What I felt the first time I flew over Marrakech in a hot air balloon

Waking up before dawn: already an adventure

I won't lie to you — when the alarm goes off somewhere between 4:30 and 6:00 in the morning depending on the season, your first thought isn't necessarily one of excitement. But it's there, in that still-cool darkness, that the experience truly begins. The return transfer is included, and there's something almost magical about that early-morning journey: Marrakech is still asleep, the streets are silent, and anticipation slowly starts to replace the tiredness.

My tip: pack your bag the night before. A jacket is essential — mornings are cool, even in high season. Wear closed-toe shoes too, and above all, don't forget your camera. What you're about to see deserves to be captured.

Arriving in the Palmeraie, with the Atlas as a backdrop

The moment you arrive in the Palmeraie de Marrakech, with the Atlas mountains facing you, the atmosphere shifts completely. A tea or coffee is served on arrival while the team gets the balloon envelope ready. It's a moment I love: watching the fabric slowly swell under the burner's breath, feeling the warmth in the still-cool morning air, seeing the basket right itself. Children (welcomed from age 11) are often the first to get excited — and honestly, the adults aren't far behind.

Take-off: the most beautiful seconds

The take-off is gentle, almost imperceptible. You rise smoothly, with no engine noise — just the intermittent breath of the burner and the silence of the sky. These are a few suspended seconds I never forget, and that I couldn't really put into words without having lived them. You'll see for yourself.

For 40 to 60 minutes, the balloon drifts above the landscape. The Palmeraie spreads out below, the outlines of the city appear in the distance, and the horizon opens onto the Atlas. It's a completely different way of understanding Marrakech — not from its alleyways, not from a rooftop terrace, but from above, in near-total silence.

Landing and the Berber breakfast

The landing is managed by a ground team that has been following the balloon from the start. Once you're down, it's time for the Berber breakfast, included in the package. It's a moment of togetherness I particularly enjoy: you chat, you share, you gently come back down from the emotions. With some packages, a flight certificate is given to you as a keepsake — a lovely souvenir to bring home.

The total duration of the morning, including the return transfer, is 4 to 5 hours. The flight itself lasts between 40 and 60 minutes. The rest of the time is taken up by the organisation, the preparation, the journey — and those small moments that are as much a part of the adventure as the flight itself.

A few practical details before you book

The hot air balloon flight in Marrakech is ideally booked at least 5 days in advance: spots are limited and early-morning departures fill up quickly. A deposit per person is required via a secure payment link at the time of booking; the balance is settled in cash on the day. For some packages, the full amount is payable online.

One last important point: the flight depends on weather conditions. In the event of a cancellation, a reschedule will be offered subject to availability. That's the basic rule for any outdoor activity — and the teams do everything they can to ensure the experience takes place in the best possible conditions.

If you're looking for an activity that truly takes you off the beaten track and leaves you with a lifelong memory, this is the one. I've recommended it to dozens of travellers, and I've never had a single regret.