Marrakech: Atlas Balloon Flight, Berber Breakfast & Camel Ride

Summary

Atlas sunrise balloon flight Berber breakfast camel ride from Marrakech

You’ll float above Marrakech at sunrise in a hot air balloon, watch light spill over the Atlas Mountains, then share a freshly made Berber breakfast in a desert tent before riding camels among palm groves. With local guides and hotel pickup included, this day trip lets you feel Morocco waking up around you — and leaves you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to hold on,” our pilot grinned, but honestly, I was too busy gawking at the way the sun cracked over the Atlas Mountains outside Marrakech. The balloon basket creaked a little (not scary, just… real), and you could smell coffee drifting up from somewhere below — or maybe that was my imagination. We’d barely slept, but floating up there with the city shrinking away felt like waking up inside someone else’s dream. Our guide, Youssef, pointed out little villages tucked between the hills; he grew up near here and joked about how his grandmother still thinks flying is “for birds or fools.” I guess we were both.

Landing was softer than I expected — just a bump and then sand underfoot. There was this tent waiting, low tables set with bread still warm from the fire, honey so thick it stuck to my fingers, mint tea poured high so it foamed. The Berber breakfast was simple but somehow perfect after the flight. I tried to ask for more msemen in my clumsy French; one of the cooks laughed and handed me another piece anyway. You know when food tastes like where you are? That’s what it was like.

After breakfast, we rode camels through these palm groves not far from where we landed. My camel kept turning its head to look at me — maybe judging my riding skills (or lack of). The quiet out there surprised me; just wind in the palms and someone’s radio faint in the distance. They gave us these certificates at the end — a bit cheesy but I tucked mine into my bag anyway. On the drive back to Marrakech I kept replaying that first moment when we lifted off — it’s hard to explain but it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon and desert experience

• Soar over Atlas Mountains
• Land for Berber breakfast
• Enjoy camel ride in desert
• Return to Marrakech

Top questions

How long does the hot air balloon flight last?

The balloon flight lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off service are included.

What is served for breakfast after landing?

A freshly prepared Berber breakfast is served in a tent after landing.

Are camel rides part of this Marrakech tour?

Yes, a camel ride through palm-dotted desert is included after breakfast.

Is this suitable for young children or infants?

Infants and small children can join if they use a pram or stroller; babies under 3 are not allowed.

Are drinks provided during the experience?

Coffee, tea, fresh orange juice, bottled water, and refreshments are included.

Do I get anything to remember the flight by?

A flight certificate is given as a souvenir after landing.

Can people with health issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakech, coffee or tea before takeoff, about 45 minutes soaring over the Atlas Mountains by hot air balloon with refreshments on landing, a freshly made Berber breakfast served in a desert tent, bottled water throughout, a camel ride through palm groves nearby, and even a flight certificate as a keepsake before heading back to town.