life has remained virtually unchanged. These nomadic families earn an income that allows them to meet their needs," adds Zina.

On the menu, several activities: a crossing of the Sahara Desert on camelback, an excursion to two picturesque Moroccan cities, guided tours of medinas, ruins and Roman villages, as well as activities such as henna tattoos, a traditional Amazigh practice.