Marrakesh: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Atlas Views with Pickup

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride over Marrakesh desert valleys and Atlas foothills

You’ll float above Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains at sunrise with a small group and local guide, watching villages wake beneath you before landing for fresh bread and mint tea breakfast. Hotel pickup is included—and you’ll take home a signed flight certificate as a keepsake from your morning in the sky.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really think I’d be awake enough to remember the drive out of Marrakesh, but the city was still dark and quiet—just a few cats darting around as our driver pulled up. There’s something odd about being bundled into a van before dawn with strangers, all of us half-whispering. Our guide, Hassan, was already wide awake though. He grinned at us in the rearview mirror and said something about “magic light” in this part of Morocco. I just nodded and tried not to yawn too obviously.

The launch site was colder than I expected—my fingers went numb holding coffee, which tasted a bit earthy but did the trick. The balloon itself looked impossibly huge up close; you could smell the propane when they fired it up, and there was this rush of warm air that made everyone shuffle closer together. I caught myself laughing with a couple from Lyon when the basket wobbled as we climbed in (I’m not great with heights, honestly). Hassan checked everyone’s harnesses twice—he seemed to know exactly who was nervous without even asking.

We lifted off so quietly it felt unreal. The sun started to creep over the Atlas Mountains just as we floated above the first ridge—the light made everything look softer, almost pink for a minute. Down below, little villages were waking up; smoke curled from chimneys, and you could hear dogs barking far away if you listened hard enough. Someone pointed out Marrakesh behind us, looking tiny and orange in the distance. I kept thinking: how is this real? It’s so peaceful up there you forget about your phone or what time it is.

Landing was bumpier than I thought—Hassan laughed and said it’s always like that on windy mornings. We all cheered anyway (maybe out of relief). Breakfast was simple but good: warm bread, honey that tasted almost floral, mint tea poured high into glasses so it frothed up. They handed out these flight certificates signed by Hassan himself—kind of cheesy but I tucked mine into my bag anyway. Still not sure if I’ll frame it or just keep it for when I need to remember what sunrise over Morocco feels like.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise hot air balloon flight

• Travel by car to launch site
• Take hot air balloon ride over desert
• Enjoy views of Atlas Mountains
• Land safely after flight
• Have a tasty breakfast
• Receive flight certificate

Top questions

How early does the hot air balloon ride start from Marrakesh?

The tour begins before sunrise with early morning hotel pickup in Marrakesh.

Is breakfast included after the balloon ride?

Yes, breakfast with coffee or tea is served after landing.

Do they pick you up from your hotel in Marrakesh?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation is included as per itinerary.

Is there an official certificate for the balloon flight?

Yes, you'll receive a flight certificate signed by the pilot after landing.

Are children or infants allowed on this hot air balloon ride?

Infants and small children can join if they ride in a pram or stroller.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended to join this activity.

What should I wear for the hot air balloon ride?

Avoid high heels or sandals; comfortable closed shoes are best.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakesh by air-conditioned vehicle, sunrise hot air ballooning over desert valleys and Atlas foothills with a local pilot, breakfast with coffee or tea after landing, plus a flight certificate signed by your pilot before heading back to town.