Hot Air Balloon Ride over Marrakech and Atlas Mountains

Float above the desert at sunrise and watch the Atlas Mountains turn gold

A hot air balloon ride over Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains begins with early-morning pickup from your accommodation and ends with breakfast after landing. You drift through dawn light over desert valleys and hillsides as the sun rises, then receive a flight certificate signed by the pilot. The ride lasts 4 to 5 hours total, including ground time, and includes an air-conditioned vehicle to the launch site, coffee or tea, and a guide who speaks English, French or Arabic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hot air balloon ride and breakfast

• Travel to launch site by insured car
• Enjoy sunrise hot-air balloon flight
• Land safely after balloon ride
• Have a tasty breakfast
• Receive flight certificate

The experience

Your day starts before sunrise when the driver picks you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned car. The ride to the launch site takes place in the early morning while the desert is still cool, and you'll arrive to find the balloon being prepared. Once you step into the basket, the crew releases the tether and you rise into the still air, drifting over the desert valleys and hillsides just as the sun breaks the horizon and casts everything in gold. The Atlas Mountains rise in the distance, their foothills visible across the landscape below.

The flight itself is silent except for the occasional roar of the burners that keep you aloft. You're floating, not traveling fast: the balloon moves with the wind, so the pace is gentle and the views unfold without rush. Children from age 6 can ride alongside adults. The basket has room for a small group, and a live guide travels with you to point out the terrain and answer questions in your language.

After drifting for the main part of the flight, the pilot brings the balloon down for a safe landing. Once everyone is out of the basket, breakfast waits: coffee, tea and a meal to mark the end of the ride. Before you leave, the pilot signs a certificate commemorating the flight, something you can take home as proof of the morning you spent above the Moroccan desert.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• the hot air balloon flight at sunrise.
• breakfast and coffee or tea after landing.
• a flight certificate signed by the pilot in command.
• a live guide in English, French or Arabic.

Information

Lasts 4h–5h, runs every day at 06:00 and 06:30, from US$ 205 per person, with a live guide in English, French and Arabic and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday and Wednesday: 06:00Every day except Monday and Wednesday: 06:00 and 06:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, French and ArabicOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Adventure Balloon Marrakech

Is this one for you?Book this ride if you want to be airborne at sunrise. The early start is what puts you in the sky when the light is best and the desert is still quiet. The fixed pickup time and included breakfast mean you don't arrange the morning yourself. You just show up at your hotel and the day unfolds on schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the hot air balloon ride start?

The pickup happens in the early morning before sunrise so you can be airborne as dawn breaks. The entire experience, including ground time and breakfast, takes 4 to 5 hours.

What's included in the balloon ride price?

Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, the balloon flight itself, breakfast after landing, coffee and tea, and a certificate signed by the pilot in command are all included. Tipping is not included in the price.

What should I wear for the balloon ride?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for early morning. Avoid high heels and sandals: flat, closed-toe shoes are better for the launch and landing. The air-conditioned vehicle keeps you cool on the drive to the site.

Who will be guiding the balloon ride?

A live guide travels with you and speaks English, French or Arabic, depending on which language you need. The pilot in command also flies the balloon and signs your certificate.

Are there any health restrictions for the balloon ride?

The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to participate. No alcohol or smoking is permitted on board.