Review (Tips,Cost & What to Expect)

(Is It Worth the Early Wake-Up?)

By Monika  |  Bewildered in Morocco

I’ve been living in Morocco for over a decade now, and somehow I’d never done the famous hot air balloon ride over Marrakech. A couple of weeks ago, that finally changed — and I have thoughts. Lots of them. Some magical, some less so. So grab a mint tea and let me walk you through exactly what happened, because if you’re considering this experience, you deserve the full, unfiltered picture.

Booking: A Lesson in Weather Watching

Here’s my first tip: don’t book too far in advance. I deliberately held off on booking and kept a close eye on the weather forecast instead. I wanted a clear, sunny morning for the best views and photos, and since we only had a short trip, I needed to be strategic. I found a company advertising a 7am pickup, which felt reasonable — it was our first day and I didn’t want to be completely destroyed before the holiday even began.

Well. About that 7am pickup.

The Reality of the “Early” Start

The night before, we received confirmation that our pickup would actually be at 5:15am. Five. Fifteen. In the morning. I won’t pretend I wasn’t annoyed — that’s a significant difference from what was advertised, and when you’re on holiday, every hour of sleep counts. But there we were, bleary-eyed and stumbling into a minivan in the dark.

The first stop was a site where we were offered hot drinks while the team prepared everything. I’ll be honest, the drinks weren’t exactly what I’d call delicious, but you just go with it. It’s part of the experience. Then came the waiting. And more waiting. And a bit more waiting after that.

We were eventually driven to the launch area — a stretch of scrubland outside Marrakech where the balloons take off. It was still very dark when we arrived, with just the faintest hint of the sun beginning to creep up. And this is where the magic started to kick in.

The Moment That Made It All Worth It

Watching the balloons inflate and rise in the early morning light is genuinely one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in Morocco — and I don’t say that lightly after eleven years here. There’s something almost dreamlike about these enormous, colourful shapes slowly coming to life against a dusky sky. If you’re a photographer, this alone is worth dragging yourself out of bed for.

Our balloon was one of the last to go up. I suspect the wind had picked up a bit, causing a delay in our takeoff — which is absolutely fair. Safety first, always. By the time we actually lifted off, it didn’t quite feel like a sunrise flight anymore. It was more of an early morning flight, with the sun already making its presence known. But you know what? It was still absolutely fabulous.

The views over the Marrakech landscape, the patchwork of fields, the distant Atlas Mountains, the tiny villages below — there’s a stillness up there that you just can’t replicate on the ground. The burner roars above your head every now and then, but between those bursts, the silence is extraordinary. You’re just floating, and the world looks impossibly peaceful from up there.

The Breakfast and the Long Morning

After landing (smoothly, I should add), we were taken to a tent for breakfast. It was a big, crowded space with stools rather than proper seating, and the food was very bread-heavy — think Moroccan flatbreads, pastries, and spreads. Perfectly fine, but nothing to write home about. If you’ve had a traditional Moroccan breakfast before, you know the drill.

Then came — you guessed it — more waiting. By the time we were finally dropped back at our accommodation, it was not far off midday. So if you’re planning your day around this activity, know that it essentially takes up your entire morning and then some.

The Cold Factor Nobody Warns You About

One thing I wasn’t fully prepared for: the cold. All that standing around in the dark, waiting in the open scrubland before dawn — it’s chilly. Morocco might have a reputation for heat, but those early mornings can be surprisingly cold, especially in the desert landscape outside Marrakech. Bring a warm layer. Seriously. Even if you think you won’t need it.

It’s also notably cooler up in the balloon than on the ground, though the burner does provide some warmth when it fires up.

So, Is a Hot Air Balloon in Marrakech Worth It?

Yes. Absolutely yes.

Despite the painfully early start, the waiting around, the so-so drinks, and the bread-centric breakfast, I would recommend this experience without hesitation. Here’s why: it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime things that genuinely lives up to the hype. Floating over Morocco in a hot air balloon is magical, and the price point makes it surprisingly accessible compared to balloon rides in other parts of the world.

The flight itself, and the spectacle of watching all those balloons rise into the sky, are moments that stay with you. The rest is just logistics — and logistics fade from memory. The magic doesn’t.

My Tips for Booking a Hot Air Balloon in Marrakech

• Watch the weather forecast before you book. Clear mornings make all the difference for views and photos. If your trip allows flexibility, wait for the best day.

• Book it for your first available morning in case of weather cancellations — that way you have backup days.

• Prepare for an earlier pickup than advertised. Whatever time they tell you, mentally prepare for it to be earlier. Set multiple alarms.

• Dress warmly in layers. It’s cold in the dark, and cold up in the balloon. You can always peel layers off later.

• Bring snacks. The breakfast is fine but basic, and you’ll have been up for hours by then.

• Don’t plan anything else for the morning. The whole experience, door to door, can take around six to seven hours.

• Bring a fully charged phone or camera. You’ll want to capture the balloons inflating as well as the views from above.

• Book with a reputable company and check recent reviews. Safety standards and pilot experience really matter when you’re floating hundreds of metres above the ground.

The Bottom Line

A hot air balloon ride in Marrakech isn’t a polished, luxury experience from start to finish. There’s a lot of standing around, the breakfast won’t make any foodie lists, and 5am wake-up calls are never fun. But the flight itself? Watching those balloons rise? The views across the Moroccan landscape? Pure magic. And at the prices offered here in Marrakech, it’s an experience that won’t break the bank.

If it’s on your Morocco bucket list, do it. Just bring a warm jumper and manage your expectations about the timeline. The sky is absolutely worth the wait.