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What It’s Like To Experience A Thrilling Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Marrakech – OUR CROSSINGS
Last Updated on the 24th of September, 2025
Imagine silently gliding through the crisp morning air, high above the captivating landscapes of Morocco, watching the majestic Atlas Mountains and the rocky dunes of the Agafay Desert unfold beneath you.
A few weeks ago, while visiting Morocco for the second time, I had an opportunity to unleash my sense of adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime as I prepared to enter an extraordinary world of hot-air balloon rides over Marrakech.
After an hour’s flight where I witnessed the sun rise over the horizon while climbing 3000 feet above the ground, I stepped back onto the cobbly soil, carrying a piece of Morocco’s essence with me.
Are you curious about what it’s like to step into the basket, feel the heat of the flame, and embark on a thrilling hot-air balloon ride?
You should be!
So come along and let me tell you all about it.
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Hot Air Balloon Launch
Since the hot air balloon ride is a sunrise experience, it sets off in the early morning hours for you to fully enjoy the stunning sunrise colours that Northern Africa is known for.
As I travelled in the first weeks of spring when the sun rises later, instead of the “usual” pick-up time of 4.45 am, mine was scheduled at 6.30 am.
The launch point was about a half hour’s drive from Marrakech, towards the rising mountains, the Jbilets. We had stopped along the way to pick up other guests, including travellers from Indonesia and the UK.
Before we soared high over the timeless Agafay Desert, we were welcomed with coffee, tea, juice and pastries, which was nice given that most hotels don’t serve breakfast at this time of day.
Six of us grabbed some refreshments, clustered around and watched in awe as the glow of the propane lit up the faces of the men setting up the ride, and then the magic of the balloon billowed and filled above us with its red and black stripes.
After the balloon was inflated and standing upright, we clambered in and were ready to find ourselves drifting above the bustling city of Marrakech.
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Magic in The Air
”Get ready for the take-off” eagerly exclaimed our hot air balloon pilot before adding with a cheeky smile that it was his very first flight and he learned to operate it by watching YouTube videos.
As we gently left the ground, my legs trembled with excitement, but I was amazed by how light the balloon felt. For take-off and landing, we had to bend our knees, sit down and hold onto the straps, meaning we couldn’t see out of the basket.
Only once the captain told us to stand up did I suddenly realise that we were up in the air! I could see the lights of Marrakech city burning bright in the distance and then slowly fading as we silently moved toward the rugged mountains for sunrise.
If it is your first time flying, you may be wondering what to expect during a hot air balloon ride.
Well, it’s sensational. You are drifting over the surface of the earth, relishing every moment of being airborne, all while having unobstructed 360-degree views, allowing for breathtaking photographs.
Did you know that the pilot cannot steer the balloon, and it will drift with the breeze once it is in the air?
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However, It’s Not Over Yet
After the ride, you get to refuel with a Berber breakfast held in a traditional Moroccan tent consisting of Moroccan pancakes, boiled eggs teamed up with salty olives, mint tea and fried doughnuts.
We had plenty of time to relax, enjoy our breakfast and chat about the ride. The tour ended with the vans taking all the passengers back to their hotels.
This was a fantastic experience and truly one of the most memorable moments of all my travels. The wind was gentle, the sky was clear, and the team who ran the day were super friendly, and I felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration as we floated.
I sincerely hope that my post has convinced you to put the unique experience of hot air ballooning in Marrakech on your wish list.
*Fun fact: landing happens by reducing the amount of hot air that is in the envelope.
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How much do Marrakesh hot air balloons cost?
If you are looking into Marrakech hot air balloon prices, the best thing to do is to compare flights from different companies.
I know they might seem pricey at first, but keep in mind that pretty much everything – this goes for round-trip transfer from and back to Marrakech, food and drinks, pre-flight safety briefing and the flight itself – is included in the price, and there are options for every budget.
- Prices for a hot air balloon ride range between €170–€555, depending on the length of the flight, how far in advance you book and whether the tour includes additional amenities and experiences.
- Booking a private tour will always cost considerably more, but you won’t have to share the basket or the space with other people, but the intimacy will cost you — be ready to pay up to €550 for the adventure.
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Some FAQ About The Hot Air Balloon In Marrakech
Is it safe to go on a hot air balloon ride?
It’s as safe as a hot-air balloon ride can be. The pilots are well-qualified and certified. The balloons are made of high-quality nylon and metal-reinforced baskets, and the reason they are so safe is that balloons will not fly unless the weather is perfect.
What is the best time to fly?
It’s best to book a flight either for the early morning hours or at sunset when the weather and winds tend to be calmer.
How long is the hot air balloon ride?
The flight usually lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the experience you purchase.
What to wear and bring
Choose warm clothes, layers are the best, which let you move freely as you have to climb in and out of the basket. Make sure you wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
How do you go to the bathroom in a hot air balloon?
There are no toilets or any other bathroom facilities in a hot air balloon.
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Now, over to you!
Have you been on a hot air balloon ride? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are planning a visit to Marrakech and have travel-related questions!
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