Marrakech: Atlas Mountains Balloon Ride & Berber Breakfast

Summary

Sunrise balloon flight, Berber breakfast and camel ride near Marrakech

You’ll start your morning with hotel pickup in Marrakech before floating above the Atlas Mountains on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Enjoy a freshly made Berber breakfast in a tent with mountain views and then take a guided camel ride through palm-dotted desert villages. It’s one of those days that lingers long after you’re back home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not scared of heights, right?” our driver grinned as we bumped along in the 4x4, Marrakech still half-asleep behind us. I was mostly just groggy, clutching mint tea at the launch site while the crew fired up this enormous hot air balloon. The air smelled like bread crust and something sweet — maybe those little pastries they handed out. I kept thinking: is this really happening before sunrise?

Climbing into the basket felt awkward (I definitely stumbled), but once we lifted off, everything went quiet except for the burner’s rush. The Atlas Mountains were just waking up too — pink edges on the peaks, haze over the fields. Our pilot, Hassan, pointed out tiny villages that looked like toy blocks from up there. He joked about how you could see all the way to his mother-in-law’s house if you squinted hard enough. I tried, but honestly I was distracted by that weird feeling of floating — it’s not like a plane at all.

Landing was softer than I expected. We piled out and headed for a tent with low tables and carpets, where breakfast was already waiting — pancakes with honey, olives, fresh bread still warm from somewhere nearby. There was this smoky smell from the tea being poured; somehow it tasted better after flying over half of Morocco (or so it felt). After eating too much, we met our camels outside. Mine was called Momo and seemed unimpressed with my attempts at Berber greetings — he just blinked slowly while our guide led us through palm groves dusted gold by early light.

I kept my flight certificate tucked in my bag all day back in Marrakech. Not sure why — maybe to remind myself that yes, I really did float over the Atlas Mountains before breakfast. Sometimes when I smell mint tea now, it takes me right back there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon and desert experience

• Pickup from Marrakech hotel
• Travel to hot air balloon launch site
• Watch balloon inflation with refreshments
• Take 40-50 minute hot air balloon flight
• Land at base camp
• Enjoy Berber breakfast in tent
• Guided camel ride in Palmeraie desert
• Receive flight certificate
• Return to Marrakech hotel by 4x4

Top questions

How long does the hot air balloon ride last?

The flight usually lasts 40-50 minutes depending on wind and weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech are included by 4x4 vehicle.

What is served for breakfast after the balloon ride?

You’ll have pancakes, corn bread, fruit, olives, and mint tea for breakfast.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The minimum age is 3 years old for participants.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

It’s not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

How many people fit in each hot air balloon basket?

Each basket holds up to 16 people comfortably for sightseeing.

Do I get anything to remember the flight?

You’ll receive a flight certificate as a souvenir of your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup by 4x4 from Marrakech, pre-flight refreshments like pastries and tea as you watch your hot air balloon inflate, a sunrise flight over the Atlas Mountains with an expert pilot, freshly prepared Berber breakfast in a mountain-view tent after landing, a guided camel ride through palm groves near camp, plus your return transfer and a commemorative flight certificate to take home.