Marrakech: Atlas Hot Air Balloon Sunrise & Berber Breakfast

Summary

Atlas sunrise balloon ride with Berber breakfast near Marrakech

You’ll sip mint tea in a Berber tent before drifting above the Atlas Mountains at sunrise on this Marrakech hot air balloon ride. Watch villages wake up below you, share breakfast with locals after landing, and take home a handwritten certificate as a small reminder of that silent sky.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to hold on to your tea!” That’s what Hassan grinned at me as he poured mint tea into tiny glasses, steam curling up in the chilly morning. We’d just arrived at the launch site outside Marrakech — still half asleep, honestly — and there was this quiet bustle around the Berber tents. The sky was that kind of deep blue you only get before sunrise. I remember shivering a bit, partly nerves, partly excitement. The crew moved with this calm confidence; they joked in French and Arabic while checking the balloon ropes. Someone handed me a warm piece of flatbread — smoky from the fire — and I realized how hungry I was.

The actual hot air balloon flight over the Atlas Mountains is something I still can’t quite describe without sounding cheesy. You’re just…up there, floating. It got so quiet except for these bursts from the burner — whoosh, then silence again — and below us were tiny villages waking up. Our pilot, Youssef, pointed out a line of camels moving across the desert edge (I almost missed them). He explained how far we were from Marrakech, maybe 30 minutes by car but it felt like another world entirely. My hands smelled faintly of bread and smoke; I gripped the basket tighter than I meant to.

After we landed (softly, thank god), we all laughed about our “balloon hair” and crowded back into the nomad tents for breakfast. There were olives, honey, more bread — simple but somehow perfect after that flight. Someone tried to pronounce “shukran” right; Li laughed when I butchered it. They even gave us little certificates written in Arabic script, which made me weirdly proud even though my handwriting’s hopeless. The sun was higher by then and everything looked golden and dusty and real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight experience

• Transport to launch site
• Welcome drink in Berber tents
• Berber breakfast served
• Hot air balloon flight at sunrise
• Enjoy Atlas Mountains views
• Photography during flight (optional)
• Receive certificate in Arabic and Berber

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Marrakech to the hot air balloon site?

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Marrakech to the launch site near the Atlas Mountains.

Is breakfast included in this Marrakech hot air balloon tour?

Yes, a traditional Berber breakfast is served in nomadic tents after your flight.

Are hotel transfers or pickup included?

Yes, transport is included with air-conditioned vehicles for pickup and return.

Is it safe to fly in these hot air balloons?

The company uses experienced pilots and regularly checked equipment for safety.

Can infants or small children join the balloon ride?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed on site but not in the basket itself.

What time does the hot air balloon flight start?

The flight is timed for sunrise over the Atlas Mountains.

Will there be other people on my flight?

This isn’t specified but typically flights are shared unless booked privately.

Do I get anything to remember my experience?

You receive a certificate written in Arabic and Berber calligraphy after your flight.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup from Marrakech by luxury car, all necessary equipment checked by experienced pilots, mint tea on arrival at an authentic Berber camp near the Atlas Mountains, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over desert landscapes, traditional Berber breakfast served in nomadic tents after landing, plus a personalized certificate before heading back into town.