Taking a hot air balloon flight is one of the most extraordinary activities to experience during a trip to Maroc. If you're passing through Marrakech, you can soar above the desert at sunrise with the red city and the Atlas Mountains as your backdrop. A magical and enchanting moment you won't soon forget... Discover everything you need to know before taking flight!

The different options for hot air balloon flights departing from Marrakech

The vast majority of hot air balloon flights offered from Marrakech do not depart from the city center, but a few kilometers from the red city. Indeed, the launch bases are located near the Agafay desert, at the gates of Marrakech.

During this extraordinary experience, passengers can admire the vastness of this desert area and fly over small typical villages called douars. Depending on meteorological conditions and the route taken, it's even possible to glimpse the Atlas Mountains and the city of Marrakech in the distance.

Several flight options are available:

• Group hot air balloon flight: with this type of flight, you share the experience with other travelers. Generally, the basket can hold a maximum of 16 to 20 passengers. This is the most economical option.

• Private hot air balloon flight: sometimes called a VIP flight, this type of flight offers you the chance to experience a privileged moment with your loved ones as you'll be alone with the steward.

• Private flight with breakfast in the air: as its name suggests, this package allows you to enjoy breakfast in the sky during your hot air balloon flight. It's the ideal option for celebrating a special occasion (birthday, marriage proposal...).

• Combined flight with other activities: it's possible to combine your hot air balloon flight with other activities such as mountain biking or quad outings in the palm groves or a visit to the historic center and the souks of Marrakech for example.

Note:

Whether carried out in a group or privately, most hot air balloon flights from Marrakech offer typical breakfasts at the end of the experience (once landed).

How long does the flight last?

A hot air balloon flight from Marrakech lasts an average of one hour. However, the duration can vary by plus or minus 10 minutes depending on meteorological conditions. It's also worth noting that budget airlines may reduce flight time from one hour to 45 minutes.

If the flight itself lasts about 1 hour, you should plan for 3 to 4 hours of total activity. This includes travel time from Marrakech to the launch base (round trip), the briefing, breakfast served at the end of the flight... In general, returns to Marrakech occur around 10 a.m.

Good to know:

Due to more favorable weather conditions in the early morning, all balloon companies offer hot air balloon flights at sunrise. By taking off shortly before sunrise, you'll be able to enjoy an unforgettable spectacle: watching the sun rise over desert landscapes, admiring the play of light and shimmering colors, and enjoying absolute calm far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hot air balloon flight itinerary: what to expect?

Here's an example of a typical hot air balloon flight itinerary (group or private, without additional activities):

Pick-up from your hotel or riad

The day before takeoff, you'll receive a confirmation message with the pick-up time from your hotel. On the day of the flight, a minivan will collect you and take you to the launch base, a few dozen kilometers from Marrakech.

Balloon preparation, briefing and takeoff

 After arriving at the launch site, you can watch the balloons being inflated while enjoying a delicious mint tea (or coffee). For this, the basket is laid flat on the ground while a fan-type device fills the balloon with air. Burners are then lit to heat the air in the balloon to make it fly.

Once settled in the basket, the pilot conducts a briefing and gives instructions and safety guidelines, including the positions to adopt during takeoff and landing... It's time to climb and soar smoothly into the air...

Flight at sunrise

All that's left is for you to enjoy the spectacle for approximately one hour. Depending on meteorological conditions and winds, the balloon can fly low or gain altitude and offer panoramic views of Marrakech city and the Atlas Mountains.

Landing and Berber breakfast

After this timeless moment, it's time to land. Since the landing takes place at a different location than the takeoff, you'll be brought back to the launch base to enjoy a typical Berber breakfast under a caïdale tent. This includes Moroccan Msemmen and Baghrir (honey crepes) and other Moroccan pastries, yogurt and muesli, orange juice, coffee or tea...

It's an opportunity to share your feelings with other travelers and your loved ones. You'll also receive a flight certificate with your name calligraphed in Arabic.

Transfer and return to Marrakech

After breakfast, the teams will take you back to your hotel in Marrakech, with memories to treasure...

Our tips for making the most of your flight

Here are several things to know to make the most of this suspended moment:

• Choose a corner seat in the basket: the corners of the basket are the best seats aboard a hot air balloon. Indeed, the corners allow for a wider viewing angle, whether to see as much as possible with your own eyes or to take better photos.

• Choose and adjust your camera properly: Since the hot air balloon is in motion, you must choose a good camera and adjust it properly if you don't want all your photos to be blurry! Choose a short exposure time, prioritize a camera capable of handling high ISO, and use a full-frame camera. Also remember to bring a camera strap or lanyard to keep your camera (and phone) secure in your hands.

Good to know:

Hot air balloons are often equipped with cameras and video cameras mounted around the basket. You can purchase some prints at the end of the activity. This is ideal if you prefer to enjoy the experience with your own eyes, but still have a few souvenir photos...

Hot air balloon flight: Is it scary? What are the contraindications?

Hot air balloon flights are always conducted smoothly. The balloon is stable and there's no reason to be afraid.

Do you experience vertigo?

To experience vertigo, your feet must necessarily be in contact with the ground. However, that's not the case in a hot air balloon. Just like in an airplane, you can't experience vertigo during a hot air balloon flight.

Are there any contraindications?

No specific physical condition is required to take a hot air balloon flight. However, it's best to avoid the activity if you fall into any of the following cases:

• You have recently undergone surgery,

• You wear a prosthesis,

• You use a wheelchair,

• You are pregnant.

What to bring and how to dress?

During a hot air balloon flight over Marrakech, we recommend you bring:

• Warm clothing: although it's hot in Marrakech, it can be cool at altitude. Furthermore, since flights are scheduled at dawn, you may feel cold when arriving. We advise you to opt for comfortable clothing and wear several layers so you can remove them if necessary;

• Closed flat shoes;

• Sunglasses;

• Sunscreen;

• A hat to protect yourself from the sun with a cord to prevent it from blowing away;

• Binoculars to observe the scenery more easily;

• A camera and a way to attach it to your neck or wrist to prevent it from falling.

How much does it cost?

The price of a hot air balloon flight in Marrakech depends on the package and company you choose. Generally, you can expect:

• Between 160 and 220 euros for a classic group flight,

• Around 360 euros for a private flight,

• More than 500 euros per person for a flight with breakfast in the air.

What is the best time to take a hot air balloon flight in Marrakech?

The best time to take a hot air balloon flight in Marrakech is from April to October. However, given Morocco's climate, it's possible to fly year-round.

What happens in case of cancellation?

If meteorological conditions are unfavorable, the flight may be cancelled. In this case, you'll have two options:

• Reschedule the flight for another day,

• Request a full refund.

To increase your chances of flying, we recommend scheduling the flight early in your stay. This way, you can always reschedule it for the next day, hoping the weather will be more favorable.

Have a question? Contact us to learn more and to organize your next stay in Marrakech!