Marrakech: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight & Breakfast

Summary

Early morning balloon ride over Marrakech with breakfast

You’ll start before dawn with hotel pickup in Marrakech, watch your hot air balloon inflate as you sip tea or coffee, then float quietly above palm groves and Berber villages as sunrise lights up the Atlas mountains. After landing, share a traditional breakfast with fellow travelers before heading back — that golden silence stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

It started with that quiet shuffle outside our riad — the driver waiting, half-awake like us. I remember the city was still dark, a little chilly for Marrakech, and the only sound was his phone buzzing. When we reached the launch site, there were already a few people gathered around steaming tea glasses. One of the crew grinned at my attempt to say “sabah el kheir” (good morning) in Arabic — I think I got it close enough for him to laugh kindly. The balloon itself looked massive on the ground, all bright colors sagging until they fired up the burners. That first whoosh of hot air is louder than you’d expect.

I didn’t really notice how fast we left the earth behind until someone pointed out how small the palm groves looked below. Our guide — Youssef, I think — kept pointing out Berber houses and little clusters of goats wandering near dry riverbeds. There’s this weird silence up there except for the occasional burst from the burners; you can hear your own heartbeat if you listen for it. The sun crept up behind the Atlas mountains and everything went gold for a minute or two. My hands felt cold on the basket edge but I couldn’t stop holding on, just watching those clay rooftops drift by underneath us.

After landing (not as bumpy as I feared), we all stumbled out laughing — maybe nerves, maybe relief? They handed out flight certificates and poured more mint tea while someone set out breakfast: flatbreads still warm, honey that tasted like wildflowers, eggs cooked right there. It wasn’t fancy but somehow perfect after floating over Marrakech at sunrise. I still think about that view when I taste mint tea now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight with breakfast

• Pickup from hotel
• Transfer to launch site
• Watch balloon inflate with tea and coffee
• Attend safety briefing
• Take off and float over Marrakech

Top questions

How early does the Marrakech hot air balloon flight start?

The tour begins before sunrise; exact pickup time depends on season and will be confirmed after booking.

Is hotel pickup included for the hot air balloon experience?

Yes, round trip transportation from your hotel in Marrakech is included.

What do you see during the hot air balloon ride over Marrakech?

You’ll float above palm groves, Berber villages with clay roofs, and see views of the Atlas mountains.

Is breakfast provided after landing?

Yes, a traditional breakfast is served after your flight.

Are drinks available before or after the flight?

You can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee at the launch site before takeoff.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included in this Marrakech balloon day trip?

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, flight certificate, breakfast, coffee or tea.

What’s included

Your morning starts with pickup from your hotel in Marrakech and transfer to the launch site where you’ll have unlimited tea or coffee while watching the balloon prepare for flight. After floating above palm groves and Berber villages at sunrise with a local guide, you’ll land to enjoy a traditional breakfast before returning to your hotel—flight certificate and bottled water included.