Hot-air ballooning over the Agafay desert

A hot-air balloon flight in Marrakech, and more specifically over the Agafay desert, is a unique experience in Morocco. From the various desert campsites, you can easily explore this stony desert and its pastel-colored dunes. To take full advantage of this breathtaking view of the Atlas Mountains, several flight options are available locally.

Agafay desert

Located some thirty kilometers from Marrakech, the Agafay desert extends over several hundred hectares. It is in fact a stone desert or reg made up of white dunes and landscapes similar to those of the Sahara. In the middle of this area lies a surprising oasis, a haven of peace and tranquillity where flora and fauna can thrive.

Likewise, there are a number of Berber villages that continue to exist in this austere yet sublime natural setting. You’ll also find luxury camps in Agafay. These offer comfortable, fully-equipped accommodation, as well as a wide range of attractions. These include hot-air balloon flights over the area.

A hot-air balloon flight over Agafay, a breathtaking experience

As this is an early morning experience, most agencies wake up rather early. Fortunately, in Marrakech, the sun often takes its time, peaking around 8:30 am. You’ll set off from the red city of Marrakech at around 6 or 6.30 am. After almost an hour’s drive, you’ll reach the camp where the adventure begins.

A small welcoming committee will be set aside for you, where you can enjoy Moroccan hospitality over a cup of coffee, tea or pastries while watching the balloon fill with air. This spectacle tends to be quite fascinating, given that full-size hot-air balloons are enormous. To make sure your adventure goes as smoothly as possible, you’ll be given a number of safety instructions and information on how balloons work.

Once in the air, the panorama of the surrounding area is nothing short of breathtaking. You’re greeted with a view of the Atlas Mountains (the second highest mountain range in Africa), the city of Marrakech itself and the Agafay Desert. Throughout the flight, which lasts around an hour at altitudes of up to 1 km, your guide will talk you through the mechanics of the aircraft, as well as introducing you to the local area.

You’ll have the opportunity to experience an extraordinary sunrise, as contemplative as it is poetic. It’s also worth noting that hot-air balloons have no directional control system. A jeep below you will follow the route to pick you up on descent. As for the return journey, it’s an impressive and interesting experience that’s a must.

At the end of the flight comes breakfast. You return to your starting point in a camp that welcomes you with mint tea (also known as Moroccan whisky) and a traditional Berber menu. It consists of Moroccan crepes, fried doughnuts, olives and boiled eggs.

What offers are available for a hot-air balloon flight in Agafay?

If you’d like to experience this directly, you can contact Ciel d’Afrique. Ciel d’Afrique is the only agency authorized to offer hot-air balloon flights in this region. We have a number of offers to suit your needs.

Classic offer

By choosing this offer, you will share the balloon with an average of 4 passengers. From 2,500 Dhs or around 227 euros, you’ll be entitled to :

• Return transport from Marrakech to the Agafay desert
• Breakfast.
• 1 hour flight by hot-air balloon
• Tea and a bottle of water

VIP package

If you want to enjoy the sunrise from the air, this is the offer for you. For 4,920 Dhs or around 450 euros, you can enjoy a private TOP VIP flight plus all the amenities of the previous plan.

The Agafay desert is one of the best destinations for a guaranteed change of scenery. This land of dunes, stones and oases will give you a unique experience. What’s more, a hot-air balloon flight over the area will make the moment even more magical. There are a number of ways to enjoy this experience.