Hot Air Balloon Ride in Marrakech: Price, Timing and What to Expect

A hot air balloon ride in Marrakech is a sunrise flight of about one hour over the countryside and Berber villages outside the city, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. It costs from about €160 per person with hotel pickup, tea before take-off and a breakfast in a Berber tent after landing. Pickup is very early, between about 4:30 and 6:30 depending on the season, and every flight depends on the weather.

Quick facts

See the full programme on our hot air balloon ride with Berber breakfast page.

How the morning works

1. Pickup before dawn. A driver collects you at your hotel or riad. In summer, sunrise is around 6:30, so pickup is very early; in winter, sunrise is after 8:00 and pickup is later.
2. Tea at the launch site. The launch site is in the countryside outside the city. While you drink tea or coffee, the crew inflates the balloon, first with cold air, then with the burner.
3. Take-off at sunrise. The pilot gives a safety briefing and you climb into the basket. The balloon rises slowly and silently, apart from the bursts of the burner.
4. The flight. For about an hour you drift with the wind over fields, dry riverbeds, palm trees and villages, with the High Atlas in the distance.
5. Landing and breakfast. After a gentle landing, you share a traditional breakfast in a Berber tent: bread, msemen pancakes, honey, olive oil, eggs and mint tea. You receive a flight certificate before the drive back.

Best time of year

Balloons fly all year in Marrakech. Autumn, winter and spring often bring clear skies, and from December to March the Atlas peaks are covered in snow, which makes the view even better. Winter mornings are cold before the sun rises, so dress warmly. In summer, flights are earlier and the morning air is pleasant, even if the day becomes very hot.

Weather and cancellations

Safety comes first: pilots do not fly in strong wind, rain or poor visibility, and the decision is often made early in the morning. Before booking, check what happens if the flight is cancelled; normally you can move the flight to another day or get a refund. It is wise to book your balloon flight early in your stay, so there is time to reschedule.

Is it safe?

Ballooning is a calm activity when it is run by a licensed company with experienced pilots and maintained equipment. Listen to the briefing, keep your hands inside the basket and adopt the landing position the pilot shows you. The flight is suitable for most people, but it is not recommended during pregnancy, and young children may find the early start difficult. The landing can include a small bump.

What to wear and bring

• Warm layers: it is cold before sunrise, especially from November to March.
• Closed, flat shoes for climbing into the basket and walking in fields.
• A hat: the burner is hot above your head.
• Your phone or camera with a strap. Avoid loose items.

Private or shared basket?

Standard flights share a large basket with other passengers. Private or smaller baskets are available at a higher price and are popular for proposals and anniversaries. Ask us if you want a private option or a special surprise.

What to do after your flight

You are back in Marrakech before lunch, so the rest of the day is free. Many guests take a nap by the pool, explore the medina with our private Marrakech city tour, or spend the afternoon in the desert with a sunset activity in Agafay. If you want a calmer day, our Agafay day pass with pool and lunch is ideal from April to October. More ideas in our list of things to do in Marrakech.

For information on the city's heritage, see the UNESCO page of the Medina of Marrakesh.