Morocco | A Day in Hot Air Balloons & Agafay Desert (November 2025)
Last updated on : January 21, 2026
In November 2025, during our trip to Morocco, we chose to base ourselves in Marrakech for five days. Beyond its bustle and contrasts, Marrakech is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding landscapes – wilder, more open spaces where the city suddenly feels very far away.
Just a few kilometers from the city, the scenery changes dramatically. The plains widen, the contours of the land appear on the horizon, and the landscape becomes more mineral. It is within this semi-desert environment, reminiscent of a rocky desert, that the Agafay Desert is located. Very different from the vast sand dunes of Merzouga Desert, Agafay instead offers wide arid expanses dotted with hills and mountains – a raw yet soothing setting, perfect for a first immersion into the world of the desert.
It is also within these open, light-filled landscapes that we experienced one of the most memorable moments of our stay: a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Although the hot air balloon ride and the Agafay Desert were not experienced on the exact same day, I chose to bring them together in this article, as both experiences share the same essence – vast open spaces, silence, and a profound sense of freedom.
Day Trip : Hot Air Balloons & Agafay Desert
From Marrakech, there are many day trips (or half-day excursions) available, making it an easy way to discover other facets of Morocco without having to drive. For both of these experiences, we booked through GetYourGuide – a practical option that generally includes round-trip transportation, on-site organization, and a reassuring framework when you simply want to enjoy the experience.
An important note: the hot air balloon flight does not take place in the Agafay Desert. In our case, the balloon ride happened in a more rural, open area around Marrakech (with Marrakech By Air), while the Agafay Desert was a separate excursion, experienced later, focused on desert landscapes and the activities on site.
👉 To book your hot air balloon flight, click here. For the Agafay Desert excursion, click here.
First Stop: Sunrise Hot Air Balloons Flight
This hot air balloon flight had been on my bucket list for a very long time. It was an experience I had dreamed of for years, without ever finding the right moment… until this trip to Morocco. We booked this activity even before leaving home, with high expectations, but also with a quiet hope: to experience something meaningful and soothing after an arrival in Marrakech that had been beautiful, intense… and slightly disorienting.
The excursion took place the very next morning after our arrival in Marrakech. After a long train journey the day before, arriving in the rain, and a first immersion filled with strong emotions, we were craving gentleness, calm, and something grounding. And this morning delivered exactly that.
The wake-up call came very early. It was still pitch dark when we left the riad to reach the meeting point at Bab Aylan. Crossing the medina at that hour, in near-total silence, was an experience in itself. The alleyways were empty, the atmosphere calm, almost unreal. A light rain was falling and the air was cool, which reassured us about our decision to dress warmly, in layers – especially with the flight ahead.
Once there, we were welcomed under a tent with fresh orange juice and a few small pastries, while waiting for the rain to pass. The atmosphere was hushed, still half asleep, and despite the familiar stress of very early mornings, we could already feel a gentle excitement building.
When the weather finally cleared, everything moved quickly – accompanied by that light, typically Moroccan chaos we were slowly getting used to: vehicle changes, groups forming, a few last-minute adjustments… and then, suddenly, everything was in place.
Arriving at the balloon launch site was a powerful moment. Several balloons were already on the ground, in the process of being inflated. Watching these massive envelopes slowly unfold, hearing the roar of the burners, and observing the calm bustle around us – it was impressive. Once settled into the basket, all that was left was to take off.
And then… silence.
An almost unreal silence. Once in the air, the noise fades away. All that remains is the occasional burst of the burner, the hushed voices of fellow passengers, and the vast quiet of the sky. The 360-degree view was absolutely breathtaking. The plains stretched endlessly below us, the contours of the land appeared on the horizon, and slowly, the sun began to rise through the clouds.
Watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon, surrounded by other balloons floating gently through the sky, was deeply moving. A moment suspended in time. I took photos, of course – but more importantly, I took the time to truly absorb the scene, to anchor myself in the present moment, to simply be there.
Our pilot was warm, reassuring, and clearly passionate. The flight itself wasn’t very long, but it was long enough to feel fully experienced… while still leaving us wanting more.
After landing, breakfast awaited us under the tents. Simple, but good – delicious pastries and that wonderful feeling of having already lived something exceptional, even though the day had only just begun. We were then driven back to Marrakech, to the meeting point near our riad.
This hot air balloon flight was one of the most powerful moments of our entire trip. An instant of beauty, calm, and pure magic – one that truly rebalanced our energy and gave an entirely new tone to our stay in Marrakech.
Second Stop: Quad Biking in the Agafay Desert
This excursion to the Agafay Desert took place on a different day, in the mid-afternoon. Around 2:00 p.m., we had a meeting point at Bab Aylan, the same departure spot used for many excursions leaving Marrakech. As is often the case in the area, there was a bit of a delay – mainly due to the sometimes chaotic traffic around the city. We were actually among the last pick-up points before leaving Marrakech.
That said, the customer service was flawless. Our guide kept us informed in real time via WhatsApp, explaining the reason for the delay and confirming that he was on his way. At no point were we worried – quite the opposite. Everything felt well managed and under control.
Our guide for this excursion was a 19-year-old student working part-time alongside his studies. And honestly, his energy completely transformed the experience. Already highly anticipated, the excursion became even more enjoyable thanks to him. He was smiling, enthusiastic, positive, and deeply human. He carried a vibrant, contagious energy that made the whole experience even more memorable.
Once we left Marrakech behind, we headed toward the Agafay Desert. Unlike the sandy dunes of Merzouga Desert, Agafay is a rocky desert made up of vast arid plains, with rolling hills and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The landscape is spectacular – raw, expansive, and deeply disorienting in the most beautiful way.
Our first activity was a quad biking tour through the desert. When we arrived, the quads were already lined up and ready to go. The team on site took the time to clearly explain how the vehicles worked, along with safety instructions and driving guidelines. We were provided with hair nets for hygiene reasons, as well as protective helmets. Everything was well organized and reassuring.
There were two people per quad. At first, I chose to ride as a passenger so I could film and take photos. We set off in a single line, following the lead guide, and very quickly found ourselves immersed in the vastness of the desert. The sense of freedom was immediate. The landscapes opened up before us – wide and silent – with shades of ochre and grey stretching endlessly into the distance.
We stopped at a viewpoint offering a stunning panorama of the surroundings – a valley, hills on the horizon, and the desert extending as far as the eye could see. It was the perfect spot to take photos, pause for a moment… and switch drivers.
Driving the quad in the Agafay Desert was incredibly enjoyable. I had done quad biking before, but never in a setting like this. Here, it wasn’t just the activity itself that made it special – it was the environment. This rocky desert, these wide-open spaces, and the feeling of freedom made the experience truly unique.
We then made our way back to the base camp at a relaxed pace, still following the group, with the feeling of having lived something simple yet deeply meaningful. A fun and accessible activity, elevated by the landscape and by the energy of the people around us.
This quad excursion in the Agafay Desert was a moment of pure enjoyment – an experience that was at once dynamic, contemplative, and liberating. It perfectly complemented our stay in Marrakech and will remain one of the many beautiful memories of this journey.
Third Stop: Camel Ride in the Agafay Desert
After the quad biking activity, we headed to another area of the desert to experience a camel ride. Even though the place where we had gone quad biking also offered camel rides, our guide chose to take us elsewhere. This choice was intentional: at this particular location, we were dressed in traditional desert attire – a long robe worn over our clothes and a headscarf. A small detail that changes everything, both for the sense of immersion and for the photos.
This short transfer also allowed us to discover another part of the Agafay Desert. The landscape was slightly different – still rocky and arid, but dotted with a few trees, with hills and mountains clearly visible on the horizon. The setting was absolutely stunning, almost unreal, and perfectly suited to this experience.
But very honestly, the scenery quickly faded into the background the moment I saw the camels.
From that point on, I was literally like a child. My husband kept telling me, “You’re worse than a kid.” And he was right. Animals often have that effect on me. I was in a state of pure wonder.
The camel ride lasts about 20 to 25 minutes – and truthfully, I would have taken much more. Of course, you quickly realize that riding a camel uses certain muscles – especially around the inner thighs – and you end up feeling a bit sore. But despite that, the experience is incredibly enjoyable.
I don’t have any clear memory of ever having seen camels this close before. Perhaps I had encountered some in a park or zoo a very long time ago, but nothing compares to this level of proximity. Riding a camel, feeling its movements, hearing its breathing, watching it move slowly through the desert – it was all completely new to me.
The camels were linked together by their harnesses, forming a line. My husband was riding behind me, which meant the head of his camel was very close to me, just slightly to the side. Throughout the ride, I was able to gently stroke its head and feel its presence beside me.
Putting the feeling into words is difficult. I was filled with immense joy, carried by a very high energy – almost euphoric. I even wondered whether simply being in contact with these animals, in this environment, naturally raised my emotional frequency. There was something deeply alive, authentic, and powerful in that moment.
At the same time, I’ll admit that a small part of me felt a sense of sadness or questioning. You never truly know under what conditions these animals live, or to what extent such activities might border on mistreatment. It’s a discomfort I can’t completely ignore. That said, at this particular place, the camels did not appear mistreated or unhappy. They seemed calm, accustomed, and well cared for. I genuinely hope – and choose to believe – that the experience was respectful and properly supervised.
Regardless, this camel ride was profoundly meaningful for me. On a day already rich in emotions – quad biking, the desert, sunset, and the evening still to come – it was the camels that became my true highlight.
Just as the hot air balloon was a defining moment of my stay in Marrakech, the camels were the emotional peak of my excursion in the Agafay Desert. And honestly, I never would have imagined that this experience would touch me so deeply before living it.
Fourth Stop: Dinner & Fire Show in the Agafay Desert
We ended this day of excursions at a desert camp in the Agafay Desert, a place set up to welcome visitors in the evening. Upon arrival, we were invited to join shared tables alongside the rest of the group. A friendly, simple, and warm atmosphere quickly settled in.
The meal far exceeded our expectations. We were served tajines to share between two people: first, a couscous with vegetables, followed by a chicken tajine with potatoes and vegetables. Everything was flavorful, perfectly cooked, and literally melted in the mouth. Bread and water were also provided. Honestly, for a dinner included in a group excursion, the quality was truly remarkable – generous, comforting, and genuinely delicious.
During the meal, musicians moved between the tables, playing traditional music and creating a lively, immersive atmosphere. It wasn’t intrusive – just enough to add a festive and authentic touch to this shared moment.
The camp also featured a swimming pool, but with the cool evening air, it clearly wasn’t the time for a swim. That said, it’s easy to imagine how pleasant this space must be in summer. As for us, we were very glad we had brought warmer clothes – our down jackets were definitely welcome.
After dinner, we headed to the area set up for the show. Chairs were arranged in a circle, and that’s when the evening took on a whole new dimension. The fire show began: performers juggling flaming staffs, rhythmic movements set to music, and even more spectacular moments with a fire breather. A man and a young boy took turns, alternating between music and performances, creating a show that was both impressive and captivating.
It was beautiful, well executed, and above all, a pleasure to watch. A perfect way to end the evening – festive yet intimate – under the desert sky.
If I Had More Time
With an excursion like this one, the notion of time feels a little different. It’s not so much that we lacked time – the format of the activity is already well defined – but rather that certain experiences were so enjoyable that we would have happily taken more of them.
Both the hot air balloon flight and the camel ride left me wanting more. A slightly longer flight, a camel ride that lasted a bit longer… these are moments that pass far too quickly when you are fully present. But they are also activities that follow a set structure, and it wasn’t really a matter of choice on our part to do less.
If I had had more time – or if the circumstances had been more favorable – I would also have seriously considered spending the night in a desert camp in the Agafay Desert. It was an option we looked into while planning the trip. However, in November, nighttime temperatures in the desert can be quite cold, and given the cost compared to a night in Marrakech, we felt the level of comfort might not fully justify the investment. It simply wasn’t the right time of year for us.
That said, under different circumstances – during a warmer season – I truly believe that spending the night in the desert could be absolutely magical. Some camps even offer bubble-style tents, allowing you to admire the star-filled sky directly from your bed. Just thinking about it feels deeply inspiring. Sleeping under the stars in that kind of setting is clearly an experience on my bucket list.
Additionally, when staying overnight in a desert camp, it’s often possible to book activities on site – such as camel rides, quad biking, or other experiences – at a slower, more immersive pace than on a day trip.
For us, at the time we traveled, in November, experiencing the Agafay Desert as a day excursion was the best compromise. It allowed us to fully enjoy the experience without discomfort and to leave with strong, lasting memories. But it’s certain that in another context, with more time and at a different time of year, this experience could be lived even more deeply.
In Conclusion
Although the experiences shared in this article took place over two separate days, they are, for me, part of the same common thread: a powerful, memorable, and deeply positive immersion around Marrakech and its desert landscapes.
The hot air balloon flight was an exceptional introduction. It happened early in our stay in Marrakech – almost right after our arrival – and immediately infused our journey with a much softer, brighter energy. Emotionally, it was a very powerful moment. It helped anchor beautiful memories right from the start of our time in Marrakech, at a point when everything was still new, intense, and filled with sensations.
At the other end of our stay, the excursion to the Agafay Desert came to close our Marrakech chapter in an equally memorable way. Between the quad biking, the camel ride, dinner under the stars, and the desert show, this day was rich, vibrant, and deeply positive on an emotional level. Starting strong and ending strong – that is exactly what these two experiences offered us in Marrakech.
If I had to do it again, I would do it without hesitation. And if I were to recommend them, I would do so very sincerely. These are experiences I highly recommend to anyone visiting Marrakech who wishes to experience something beyond the city itself, while still remaining close by.
From a purely logistical perspective, it is technically possible to combine the hot air balloon flight and the Agafay Desert excursion into a single day. The schedules do allow for it. However, I wouldn’t recommend it. The day would be extremely long, both physically and emotionally: a very early wake-up, a late return in the evening, and an accumulation of intense experiences without real time to rest or integrate them.
In my view, experiencing these two activities separately allows you to savor them more fully, integrate them at a deeper level, and retain a gentler, more balanced memory of them. That’s exactly how we experienced them – and I wouldn’t change a thing about that choice.
In Video
To complete this story, I invite you to watch the video that brings together these two powerful experiences in Marrakech. It begins with the magic of a sunrise hot air balloon flight, then continues through the desert landscapes of the Agafay Desert – combining adventure, desert rides, and an evening under the stars. A visual immersion that perfectly reflects the intensity and beauty of these timeless moments.
**Some links in this article are affiliate links: they allow me to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you make a purchase through these links, thank you for supporting my work as a travel blogger 🌎🩵
You May Also Like
Morocco | Part One: 1 Day in Casablanca to Start Our Journey
Morocco | A Day in Essaouira (November 2025)
