The hot air balloon ride
Rise before dawn for a hot air balloon flight over the landscapes around Marrakech, with hotel or riad pickup, a professional pilot and crew, and a calm hour in the air as the light changes. After landing, a champagne toast and breakfast round off the morning before your return transfer.
Today, hour by hour
How the morning runs
Your driver collects you from your Marrakech hotel or riad in the early morning darkness and transfers you to the balloon launch site outside the city.
On arrival the crew welcomes the group, outlines the morning plan and begins preparing the balloon as first light approaches.
Watch the balloon inflate as the burners roar and the envelope rises. The pilot and crew give a clear safety briefing covering boarding, landing posture and how to enjoy the flight calmly.
Once everyone is ready you climb into the basket for takeoff as sunrise colours the horizon.
You spend around an hour in the air drifting quietly above fields, villages and open countryside, with distant Atlas outlines on clear mornings.
The basket stays calm between burner bursts, giving plenty of time for photos and to take in the changing light as the day begins.
After a controlled landing you celebrate with a champagne toast and breakfast with the crew, with time to talk through the flight highlights.
You then transfer back to Marrakech for drop-off near your hotel or riad, usually within the overall three to four hour morning window.
What the flight includes
- Round-trip hotel or riad transfer from Marrakech
- Professional English-speaking pilot and crew
- Safety gear and full pre-flight instructions
- Approximately one-hour hot air balloon flight
- Post-flight champagne toast and breakfast
- Transport to and from your Marrakech accommodation beyond the included pickup and drop-off service
- Lunch or additional meals beyond breakfast
- Tips for the pilot and driver
- Personal expenses and extra drinks
Before you book the flight
WHAT TO BRING
- Warm layers for the pre-dawn pickup and cooler air at altitude
- Closed-toe shoes with a secure grip
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for after sunrise
- Camera or phone for photos from the basket
- Small amount of cash for tips
GETTING THERE
You are collected from your hotel or riad in Marrakech very early, usually around 5:30 to 6:00 am depending on the season, for the transfer to the launch site.
Many riads sit on pedestrian lanes, so the driver may park nearby and meet you on foot. Share your accommodation name and a mobile number when you enquire.
Cancellation
- Hot air balloon experiences are non-refundable once confirmed.
- Flights are weather dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the team may reschedule or offer an alternative arrangement.
FILM
Add a day to your flight
Planning the night before, or what to do with the rest of your day after landing? Read the planning note (not a substitute for the itinerary and prices on this page).
Asked before every flight
Straight answers, written by the team who fly the balloons. Anything else, they reply in person on WhatsApp.
ASK ON WHATSAPP MORE QUESTIONSWhere do we meet?
You are collected from your hotel or riad in Marrakech very early for the transfer to the launch site.
Many riads sit on pedestrian lanes, so the driver may park nearby and meet you on foot. Share your accommodation details when you enquire.
How long is the flight?
You are typically in the air for around one hour, within a total door-to-door window of about three to four hours including transfers and the post-flight celebration.
Exact timings depend on season, wind and your hotel location. The team confirms your pickup window when your date is set.
What time is pickup?
Pickup is usually around 5:30 to 6:00 am depending on the season, so you reach the launch site in time for inflation and sunrise.
Be ready in the lobby or at the nearest accessible point to your riad a few minutes before the agreed time.
Is the flight weather dependent?
Yes. Hot air ballooning needs suitable wind and visibility. If conditions are unsafe, the team may reschedule or offer an alternative arrangement.
They will be in touch as soon as decisions are clear, often early on the morning of the flight.
What should I wear?
Dress in warm layers for the pre-dawn start and cooler air at altitude, with closed-toe shoes that grip well for boarding and landing.
Bring sunglasses for after sunrise. Avoid loose scarves that could catch during inflation.
What is included?
Hotel or riad transfers, pilot and crew, safety briefing, the balloon flight, plus a champagne toast and breakfast after landing are included.
Lunch, tips, personal expenses and extra drinks beyond the celebration are not included.