Marrakech: Hot Air Balloon Flight & Berber Breakfast with Pickup

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride above Marrakech with Berber breakfast

You’ll drift quietly above Marrakech at sunrise during a one-hour hot air balloon ride before sharing traditional Berber breakfast under a caidal tent in the bush. With hotel pickup by 4x4 and a friendly local guide handling all logistics, you can just watch the colors change over the Palmeraie — and maybe laugh at your own attempt at Arabic.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous when the 4x4 rolled out of Marrakech before dawn — it’s not every day you sign up for a hot air balloon flight. The city was still quiet, just a few lights flickering behind shutters as we left. Our driver, Hassan, played old Moroccan pop on the radio and laughed when I tried to hum along (I was way off-key). There was this faint smell of mint from his thermos. We reached the launch site near the Palmeraie just as the sky started to go pink — I didn’t expect that color, almost like diluted apricot jam.

The crew moved fast — burners hissing, fabric snapping in the morning breeze. I remember gripping the basket edge tighter than I’d admit. Our pilot, Youssef, explained everything in this calm voice that made me trust him instantly. When we finally lifted off, Marrakech shrank beneath us and suddenly it was just quiet — not total silence but softer somehow. You could see the Jbilet mountains stretching out and little villages waking up below. Someone pointed out goats wandering between olive trees. It felt unreal but also… normal? Like this is just how mornings are here.

Landing was smoother than I expected (my stomach only did one flip), and then we bumped along dirt tracks in another 4x4 to a big white tent set up in the bush. The air smelled like wood smoke and fresh bread — honestly, I still think about that bread sometimes. Breakfast was simple but perfect: warm msemen pancakes, honey, olives, eggs with cumin. The tea came sweet and strong in tiny glasses; our host poured it from high up so it foamed at the top — apparently that’s tradition. Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Arabic; pretty sure I butchered it.

Before heading back to Marrakech, they handed us these calligraphy certificates with our names written out — mine looked beautiful even though my name’s not exactly Moroccan-friendly. The whole thing felt both surreal and oddly grounding at once. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Marrakech that’s different but not forced or flashy… well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight and breakfast

• Pick up from Marrakech
• Drive 35 minutes to Jbilet Old Mountains
• Enjoy 40 to 60 minute balloon flight
• Drive off road to Berber breakfast tent
• Receive flight certificate
• Drive back to Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the hot air balloon flight from Marrakech?

The flight lasts between 40 to 60 minutes depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this hot air balloon tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned 4x4 are included.

What do you eat for breakfast after landing?

You’ll have a typical Berber breakfast served in a traditional caidal tent near the landing site.

Are there private balloon options available?

Yes, you can choose between shared or private balloon flights depending on group size.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the balloon take off near Marrakech?

The launch site is north of Palmeraie near the Jbilet Old Mountains area.

Do you get a certificate for flying?

Yes, each guest receives a personalized flight certificate with calligraphy after landing.

Is this suitable for young children?

The minimum age is 4 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by comfortable 4x4 vehicle, about an hour-long hot air balloon flight over Marrakech with an experienced local pilot, plus time to relax over Berber breakfast in a caidal tent after landing. You’ll also get welcome tea on arrival and leave with your own flight certificate written in calligraphy before heading back into town.