VERDICT: WE GAVE 5 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
This guide forms part of our complete Morocco Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across Morocco.
This article is part of our 14 Days in Marrakech: Ultimate Guide. We visited the famous Jemaa el Fnaa market, ancient Ait Ben Haddou, travelled the Atlas Mountains and saw the incredible Ouzoud Waterfalls. Our trip also included a stay at the Riad Catalina and a one in a lifetime Hot Air Balloon flight over the desert.
Top Attractions
Many of the attractions are Highly Recommended with a 5 Ticket rating!
Hot Air Balloon Flight: Morocco
We had an amazing time during this particular day trip. The Captain of the ballon flight made the trip even more special. Read more. . .
A hot air balloon flight over the desert outside Marrakech is one of those experiences that stays with you long after your feet are back on the ground. As the sun rises, the desert landscape slowly comes to life below, revealing rolling sands, small villages, and the distant Atlas Mountains. Floating silently above it all offers a completely different perspective on Morocco; calm, expansive, and unforgettable.
For visitors, this is more than just a scenic flight; it’s a full experience. From the early-morning anticipation and gentle takeoff to the sense of adventure as multiple balloons lift into the sky together, every moment feels special. It’s an ideal way to add something truly memorable to a Marrakech itinerary; peaceful yet thrilling, beautifully paced, and unlike anything you can experience from the ground.
Up, Up and Away!
We also had the absolute pleasure of experiencing a hot air balloon flight with Marrakech by Air, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable day trips we’ve ever done. The day began early around a 6:00am Sunday departure, but the excitement quickly overrode any thoughts of sleep. On arrival, we were welcomed with neatly laid-out tables offering fresh orange juice and pastries, a simple but thoughtful touch as the desert slowly woke up around us.
As dawn approached, we watched the balloons being carefully prepared, their massive envelopes filling with air against the quiet backdrop of the desert. When it was time, we scrambled into the basket and were introduced to our pilot, Captain Wafia, who immediately impressed us. She explained the take-off process and asked us to crouch down and within minutes, we were airborne. Around us, half a dozen other balloons lifted gently into the sky, creating an unforgettable scene as the sun began to rise.
We climbed quickly, leaving the desert sands far below. At one point, Captain Wafia made an announcement that added an unexpected layer of excitement: we were going to be part of a record attempt. She explained that the goal was to reach a new altitude record, something she was particularly proud of as the only female pilot at the time, having faced significant challenges breaking into the field. As we drifted toward the Atlas Mountains, we could see the other balloons shrinking beneath us, a clear sign we were climbing higher and higher. Moments later, she confirmed it: the altitude record had been achieved. The basket erupted with smiles and quiet disbelief.
After around 25 minutes in the air, we began a smooth descent and touched down gently; a beautifully controlled landing that capped off an incredible flight. From there, we were escorted to a traditional Berber breakfast, served inside a tent. Fresh bread, eggs, pastries, juice, and of course mint tea were laid out for us, and it was exactly what we needed after the early start and the exhilaration of the flight.
The experience didn’t end there. We then boarded a minibus and headed to a nearby camel farm, where we enjoyed a 30–45 minute camel ride through the landscape. It was surprisingly fun, relaxed, and a great way to round out the morning. By early afternoon, we were back in Marrakech, tired but buzzing.
The hot air balloon experience with Marrakech by Air wasn’t just a highlight of our Morocco trip, it easily ranks as one of our best-ever day trips. From the early-morning calm to the record-breaking flight, the Berber hospitality, and the camel ride finale, it was an unforgettable adventure we would recommend without hesitation.
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Atlas Mountains, Morocco ⎮ Routes Once Followed By Gold-Salt Caravans & Armies
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Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco ⎮ Film Location For Gladiator, Game Of Thrones
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Explore these places in Morocco
- Travel across the Atlas Mountains
- Discover ancient settlements at Ait Ben Haddou
- Visit the coastal city of Essaouira
- Experience a Hot Air Balloon Flight
- Visit the second highest waterfalls in Africa
- Visit Ouarzazate and Film Studios
- Saadian Tombs
Continue exploring Marrakech
- Experience an Arabian Fantasy Night
- Stop and people watch at our favourite cafe: Koutoubia
- Day Trips from Marrakech
Nearby Marrakech attractions
Planning your trip?
Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:
- 🏨 Hotels & unique stays
- 🚗 Rental cars
- 🎟️ Top-rated tours & attractions
- 📶 eSIMs for easy connectivity
- 🛡️ Travel insurance
- 🎒 Packing Lists
- 🎒 Travel gear from The Venturio
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
