Marrakech: Private Hot Air Balloon Ride & Berber Breakfast

Summary

Float above Marrakech’s palm groves with a private balloon and breakfast

You’ll float quietly above Marrakech’s palm groves in your own private balloon, sipping fresh juice as dawn colors spread over the land. With hotel pickup by luxury 4x4 and a Berber breakfast under caidal tents after landing, this day trip from Marrakech feels both surreal and warmly human—one of those memories that sticks around long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush before sunrise out by the Palmeraie — just us and a handful of quiet voices, the basket creaking as they checked the ropes. There was this faint smell of mint from someone’s tea, mixing with that dry morning air you only get outside Marrakech. Our pilot, Youssef, grinned and said something about “the blue hour” — honestly, I was still half-asleep but suddenly wide awake when the balloon lifted. It’s smoother than you’d think. For a second, my stomach did that little drop (like missing a stair), then we were floating. The city looked soft and far away. I could hear someone laughing in another basket drifting nearby.

I didn’t expect how cold it would feel up there — or how good fresh orange juice tastes at 1,000 feet. The hostess handed us these glasses and a plate of fruit, and I just stood there holding mine, watching the colors shift over the fields and palms below. Every so often Youssef pointed out tiny villages or told us about his favorite street food in Marrakech (apparently, I need to try bissara next time). He even let us peek over his shoulder at the controls for a minute; not as complicated as I thought, but I wouldn’t trust myself with it.

After landing — which was less dramatic than I’d feared — we drove to this Berber camp set up with caidal tents. There was bread warm from the fire and more mint tea (which tasted even better after being up in the cold). Someone handed out these certificates — kind of cheesy but honestly made me smile; my partner took a photo of me holding it like a trophy. We lingered longer than planned under those tents because no one really wanted to go back yet. Even now, if I close my eyes, I can almost hear that early morning silence again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private balloon flight and breakfast

• Pickup from hotel or Riad by 4x4
• Private balloon flight over Marrakech
• Enjoy extraordinary juices and fresh fruits
• Berber camp breakfast after flight
• Receive flight certificate

Top questions

How long does the private hot air balloon ride last?

The flight lasts between 40 to 60 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech balloon tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or riad in a private luxury 4x4 is included.

What food or drinks are served during the flight?

You’ll be served fresh juices and sliced fruit while in the air.

Is breakfast included after landing?

Yes, a Berber breakfast is served under a caidal tent at camp after your flight.

Are children allowed on this private hot air balloon experience?

Yes, children aged 4 and above can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is this hot air balloon tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What’s the group size for each private balloon?

The minimum is 2 people; maximum is 20 per balloon basket.

Do you receive anything to commemorate the flight?

Yes, each guest receives a flight certificate after landing.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup by luxury 4x4 vehicle from anywhere in Marrakech, welcome tea on arrival at the launch site near Palmeraie, around an hour-long private hot air balloon ride with your own dedicated pilot and hostess serving drinks and fresh fruit mid-flight, followed by breakfast under traditional caidal tents at a Berber camp before returning you to your starting point with a little certificate as proof you really did float above Morocco for an hour.