Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride in Marrakech: What It Feels Like

Does it feel scary?

For most people, no. A balloon has no engine and travels with the wind, so there's no vibration, no feeling of speed and almost no breeze in the basket. Lift-off is so gentle that many guests only notice it when they look down and see the ground getting smaller.

I'm afraid of heights. Can I still fly?

Many people who don't like heights find a balloon calmer than they expected. The basket comes up to about chest height, so you feel safely inside it, and because nothing is moving fast, your body doesn't get the "falling" feeling you might get on a tall building. If you're nervous, stand near the pilot, look at the horizon rather than straight down, and tell us. We'll look after you.

Is it noisy?

Most of the time it's very quiet: you'll hear dogs barking and people calling in the villages below. Every so often the pilot fires the burner for a few seconds. It's loud and you'll feel the warmth on top of your head, which is why we suggest a cap.

Is it cold up there?

The coldest part of the morning is waiting on the field before sunrise. In the air, the burner and the sun warm you up. Dress in layers you can take off. What to wear in each season.

Tips for great photos

• Charge your phone the night before and free up space. You'll take more photos than you think.
• Film the inflation on the ground: the glowing balloon in the dark is one of the best moments.
• Use a wrist strap or keep a firm grip. Nothing dropped from a balloon comes back.
• Put your phone away when the pilot calls the landing position.

How to get ready the day before

• Go to bed early. Pickup is 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before sunrise.
• Lay out your clothes: layers, closed shoes and a cap.
• Keep your phone on: we send you the pickup time the evening before.
• Don't eat a big breakfast first. A proper Moroccan breakfast is waiting after landing.

Questions first-timers ask