At a glance
- Duration
- 4–5 hours (about 1 hour flying)
- Start
- Pickup 5:00–6:30 am
- Group
- Shared basket or private
- Where
- Haouz plain, 30 km north
A sunrise balloon flight is the one experience in Marrakech that most people still talk about years later. You lift off in the dark, watch the first light hit the Atlas Mountains, and drift slowly over Berber villages, olive groves and the dry riverbeds of the Haouz plain.
We work with licensed balloon operators whose pilots have thousands of flight hours. Flights take place in the calm, cool air just after dawn, which is why pickup is so early. After landing you sit down to a traditional Berber breakfast and receive a flight certificate.
Balloons fly all year. Winter mornings are cold but give the clearest views of the snowy peaks; summer flights start earlier, around 5 am pickup.
Tour highlights
- Around 1 hour of flight time at sunrise over the Haouz plain
- Views of the High Atlas and Jebilet mountains when the sky is clear
- Licensed operators, experienced pilots and full safety briefing
- Berber breakfast with msemmen pancakes, honey, amlou and mint tea
- Flight certificate and optional short camel ride after landing
How the day works
- 5:00–6:30 amPickup from your hotel or riad (time depends on the season and sunrise).
- 6:00–7:00 amHot drink at the launch site while the crew inflates the balloons. Safety briefing from your pilot.
- SunriseTake-off. About 1 hour in the air, height and route set by the wind.
- After landingShort drive back to the base for Berber breakfast and your flight certificate.
- 10:30–11:30 amDrop-off back in Marrakech.
Times change slightly with the season and sunrise or sunset. We confirm your exact pickup time on WhatsApp the day before.
Prices
| Option | GBP | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Classic flight (shared basket) | £149 | $189 |
| Premium flight (smaller basket, 8–10 guests) | £189 | $239 |
| Private basket for two | £449 | $569 |
Per person. Children under 12 pay less; ask on WhatsApp. Pay in cash on the day (dirham, euro, pound or dollar) or by card link.
Included
- Return hotel transfers
- About 1 hour balloon flight
- Insurance carried by the operator
- Berber breakfast and hot drinks
- Flight certificate
Not included
- Tips
- Photos or video package from the crew (optional)
What to bring
- Warm layers, even in spring: it is cold before sunrise
- Flat shoes you can climb into a basket with
- A hat that will not blow away
Frequently asked questions
How much is a hot air balloon ride in Marrakech?
Our classic shared flight starts at £149 / $189 per person including transfers and breakfast. Premium and private baskets cost more. Prices shown are per person.
Is hot air ballooning in Marrakech safe?
We only book licensed operators with certified pilots and maintained equipment. Pilots cancel flights when the wind is not right, and you then rebook or get a full refund.
What is the minimum age?
Usually 6 years. Pregnant guests and people with recent back or heart problems should not fly.
What if the flight is cancelled for weather?
Cancellations happen on a few mornings a year. We offer the next morning, another date, or a full refund.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, for balloon flights we ask a 30% deposit to reserve your seats, because operators confirm baskets in advance. The rest is paid on the day.
