What to wear for the balloon
Cold at the launch field, warm by the drive back, and a landing in a dusty field in between.
A balloon morning in Marrakech spans most of a day’s temperature range in a few hours. You leave the hotel before dawn, stand in an open field while the balloons are filled, fly into the sunrise and land in farmland or scrub. Several operators write on their listings what they want you to wear.
| Listing | Asks you to bring |
|---|---|
| BallOOning Marrakech | Closed shoes, jacket |
| Ciel d’Afrique, shared flight | Comfortable clothes, flat shoes |
| Ciel d’Afrique, royal flight | Closed shoes |
| Marrakech Dream Ballooning | Layers, jacket, photo ID |
| Menara Excursions, sunrise flight | Comfortable shoes, warm clothes |
| Menara Excursions, small group | Sunglasses, warm clothes |
Layers you can take off
The coldest moment is the wait at the launch field before sunrise, especially from November to February. A fleece or light down jacket over a long-sleeved top works in most months, and you can take it off once the sun is up. In the air, the burner above the basket adds some warmth. By the time you are back at the hotel, a T-shirt is enough for most of the year.
Shoes for the landing
The operators that mention shoes ask for closed, flat or comfortable ones, and the reason is the landing. The basket comes down in a field chosen by the wind, sometimes on rough ground with dry, thorny scrub, and you climb out over the basket wall. Trainers or walking shoes are ideal. Sandals, flip-flops and heels are a poor choice even where a listing does not rule them out.
What to carry
- A photo ID or passport, which Marrakech Dream Ballooning asks for.
- Sunglasses for the sunrise and a cap or sun hat for the drive back in the warmer months.
- A strap or lanyard for your phone; anything dropped from the basket is gone.
- Some cash in dirhams for tips and for photos or drone footage sold on the day.
Space in a compartment is tight, so leave large bags and tripods at the hotel. A small bag that you can hold in front of you during the landing is enough.
FAQ
Is it cold on a hot air balloon ride in Marrakech?
Before sunrise it can be cold, especially in winter. Once the sun is up and the burner is working above you, it warms up quickly.
Can I wear sandals on the balloon?
Better not. The operators that mention shoes ask for closed, flat or comfortable shoes, because you land in a field and climb out over the basket wall.
Do I need my passport for the balloon flight?
Marrakech Dream Ballooning asks for a passport or photo ID. Carrying one does no harm on the other flights.