One of the highlights of our time in Morocco was the sunrise hot air balloon ride in Marrakech. From soaring above the desert to witnessing the first rays of the sun over the Atlas Mountains, this experience was a dream come true and something we had longed to try. In this post, we’ll walk you through how we booked the experience, what it was like, and share our thoughts after the flight.

Booking the Experience

When we were planning our trip, we discovered this hot air balloon experience on GetYourGuide. It was our first time using the site, and the booking process was smooth and hassle-free. The price seemed quite reasonable, especially considering that it included hotel pick-up, breakfast, and snacks. We booked our tickets without hesitation and were excited to get started!

The Journey to the Airfield

The flight’s departure time varies depending on the time of year, but in February, our scheduled take-off was at 6:40 AM. Since the airfield is located outside of Marrakech, we were picked up from our accommodation and driven to the location.

Be aware that if you stay in the medina, your pick-up point may not be right outside your accommodation due to the narrow streets. We received a message the day before confirming the exact location, which helped us plan accordingly. We recommend dressing warmly, as the desert nights can be cold, and wearing comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Closed shoes are also a good idea to protect your feet from rocks and other potential hazards.

Our driver arrived on time and made us feel welcome. We settled into the comfortable van and began our journey through the countryside. The ride took about 30 minutes, and the scenic route added to the excitement of what was to come.

At the Airfield

Upon arrival at the airfield, we were greeted by other travelers and given a standard liability form to sign. The atmosphere was relaxed, and we enjoyed a hot drink while the crew prepared the balloons. After a short wait, we were led to our balloon. We were fortunate to have only four other passengers with us, making the ride more enjoyable with plenty of space to spread out.

Boarding the balloon required a bit of effort, especially for shorter individuals or those in restrictive clothing, but the crew was there to assist us. Our pilot, Oktay, was friendly and professional, putting us at ease before the flight.

The Hot Air Balloon Flight

The ascent was quicker than expected, and before we knew it, we were soaring over the desert at 3,000 feet. The view was absolutely stunning, with the vast desert stretching out below and the Atlas Mountains visible in the distance.

Though Ana is afraid of heights, she felt comfortable and safe throughout the experience. The flight was surprisingly smooth despite some wind, and we hardly felt any movement in the basket. As the sun began to rise, we were treated to an incredible display of colors over the mountains. We snapped a few photos and took a moment to simply enjoy the breathtaking scene.

For the next half hour, we cruised over small villages and fields, and our pilot shared stories from his time flying in Cappadocia, Turkey. We also got a chance to learn about the balloon’s equipment, which added to the overall experience.

Landing and Breakfast

After a peaceful flight, it was time to descend. Our pilot assured us that the landing would be smooth, and he was right. The crew gently guided the basket to the ground, and we were met by our driver who took us back to the camp.

Once we arrived, we were presented with a certificate commemorating our flight and a traditional Moroccan breakfast. We enjoyed tea, coffee, eggs, pastries, and Moroccan pancakes while relaxing in the warmth of the sun.

Final Thoughts

This hot air balloon experience in Marrakech was truly unforgettable. The stunning sunrise, coupled with the sweeping views of the desert and the Atlas Mountains, made it one of the highlights of our trip. The staff was friendly, the organization was flawless, and we felt safe throughout the entire journey.

If you’ve ever wanted to try a hot air balloon ride, we highly recommend this experience. Even if you’re nervous about heights, it’s worth challenging yourself for the incredible views and peacefulness that come with flying over Marrakech at sunrise.

Would we do it again? Absolutely.