Marrakech: Hot Air Balloon Flight & Atlas Views with Berber Breakfast

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride Marrakech desert Atlas breakfast kasbah

You’ll float over Marrakech as dawn colors the desert and Atlas peaks, then land for a Berber breakfast in a real kasbah. Expect hotel pickup before sunrise, an hour-long hot air balloon flight with local guides sharing stories, and a small memento to take home. It’s quieter than you’d expect — and somehow feels bigger inside your memory after.

What’s the experience like?

"Is it always this quiet up here?" I asked our pilot, trying to keep my voice down even though we were floating above Marrakech and the desert, just us and the morning light. The city looked so small from the basket — all those ochre rooftops and then suddenly, nothing but sand and the Atlas Mountains waking up in the distance. My hands gripped the edge tighter than I’d like to admit (heights aren’t really my thing), but honestly, I didn’t want to miss anything. There was this coolness on my face that felt clean, almost sharp, compared to the dusty air down below.

We’d started before sunrise — someone from the crew picked us up right at our riad in Marrakech, which was good because I probably would’ve gotten lost in those alleys again. At the launch site, everyone was half-awake and sipping mint tea while they set up the balloon. Our guide Youssef chatted with us about how he grew up nearby; his laugh made it easier to forget how early it was. When we finally lifted off, there was this weird mix of nerves and excitement — you know that feeling when you’re not sure if you should look down or just stare ahead? Anyway, about an hour later we drifted back down near a kasbah where breakfast waited.

I still think about that breakfast — warm bread with honey, olives, eggs cooked in spices I couldn’t name (Youssef tried to explain but I forgot immediately). The smell of coffee mixed with something sweet coming from the kitchen. We ate outside while a couple of local kids watched us from behind a low wall — one waved when he caught me looking. They handed out these little flight certificates too; mine’s already creased from being stuffed in my bag but I’m keeping it anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight and breakfast

• Welcome with drinks at take-off site
• Board hot air balloon
• Enjoy one-hour balloon flight
• Have Berber breakfast in kasbah
• Receive flight certificate

Top questions

How long does the hot air balloon flight last?

The flight lasts about one hour.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech balloon tour?

Yes, round trip transportation is included.

What time does pickup start for the balloon ride?

Pickup starts at 6 am but may change depending on weather forecasts.

What do you eat for breakfast after landing?

A Berber breakfast is served in a southern Moroccan kasbah after landing.

Is this hot air balloon tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Do you get anything to remember the flight?

Yes, each guest receives a flight certificate after landing.

Where does the hot air balloon fly over?

The balloon flies over Marrakech desert areas with views of the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech city.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech, an hour-long hot air balloon flight over desert landscapes with Atlas Mountain views, Berber breakfast served at a kasbah after landing, round trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, and a flight certificate as a keepsake before heading back into town.