Marrakech: Sunrise Balloon Ride & Agafay Desert Dinner Tour

Summary

Sunrise balloon flight over Marrakech then camel ride and dinner in Agafay desert

You’ll float above Marrakech at sunrise in a hot air balloon with a local guide, share fresh Berber breakfast after landing, then spend your evening riding camels through the Agafay Desert at sunset before enjoying traditional Moroccan dinner under stars with live music and dance. It’s one of those days you’ll keep turning over in your mind long after.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely finished our first sips of mint tea when Hassan, our driver, grinned and asked if we were nervous. I was — a little. The sky over Marrakech was still that deep blue just before dawn, and you could smell bread baking somewhere nearby. There were maybe eight of us, all bundled up and trading sleepy jokes as the balloon crew unfurled this massive patchwork thing right in front of us. The burners whooshed to life — it’s louder than I thought — and suddenly there was this gentle heat on my face. Our pilot, Fatima, checked everyone’s harnesses twice. She told me not to worry about pronouncing “Atlas” correctly (I tried anyway; she laughed). And then up we went.

It’s quiet up there. Not silent — you still hear the occasional burst from the burner and someone gasping when they spot the snow on the Atlas Mountains. But mostly it’s just soft wind and these shifting colors as the sun comes up over Marrakech. I kept thinking how small everything looked: olive groves, tiny roads curling away into nothing. After landing (a little bumpier than expected), we piled out for a Berber breakfast — fresh bread still warm from the fire, olives so salty they made me squint, cheese, fruit. Someone poured more tea and told a story about their grandmother’s village near Ouarzazate. I didn’t want to leave that table.

The evening part felt almost like another day trip from Marrakech: after a nap back at the hotel (needed it), we drove out to the Agafay Desert for sunset. Camels waiting, looking unimpressed by us city people climbing aboard. My camel was called Mounia — stubborn but patient — and our guide Khalid taught me how to say thank you in Darija (I probably butchered it). The desert light is weirdly gold at that hour; you can see dust hanging in the air, hear distant music drifting from campfires already starting up.

Dinner was under this huge stretch of stars — tajine bubbling away, couscous with sweet carrots, laughter echoing around as a band started playing those sharp Moroccan rhythms. There was a folkloric show too; dancers swirling their skirts so fast I got dizzy watching them. On the drive back to Marrakech I kept replaying that sunrise in my head — not sure which part stuck with me more, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon and desert evening

• Pickup from hotel in Marrakech
• Snack breakfast before flight
• Hot air balloon ride at sunrise
• Traditional Berber breakfast after landing
• Return to hotel to rest
• Depart for Agafay Desert in late afternoon
• 20-minute camel ride at sunset
• Traditional Moroccan dinner under stars
• Folkloric show with music and dance
• Return to hotel in evening

Top questions

What time does the hot air balloon ride start in Marrakech?

The sunrise hot air balloon ride starts between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM with early morning hotel pickup included.

Is breakfast included after the balloon flight?

Yes, after landing you’ll have a traditional Berber breakfast with fresh bread, olives, cheese, fruit and other specialties.

How long is the camel ride in Agafay Desert?

The camel ride lasts about 20 minutes during sunset in the Agafay Desert.

Is transportation included for both morning and evening activities?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for both parts of this tour from Marrakech.

What food is served at dinner in Agafay Desert?

Dinner includes typical Moroccan dishes such as tajine and couscous served under the stars.

Are there shows or entertainment during dinner?

Yes, there is a folkloric show with traditional music and dance during dinner in the desert camp.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

All areas are wheelchair accessible including transportation options for this experience.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport according to safety rules.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech for both morning and evening adventures, a snack breakfast before your sunrise hot air balloon flight over Marrakech with all safety checks handled by your local pilot, followed by a traditional Berber breakfast after landing. In the evening you’ll travel to Agafay Desert for a 20-minute camel ride at sunset plus a full Moroccan dinner under starry skies accompanied by live folkloric music and dance before returning to your hotel late evening.