Marrakech by Air

Marrakech by Air is a hot-air balloon company based in the city, holding a licence from Morocco's civil aviation authority and an air operator certificate, details of which it publishes on its website. It has been running flights since at least 2007 and focuses on balloon trips over the countryside around Marrakech, with the High Atlas Mountains as the backdrop.

The flights drift over Berber villages, valleys and dry riverbeds outside the city, giving a view of rural Morocco that is very different from the medina. On clear mornings the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas stand out across the plain, and the low early light picks out the patterns of fields, olive groves and earthen villages below. It is a peaceful experience, as the balloon moves with the wind and is almost silent between burns.

Balloon trips suit couples, honeymooners, families with older children and anyone looking for a special-occasion activity. Like all balloon operators, the company flies at dawn, when the air is calm, so expect a pre-dawn start and wrap up warmly, as temperatures can be low before sunrise. Flights depend on the weather and may be postponed if conditions are unsuitable, so booking early in your trip leaves flexibility.

Before booking, check the details of the flight options on the website, including duration, what is included, whether hotel transfers are provided and any age, weight or health restrictions. Getting in and out of the basket requires some mobility. The company can be reached by phone or email, which is useful for questions about private flights or special requests.

The company's office is in Guéliz, near Rue Victor Hugo, but flights start from a launch site in the countryside and you will not normally need to visit the office. Allow most of a morning for the experience. Afterwards you will be back in Marrakech in good time for lunch, and the rest of the day is free for sightseeing in the medina or relaxing at your hotel. Photographs from the air are a highlight, so make sure your phone or camera is charged and secured with a strap. If you are celebrating an anniversary or a proposal, mention it when booking, as private flights can be arranged for special occasions.