Unforgettable Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride in Marrakech

One of the highlights of our Moroccan adventure was the sunrise hot air balloon ride we took in Marrakech. Floating more than 3000 feet above the rugged desert landscape with the sun rising over the Atlas Mountains was an awe-inspiring moment—something we’d long dreamed of experiencing!

In this post, we’re sharing the details of our unforgettable hot air balloon adventure, from booking the experience to the entire journey itself. Let’s dive in!

Booking the Experience

While planning our time in Marrakech, we came across this unique hot air balloon experience on GetYourGuide. It was our first time using this website, and we found the booking process to be quick and hassle-free. The price was reasonable, especially since the package included round-trip transportation from our riad, breakfast, and snacks.

We didn’t hesitate to book our tickets after seeing all that was included!

Pick-Up and the Drive to the Airfield

The start time for the hot air balloon ride varies depending on the time of year. In early February, our ride was set for 6:40 AM. Since the airfield is located outside the city, the flight had to be perfectly timed with the sunrise, which meant we were picked up early in the morning.

If you’re staying within the medina, don’t expect the pick-up to be right at your door, as the streets in the old town are too narrow for vehicles. We received a text the day before with the exact pick-up time and location, so no surprises there.

Given the chilly desert nights, we’d recommend wearing a warm jacket and closed shoes. You’ll also want comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily when getting in and out of the balloon basket.

Our driver arrived on time, greeted us warmly, and we climbed into a cozy van. After picking up a few more passengers, we made our way through the quiet roads, heading into the rural countryside.

Arrival at the Airfield

After about a 30-minute drive, we arrived at the airfield, where the hot air balloon ride would begin. The place was bustling with other groups, and we signed a liability form while receiving some basic safety instructions. The ground crew was busy preparing the balloons, so we were offered coffee, tea, and pastries to enjoy while we waited.

Boarding and Take-Off

After a brief wait, it was time to board the balloon. There were several different-sized balloons, and we were lucky to be in a smaller one with just four other passengers, making the ride much more comfortable and less cramped.

Getting into the balloon basket required a little effort, especially for shorter people (like Ana), but the crew was there to help if needed. Our pilot, Oktay, was professional and reassuring, which put us at ease before take-off.

The Flight

We quickly ascended and found ourselves soaring over 3000 feet, with the vast, barren land stretching out below us. As the sky began to lighten with the first signs of sunrise, we could see the Atlas Mountains in the distance, and the views were just breathtaking.

For Ana, who has a fear of heights, this was a big deal. But the flight was smooth and stable, and despite a slight breeze, we felt secure and comfortable the entire time. The balloon was surprisingly steady, and we didn’t experience much movement, whether we were ascending or descending.

As the moment we had been waiting for approached, Oktay let us know to get ready for the spectacular sunrise. When it finally happened, the sun burst over the mountains, lighting up the sky in an unforgettable display. We took a few photos, but mostly just soaked in the moment.

Enjoying the View

We continued to drift above the desert and small villages for about half an hour, taking in the incredible scenery. Our balloon rotated regularly, giving us different angles and viewpoints, and Oktay shared some fascinating details about his career in Cappadocia, Turkey. He showed us how the equipment worked and explained the ballooning process, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The Landing

As we began our descent, the crew drove to our landing site. Landing can sometimes be rough, but Oktay reassured us that it would be a smooth one. Sure enough, the balloon slowly came down and hovered just above the ground before gently touching down. Four crew members each held a corner of the basket and guided it safely to the ground.

Back to the Airfield and Breakfast

Once we were safely out of the basket, we took some photos with our fellow passengers while the crew packed away the balloon. We then hopped back into the van for the drive back to the camp.

When we arrived, the organizers presented us with a flight certificate in Arabic—an awesome souvenir to remember our experience. We were then treated to a traditional Moroccan breakfast, complete with tea, coffee, eggs, pastries, and pancakes. It was the perfect way to relax and enjoy the morning sunshine before heading back to Marrakech.

Our Final Thoughts

The hot air balloon experience was nothing short of amazing. The sunrise over the Atlas Mountains and the views of the desert from above were truly unforgettable. Even if you’re a little apprehensive about heights, we highly recommend giving it a try. The whole experience was professionally organized, with friendly staff and a smooth, enjoyable ride.

If you’re in Marrakech, this is an experience you definitely don’t want to miss!