A hot air balloon flight and quad biking make a natural pair in Marrakech: a calm hour floating above the Palmeraie at sunrise, then two hours of off-road riding through the Jbilet desert. With Morocco Balloon, both activities, a Moroccan breakfast and hotel transfers come together in one day, so you only need to plan once.
This guide explains how the day runs, what is included, who can ride, what to wear, what happens if the weather stops the flight, and what the experience costs.
Key Takeaways
- The day combines a sunrise balloon flight of about 60 minutes with a 2-hour guided quad biking tour in the Jbilet desert.
- Breakfast with mint tea, a helmet and goggles, and round-trip hotel or riad transfers are included.
- Children aged 12 and over can ride as passengers on a double quad with an adult; solo riding is allowed from 16 with parental consent.
- If wind or rain cancels the flight, you receive a full refund or free rescheduling, and we let you know by 8 PM the night before.
- Prices start from €155 per adult.
How the balloon and quad biking day works
The day starts early. We collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech and drive you to the launch site, where you can watch the balloon being inflated and take part in a short safety briefing before take-off.
The flight lasts about 60 minutes. As the sun rises, you drift over the Palmeraie, Berber villages, palm groves and desert valleys, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon on clear days. Between December and March, the peaks are often topped with snow.
After landing, you sit down to a Moroccan breakfast with mint tea and fresh pastries under traditional caidal tents. Then it is time for the second half of the day: a 2-hour guided quad biking tour through the rugged Jbilet desert, following sandy trails past traditional villages, with stops for photos. Afterwards, we drive you back to your accommodation.
From pickup to drop-off, allow most of the day: about 8 to 9 hours including transfers, both activities and breakfast. It is best to keep the rest of that day free.
What’s included
- Round-trip transfers from your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight of about 60 minutes, with safety briefing
- Moroccan breakfast with mint tea and pastries under caidal tents
- 2-hour guided quad biking tour in the Jbilet desert, with a short training session before you ride
- Helmet and goggles
Breakfast is the only meal included. In summer especially, bring a small snack or energy bar for the quad ride.
Who can ride: age and experience
No experience is needed for either activity. The balloon flight is calm, and the quad tour is beginner-friendly: every rider gets a short training session first, and a professional guide sets a safe pace and avoids extreme terrain.
Children aged 12 and over can join as passengers on a double quad bike with an adult driver. Riding a quad alone is allowed from 16 with parental consent. The tour works well for couples, solo travellers and groups, and is ideal for groups of 4 to 10 people. For families planning a balloon outing, see our guide to Marrakech balloon rides with ground activities and child fares.
What to wear and bring
For the balloon flight, wear layers: it is cool at dawn and warms up quickly once the sun is out. For quad biking, wear long sleeves, long trousers and closed-toe shoes (no sandals), and avoid loose clothing. Helmets and goggles are provided.
Bring sun protection, your phone or camera, and a small snack. For the best shots on the quad trail, an action camera works well, and many guides can offer a helmet mount.
Weather and cancellation
Balloon flights depend on the weather. If wind or rain cancels the flight, you receive a full refund or free rescheduling, and we let you know by 8 PM the night before. The quad biking can still go ahead if conditions allow.
If your dates are flexible, booking the balloon for one of your first mornings in Marrakech leaves room to reschedule if needed.
Price and booking
The Hot Air Balloon Flight and Quad Biking experience starts from €155 per adult. You can check availability and book directly on the trip page, and groups can ask about group rates when booking.
Want to add a camel ride as well? The Hot Air Balloon Flight with Quad Biking and Camel Ride combines all three. If you would rather spend the afternoon in the city or the mountains, see the balloon flight with Marrakech city and souks tour or the balloon flight with Atlas Mountains day trip.
Questions about dates, groups or children? Contact Morocco Balloon and our team will help you plan your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the balloon flight?
About 60 minutes in the air, at sunrise, over the Palmeraie and surrounding countryside.
Where does the quad biking take place?
In the Jbilet desert north of Marrakech, on a 2-hour guided tour along sandy trails and past traditional villages.
How long does the whole day take?
About 8 to 9 hours from pickup to drop-off, including transfers, the flight, breakfast and the quad tour.
Can children take part?
Yes. Children aged 12 and over can ride as passengers on a double quad with an adult. Solo riding is allowed from 16 with parental consent.
Is food included?
Breakfast with mint tea and pastries is included after the flight. Other meals are not, so bring a small snack for the quad ride.
What happens if the weather cancels the flight?
You receive a full refund or free rescheduling, and we notify you by 8 PM the night before. The quad biking may still go ahead if conditions allow.
