If you’re staying in or around Marrakesh then a hot air balloon trip with spectacular views of the Moroccan landscape including the Atlas Mountains and Berber villages is an absolute must do.
Tick that off your bucket list!
Which hot air balloon company should you choose?
There are dozens of companies operating hot air balloon rides in the area but there is just one that you should go with and that’s Ciel d’Afrique.
They were the first hot air balloon company to operate in the area and have been flying for over 35 years, have 11 balloons and fly on average 500 people a day and fly the most number of days in the world on average.
This is a slick operation, safe, reasonably priced and an awesome adventure which starts from a pick up from your accommodation, a safety briefing and then away you go!
After your flight you then get a buffet of food, tea in a Bedouin tent and a personalised certificate with your name written in calligraphic Arabic.
The views over the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding landscape is amazing and they even have a VIP option where you can have private transfers, a private Bedouin tent, food and a hot air balloon to yourselves.
How do I book for a Marrakesh Hot Air Balloon?
You can book direct via their website Ciel d’Afrique or via Get Your Guide where you can also review other operators.
You’ll have options for dates and times as well as whether you would like additional experiences such as buggy, quad bike or camel rides.
How much does a hot air balloon trip cost?
Flights with Ciel d’afrique start from around £195 / €230 / $260 per person which is the average cost across most operators.
You can find deals via Get Your Guide from £100 / €117 / $133 and whilst booking in advance is always a good thing you can get last minute deals.
Private flights with just two people in your own balloon are around £500 / €587 / $665 per person.
Where does the hot air balloon leave from?
Most of the hot air balloon companies operate from the one area known as Palm Grove about 45 minutes drive from the centre of Marrakesh.
Ciel d’afrique will pick you up, and drop you back, from your place of choosing and take you out to the site in one of their modern 4×4 vehicles or luxury vans.
There is a large Bedouin tent area where you all meet and the hot air balloons depart just a minutes drive from there towards the Atlas Mountains.
When do the hot air balloons fly?
They will fly all year round but of course are weather dependent and will generally only fly in the mornings at sunrise or just after as they have to keep the airspace clear for commercial airplanes. This means there are only a few flights by each balloon and why you will see so many balloons up in the air at the same time from all the operators in the area, which is a spectacular site in itself.
How long will the hot air balloon flight be?
It will last between 45 minutes to 1 hour which might not seem long but it is more than enough time to relax and enjoy the ride, the amazing views and landscape.
The whole trip from pick up to drop off will last around 3-4 hours depending on whether you have other excursions booked.
Will it be crowded in the hot air balloon?
No, the baskets are divided into sections which will take either 2 to 5 people in each section with the pilot in the centre and that gives plenty of space to move around and enjoy the flight.
Ciel d’afrique have 11 hot air balloons and they all vary in size and the size of basket that take from 2 people on a private flight to 20 in a shared group.
Is it safe?
Yes, the pilots are certified and experienced and will only fly when the conditions are suitable. Passengers safety comes first and hot air ballooning in Marrakesh does have a good safety record.
The area where they fly overlooking the Atlas Mountains is also flat so even if there is a rough landing (you practice the brace position in the basket before departure) the basket will just slide across the ground and there are crew ready to secure the basket and assist everyone out.
How does a hot air balloon fly and manoeuvre?
Hot air balloons work off a simple principle of hot air rises.
Burners using propane gas are used to heat the air inside the balloon causing it to expand and become lighter than the surrounding air creating lift. As the air in the balloon cools the pilot users the burners to heat it back up again so the balloon rises.
Pilots can’t steer the balloon in the traditional sense but they can influence its direction by ascending or descending because winds blow in different directions at different altitudes.
Hot air balloons also have a cord to open the parachute valve (also known as a deflation port) at the top of the balloon. When the pilot pulls the attached cord hot air can escape reducing the temperature inside either slowing the rate the balloon ascends or making it descend.
How high will the balloon go?
Hot air balloons generally fly between 1,000 to 3,000 feet (300 to 900 meters) above ground level for recreational flights. The record for the highest altitude ever achieved by a hot air balloon was 68,986 feet (21,027 meters) in 2005 over Mumbai, India.
What should I wear?
While the heat from the burner can make it surprisingly warm, mornings in Marrakech can still be chilly so wear comfortable clothes (layers that you can take on and off) and comfortable shoes. Best to avoid flip-flops, sandals, or heels. A cap, beanie or hat is recommended especially for tall passengers as the heat from the burners can be a little toasty on the head!
