The Merzouga Region

2.1. Geographical Overview

The Merzouga region is located in southeastern Morocco, along the border with Algeria, just a few kilometers away from the Erg Chebbi dunes. The seas of sand along the Erg Chebbi stretch approximately 30 kilometers in length and 5 kilometers in width, reaching a height of 160 meters. The dunes are usually characterized by the colors of the Arabic Sahara: orange and ochre. The dunes are real mountains of sand in constant metamorphosis, sculpted by the wind, with a magical and fascinating beauty, which makes them unique in the world. In addition, the Merzouga region is not just dunes, it is full of life, offering a colorful palette of beautiful landscapes, bordered by the High Atlas and Anti Atlas, rich in oases and palm trees, kasbahs, mountain berbers and nomadic tribes, all forming a unique environment in the world.

The Merzouga region is a door to the Sahara desert and is known for the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest in Morocco, which attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. It offers the opportunity to escape the frantic rhythm of modern life. The main access is from Rissani and Errachidia. People often extend their journey to visit the gorges of Todra and Dadès and then return northwards towards Marrakech or to the beach of Essaouira.

2.2. Cultural Significance

The fascinating Merzouga region has a desert landscape surrounded by small Berber settlements whose inhabitants, mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, continue to live with the same customs. It is the typical area of the ksour, fortified villages with a defensive character built in rammed earth, whose architecture is reminiscent of the cobbles worked by the saharan wind. The ksour were the reception and storage areas for the caravans that crossed the desert, transporting spices, gold and slaves from black Africa. We recommend stopping in the Berber villages along the valleys of the Ziz and Gheris, a gusty river with a tributary that originates in the High Atlas and is a source of valuable palm dates and precious almonds. In the palm grove of Tinejdad, ask the locals how to get to the ksar of Ait Ozzine and if the local guides can accompany you. The ksar, like a huge natural fortress, is perched high on the hill.

2.1. Geographical Overview

Merzouga is a small village located in southeastern Morocco, near the border with Algeria. Situated within the vast Saharan desert and close to the Erg Chebbi dune system, Merzouga has become well-known for tourism, thanks to its proximity to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Merzouga is a center for desert tourism and a staging point for tours into the desert by 4×4, dromedaires, camel train, and on foot. Visitors travel to Merzouga year-round, although it is busiest in the spring and autumn, with climbers, hikers, snowboarders, and skiers coming in those seasons. The main attraction of the town is access to the great sand dunes at Erg Chebbi, which rise almost 250 meters above the surrounding landscape. The dunes are the highest in Morocco and consist mainly of quartz sand which gives them a light orange color. The region is home to the nomadic Berber people, and the area is known for its rich tribal culture and long, hot summer days. Merzouga is a splendid oasis located at the foot of the highest sand dunes of Morocco – Erg Chebbi. It is known for its incredible sunrises and sunsets which make the astronomical phenomena mesmerizing in the Sahara. It is one of the best places to dry out enough to feel alive and beautiful. Around the oasis of Merzouga is a dreamy landscape of rolling dunes, kasbahs, palm trees, Argan trees, and palm-fringed Berber villages. This whole region is a vaster expanse of sand splashed with ridges and landmarks, grooved, fissured, and twisted by water and wind, standing as a mirror to the sky. The Merzouga paradise is a mystery in the heart of the Sahara. It’s all about dunes meeting the sun down the endless horizon, thousands of different colors sparkling in the last sunshine of the day. A place where the day ends and the warm nights begin, nights with stars so bright and close as if you can touch them, while listening to the softest whisper of the wind, when all is magic.

2.2. Cultural Significance

The Merzouga region, and especially the village of Merzouga, form a significant cultural center for the Berber people, whose touareg ancestors originally populated the Sahara desert. Descendants of these touareg are the original inhabitants of the region and, like their ancestors, engage in such activities as weaving, sculpting, and music. Yet what is immediately striking about Merzouga and the surrounding dune landscape is the colorful contrast of the bright orange dunes with their soft, rolling topography set against the ever-changing backdrops of blue sky, yellow sun, and the deep blue shadows in all of the nooks and crannies among the dunes. Photographers, artists, and tourists regularly visit this region to capture the unique beauty of the area. Although increasingly more visitors these days travel in large, fast-moving tour vehicles rather than on camel caravan, it is still possible to find a space at sunset to meditate and watch the beauty of nature unfold as day changes to night and night heralds the blazing colors of dawn.

As less developed than many other Moroccan tourist areas, the Merzouga region also has less of the commercialism. Tourists often come to this area, not just for the beauty, peace, and leisure time, but also for an insight and understanding of the touareg culture. In the village of Merzouga and in the nearby nomadic families of the region, tourists can observe touareg culture and learn of how they still exist today. It is not uncommon for tourists to stay in the village itself or with the nomads of the region as a way of experiencing the touareg way of life firsthand. Weaving with camel hair and goat hair are skills to see in practice, along with hearing the unique sounds of touareg music. The imaginative metal sculpting of decorative pieces, wrought-iron gates, and sturdy metal frames for tents are throngs of artisans discovering. Entertainers occasionally visit the camp or village area to share the storytelling and singing of the touaregs.

2.3. Tourism in Merzouga

The hot air balloon tour industry in Merzouga is thriving and serves as a significant source of income for both the desert regions of southern Morocco and the entire country. Tourists typically arrive in organized groups via dedicated minibuses from Marrakech or other towns further south, navigating the picturesque routes through the High Atlas or Anti Atlas mountains. These tours often feature breathtaking views of the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and the traditional Berber villages nestled along the way. Additionally, some visitors come from Ouarzazate, Erfoud, or even larger cities in the north such as Rabat and Fes, where luxury train services are available, or from coastal areas like Agadir and Essaouira via Tiznit. Lastly, there are independent travelers exploring Morocco on rented motorcycles or cars, eager to experience the unique sights from above.

Whatever the way in, it’s a lot of local enjoyment to be made in Merzouga while waiting some days for the appropriate wind and conditions to fly. Activities go from riding camels to camping in tents or it’s a long but beautiful way to trek to the ancient oasis of Rissani, home of the Moroccan royal family for centuries. The recent construction of luxury hotels designed like little Kasbahs is meant to receive and protect an increasing amount of tourists. Also, there are many good places to eat, nice hotels, typical Moroccan teahouses, and most of the itineraries pass through local market days along the proving distance from the town to the road coming from the north.

3. Preparation for the Hot Air Balloon Ride in Merzouga sahara desert

Experiencing a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking Merzouga dunes in the Sahara desert is truly a unique adventure that our expert balloon company proudly offers. While many visitors typically opt for an exhilarating journey in a rugged vehicle and a night under the stars in tourist camps, we believe that soaring above the stunning landscape provides a perspective like no other. A hot air balloon ride allows you to witness the mesmerizing forms of the dunes as they come alive with the colors of sunrise or sunset. To fully embrace this remarkable experience, a bit of preparation is advisable during your stay, ensuring you make the most of this captivating journey with us.

3.1. Choosing the Best Balloon Experience

When it comes to hot air balloon rides in Merzouga, we stand out as the premier local experts you can trust. Our dedicated team specializes in aerial adventures over the stunning dunes of the Sahara Desert. To ensure you choose the best experience, look for reviews and recommendations from fellow travelers who have flown with us. Unlike others, we offer not only unforgettable balloon rides but also the option to extend your adventure with a night spent in a desert camp, creating a truly immersive experience. While some companies based in Ouarzazate focus solely on these excursions, we encourage you to reach out directly to our local team to secure your ride in advance and make the most of your visit to Merzouga.

3.2. What to Expect

The ascent is made at the very beginning of the day, just before the sun rises. This is the right time for the balloon flight, the winds are weak and the temperatures are rising. Indeed, sunset and sunrise are favorable times for balloon flight since this is when the temperature difference with the ground is at its peak. After breakfast and tea with the preparation team, you take the road to the takeoff site. Upon your arrival at the launch area, once the balloon is set up, it’s time for the briefing and the opening of the caps. After the balloon has been inflated, you are called to take place in the basket to jump for about an hour of flight. Above the dunes of Merzouga, you can contemplate the sunrise, admire the vastness of the Sahara desert and how the wind shapes the sand dunes of Merzouga sahara desert. Since there are some nearby Berber nomadic tents, you’ll probably have the chance to greet the inhabitants of these tents who after seeing the balloon evolving will go out to watch the flying machine go by. We also recommend taking gloves with you to protect your hands from the cold that can be quite strong, especially if you are riding in a basket with other people.

3.1. Choosing a Service Provider

When it comes to hot air balloon rides in the Merzouga desert, we pride ourselves on being the best and most expert local team in the area. While many providers advertise in similar locations, standing out from the crowd can be challenging based solely on available information. The most effective way to find the top experience is to seek advice from locals. If you’re already in Merzouga, we encourage you to consult hotel and riad managers; they have invaluable insights into which operators are currently the best. Furthermore, if you’ve arranged to stay in the desert, the nomad running the accommodation is likely involved in managing the balloon flights and can offer you personalized recommendations, possibly even directly facilitating your experience. If you’re still searching for a hotel in Merzouga, take the time to review feedback on hot air balloon experiences, paying attention to both positive and negative comments for an unbiased perspective. While it might be tempting to go with the most advertised companies, be cautious about how you are treated during the reservation process. Many companies claim to operate daily, but in reality, only one or two teams actually launch each day, particularly in optimal conditions: at dawn, from small dunes. If a company guarantees you a flight on your desired dates, be wary; they may only be telling you what you want to hear to secure your booking. Additionally, some companies offer sunset balloon rides, typically departing around 5:30 p.m. and returning one to two hours later. When choosing an operator, trust our expert local team for an unforgettable experience in the skies above Merzouga.

3.2. What to Expect

And so, the 5 am pick-up. As is often the case with these types of excursions, one is picked up even earlier than you might expect in order to start the whole procedure, then transfer to multiple people traveling to various destinations. At this hour, the world is still asleep and the glimmer of daylight was slowly starting to reveal the colors of the desert. The road turns from tarmac to compact dirt so we get out to load the pickup truck and transfer to the site. Five minutes away, we find two other trucks parked, passengers already waiting? What’s going on? Are there not enough balloons? Should we go back disappointed in our dreams? Of course not, the balloon is en route!

But the driver has a plan. Set up home base, prepare the breakfast, serve the guests and then take off by jeep to another traveling group and fetch them. How about that? We have a sweet breakfast on a picnic table set in the middle of nowhere with fabulous views over the horizon. In two shifts, we no longer have to eat empty but it’s not long before we look towards the horizon to see the hot air balloon silhouetted against the colors of the desert. But what delays us further? There is not much to break the spell, the balloon looks for a landing site and it is taking its time. One hour and here comes the return of the final touch. One flight, one hour but the total time was more than four hours.

Once we arrive at the takeoff site, we are rolled into blankets…to wait for the hot air balloon monster to arrive. What next? We have to get ready, we all go in together and there we are…the surrender to gravity a few kilometers away is totally worth it.

3.3. Safety Measures

Safety is always the priority. To ensure a good flight, these elements need to be checked every day:

1. Weather conditions: The weather forecast needs to fit the hot air balloon standards. If the temperature is too low, or too windy, too cloudy or the wind speed is more than a few knots at take off altitude, the lift off gets canceled. All these details need to be light, and we need to check everything in the morning. Wind conditions and temperature are changing drastically during the night. For that reason, it is necessary to be active early!

2. Structure of the envelope: check if the silk envelope structure is adapted to the weight of good and people. The envelope needs to be new or at least tested each year by an engineer if it is old at that time.

3. Structure of the basket: the basket structure, the chain between the basket and the hot air balloon envelope and the burner tubes function have also to be checked to be sure nothing is rotting under time.

4. Burner function and balloons: before the flight, the burner needs to get all techniques checked with a gas check and a function check on both burn, to know that it functions. And to finish, helium ballast is checked to know if it is low enough when you fly out in general for more than a few hours.

5. Safety in the air: to see kangaroos, camels, rocks…moreover our pilots are experimented in the hot air balloon, so you will be lucky to be the witness of marvelous landscapes where you can see the dunes of the desert and the mountain.

4. The Merzouga Hot Air Balloon Experience

The Merzouga hot air balloon ride experience is something you have to do in your life, especially if you visit the Sahara desert in Morocco. The experience you have while rising up is a unique moment, and it will be in your book of memories forever. It is magical to see the view expanding more and more as you rise up in the air with your loved ones. The nervous feelings and excitement during the launch process, the thrill and huge happiness while in the air flying, the smooth landing, have you waiting for a long time to do the experience. It is wonderful to see the colors of the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi changing as the sun rises, get to know the area better, and take amazing photos with your friends, tour mates, and pilot. You can observe nomads lifting up just like you. All the tranquility in the air. The birds flying. All those moments are the Merzouga hot air ballooning experience.

The Launch Process

You will get to see how the balloon is being inflated and the sound of the flame warming up the air. During the launch, many special moments and nervous feelings will be born. You will share the unique moment with young kids, nomads, tourists, and your friends. Finally, you will feel the moment to go up in the air together. The flight lasts about one hour but it will seem way less. You will go up to 2000ft to see the views, colors and light of the Sahara desert and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Then you will descend back down and go for a second landing. It will be the most special moment of your day and of your trip. The sand dunes will be slowly rising while you are in the air. The kids will be running around with all the excitement. Some tea will be waiting for you to celebrate.

Flight Duration and Altitude

After you are back down on the air balloon and relaxed, everyone is going to remember how wonderful this moment was. The ones you love the most will be at your side. You will be surrounded by a unique environment. It is something you need to do at least once in your life. Flying up in the cities is very then repeated. The view is not as amazing as the one from Merzouga hot air balloon, and rolled by big towers maybe. In Merzouga hot air balloon you will not see any other airplane but birds. You will not hear any noise apart from the noise the flame does. You will feel completely free and with no worries.

4.1. The Launch Process

The on-site briefing for your hot air balloon ride at Merzouga will depend on the time of year and the experiences of those present. Most likely though, those are going to be the best sunrises of your entire life. The process of actually launching the hot air balloon is done with a 4×4 and is also likely to involve one or more trips for the others. Here your role is mainly as a bystander taking photos of the process. If possible, you might want to arrive early to be present from the start and snap some photos of the heat inflation phase. No admission fee for curious onlookers of that show. If you are among the first to arrive, find a good spot.

When the balloon has been released, the ground personnel will start rolling away, which is the signal for the passengers to quickly board the basket. It is recommended that if you are among the last people to jump on, try to occupy the corners of the basket. As you go up in the sky, the weight distribution begins to matter more and more. You actually would hit your head on the top part of the basket during hard landings. It was somewhat of an unusual experience to ride side to side with the other passengers, as it gave the decision on how high up we were rotating to the wind. The hot air balloon is light and sways easily back and forth from side to side. If one of the sides encounters a stronger wind current, it will start steering towards that direction. Our balloon did not maintain a particular heading during the whole ride. The pilot slightly adjusted the rotation by changing your height, fighting the wind currents as best he could.

4.2. Flight Duration and Altitude

Typically, hot air balloon rides last about one hour. This is not the case for the Merzouga hot air balloon experience. In a beautiful contrast to our normal expectations, the flight lasts about eight hours! This figure is not a mistake. The reason for the long flight is because the wind speed in Merzouga is very low. Thus, the flight not only consists of ascending, watching the surrounding area, descending, and landing. In Merzouga, the balloon flies in one direction for about three hours before landing! The reason is not because we specifically want to go in one direction. Since the flight is sustained mostly by the wind after sending a balloon up, we sometimes change altitude to switch direction and achieve a specific goal. Note again this is the case in Merzouga only. In other places such as Marrakech and Agadir, balloons are required to descend and land without experiencing any horizontal speed. That is why the balloon ride in those places are only about less than one hour each.

Another aspect to consider is the altitude. Based on the experiences in other countries, people usually expect to be higher than 1200 meters at the altitude. This is different for balloons in Merzouga. This is because Merzouga is surrounded by the highest altitude mountains in Morocco. Thus, if we fly at the same altitude as in other countries, balloons in Merzouga would not be able to come back. To come back, the balloon has to fly horizontally. But unfortunately, the wind speed is very high at that altitude in Merzouga. Thus, the only way to come back would be to descend at a very steep angle, which is not preferable at all. Therefore, we normally fly at an altitude between 600 meters to 1000 meters in Merzouga.

4.3. Scenic Views and Photography

One of the greatest benefits of a hot air balloon ride in Merzouga is the sweeping, breathtaking views of both the Natural Dunes and unique holiday destination from the air, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sky and scenery are transformed with color. You have there also the opportunity to take pictures of your friends, family or loved ones holding on to a giant balloon just after take-off. At the top of the Hot Air Balloon you can take unique family pictures whilst at the launch field, your camera will also be able to capture the inflating process with a dozen balloons in all colors and forms!

Your pilot will also help you take amazing pictures once you fly over the Natural Dunes of Merzouga, as there is only one hot air balloon company servicing the region you will be able to capture a very unique destination from the air without other balloons or tourists! The Merzouga Natural Dunes are desert hills made of small and very fine particles – small transparent quartz grains which are grinded against each other. During the sunsets and sunrises, the atmosphere creates a magical surrounding over the dunes, coloring them and reflecting the sunlight and shadows. These famous dunes reach a height of 160m and stretch for over a hundred kilometers across North Africa. It is the no.1 holiday destination within the Saharan deserts and just a few meters away from the small town of Merzouga, which is completely set up for tourism. From the balloon, you will see amazing land in 3D; ridges, valleys, plateaus and brilliant colors – a photographer’s dream.

Your pilot will be within a few kilometers of your landing zone, ready to greet you with some refreshments and take you back to your hotel once you are ready.

5. Post-Flight Activities

Experiencing the incredible and overwhelming hot air balloon flight filled with excitement. After safely returning to earth, travelers can linger soaking in the view and making the most of this unique experience. Seeing the world from a different perspective while talking with people and remembering moments of a unique experience is just as important as the flight itself.

5.1. Celebration and Traditions Making a hot air balloon flight means celebrating another anniversary, but also what makes that celebration? After traveling at dawn, all travelers are invited to have the traditional breakfast, in the company of their loved ones, celebrating the friendship you created with people from different countries as yourself, sharing special moments. Once breakfast is done, it is time to celebrate with a ceremony of a toast for all passengers and the team.

5.2. Exploring the Desert The iconic majesty of the Sahara Desert is one of those scenes that you can only see in some movies or documentaries. For that reason, exploring the desert (if you did not get enough) is a mission after the hot air balloon flight. Our team is able to organize the exploration that you wish, for you to enjoy this special place and spend as much time as possible. Riding a camel and discovering the beautiful dunes is something magical that will stay in your memory and in your camera forever. Enjoying the sunset from the height of a dune will make you think that all those years, you’ve wasted not knowing this place.

5.3. Local Cuisine and Dining Options After the flight, a culinary experience is the best option to celebrate and to recharge energies. We serve pans of succulent traditional cuisine, hot couscous and tagine. With the strong smell of the spices, while they’re being prepared, as well as the delicious flavors of the traditional dishes, it will make everyone feel at home. Dinner will be the perfect closing ceremony to this incredible experience.

5.1. Celebration and Traditions

Celebration plays an important role in Morocco’s culture. The very first celebration is the traditional Berber welcome. In fact, Riads in almost every city across Morocco welcome travelers with mint tea and Moroccan pastries. The Berber welcome in the desert includes offering tea and camel milk. Then, the air balloon flyer can assist in packing the balloon, which is one of the most important ceremonies in the experience. Why pack and hover the balloon if it is possible to deflate and leave? A balloon is not only an instrument that allows those who fly in it to be airborne. It is also one of the photos’ purposes. The balloon is a big cat, and all the people around it are its kittens. Imagine taking a picture with the balloon without it being packed on the ground. Everyone would like it. That is why packing the balloon gives an exceptional view in itself that no one wants to miss, nor the evening richest view of the whole experience.

Through the work, you will see photos representing the pre-flight ceremony inside the balloon, but the special and unmissable ceremony is the post-flight; both ceremonies can be fulfilled, though. Also, Berbers celebrate weddings, the achievement of an objectif by a group, and various other types of celebrations, making the hot air balloon ride a true Moroccan experience. Making celebrations airborne is special, helping people to overcome what is difficult and share with their friends or family the desires of their hearts is something hot air ballooning does. It is also therefore a part of Morocco’s culture.

5.2. Exploring the Desert

After descending from the skies and safely landing back on the ground, you may seek to continue exploring the surrounding environment, possibly hoping to go further and deeper into the desert. Luckily, there are many ways to do so. However, before you actually act upon your desire to explore, you may want to consider talking about your plans with the ballooning company if you’ve booked your activity with them. This is because they may provide you with packages that allow you to combine your ballooning experience with other activities that you may wish to partake in, such as a local meal or a cultural excursion. Usually, after the hot air ballooning, companies will arrange jeep, quad, or buggy tours, camel rides, or even various trekking activities. In case you are looking for a more adventurous and intense ride, you may prefer to take the wheel and embark upon a thrilling quad ride. Now, if you are not so uneasy with walking and wish to immerse yourself in the desert’s virginity and serenity, you would enjoy trekking. Guided by an experienced Berber, this option will allow you to discover the depths of the desert dunes and cool down by the mesmerizing lakes. Furthermore, if you want to get it all, you could take a combination ride which is typically riding a camel for the first part of the journey as the sun rises, and when it gets better for faster-paced vehicles, take a jeep back to the starting camp. This combo activity blends the desert experience as you spend some time living the nomadic lifestyle, and it turns out informative since the ride with the Berber guide takes you through the wild life and natural wonders not visible from a high aerial view. Or you may choose to take the camelback ride to discover the next village and refresh with tea at your host Berber’s tent.

5.3. Local Cuisine and Dining Options

If you have traveled all the way to the Sahara, tasting their local cuisine is a highlight not to be missed. The surrounding areas of Merzouga have a variety of restaurants, which offer Moroccan cuisine including famous tagines and couscous. You can even taste Berber Pizza, a dish that is quite different than the usual pizza!

The best restaurant in the area for great taste and service gives you so many options and variations to try, including vegetarian, vegan, chicken, lamb, beef, fish, and even camel! Most places have you pay with cash, so just be sure to bring some euros with you. It can be hard to find an ATM in the area. Or you can book your entire trip including a meal within the tour.

Hot air ballooning is not the only thing to do in the Sahara; there’s plenty of outdoor activities including ATV quad biking, bugging boarding, camel trekking, and hiking. Wander around and talk to the Berber tribes. Take a trip around the oasis for some fun – riding a mule for example, or take a Moroccan cooking class. After a long day of exploring, relax and settle down in the evening while enjoying traditional Berber music around the campfire.

Tasting the local cuisine and food is part of any cultural exploration. When traveling to Morocco, you must try their national dishes! Be sure to come to Merzouga hot air ballooning and get a chance to experience some of the amazing activities Merzouga has to offer.

6. Environmental Impact of Hot Air Ballooning in merzouga sahara desert

Not every visitor is aware that hot air ballooning also has an environmental impact. Although it’s difficult to avoid a flight in one of these floating baskets, we should know that the burnt propane gas evaporated after taking off and during the entire flight contributes to global warming. Steps have been taken to limit the environmental impact. With a sensitive eco-concept, it’s been decided to offer hot air balloon flights only from October to March when the number of tourists is limited.

Flights also wouldn’t happen with certain wind conditions, which have been taken into account all along. Lastly, there is a limit on the number of flights per day. The hot air balloon experience really is magical, overcome a life-long fear of flying, and it’s your chance to see the desert from a unique angle. Are you looking for another idea to reduce your impact on Nature during your stay in the desert? Add eco-responsibility in every act, starting from the little things like switching off the air conditioning of your hotel room. There’s no need to focus solely on hot air ballooning to discover the Saharan desert; there are also magnificent trekking tours available. Set off with a camel on an adventure to sleep in a desert camp, then hike to admire the sunrise. This experience is a summary of relaxation while also respecting Nature’s magic.

Local conservation groups have also focused on this desert impact with animals. It’s mainly their noise which can be harmful to local wildlife. The area is both famous for a great variety of migratory birds but also for a semi-nomadic population which raises livestock. It is mainly wild boars, raptors, deer, migratory birds, but also local animals which can be disturbed during flights. To limit disturbance, it’s important to follow a predefined flight plan. In comparison, an average hot air balloon flight lasts between 45 and 60 minutes depending on wind conditions. Local desert animals are already disturbed by propellers of local tours, especially for camel treks and buggy tours. These activities have increasing demand every year without being regulated. According to conservationists, hot air ballooning does not disturb the area so much in comparison with these activities.

6.1. Sustainability Practices

Hot air ballooning is a relatively sustainable aerial tourism activity in the Merzouga region, both in terms of social relations with the workers and in economic impact on the area and its inhabitants. The owners of the local hot air balloon companies are Saharan Berber and they are the only ones who carry out these activities. Almost all of them are originally from the area, although in some cases they have emigrated to urban areas of Morocco and have returned to their origins to take up the family business. This generates permanence in local socio-cultural relations, and none of the workers in hot air balloon companies are exploited. On the contrary, it incorporates technical and operational knowledge of the activity, at a high standard and at the service of visitors, who are the ones who enjoy the travel experience in conditions of safety and quality.

This service generates a significant income for the family, since the price of the ascents is not cheap and a large group of tourists often take off at the same time. This income directly benefits the family of the balloon pilot and the sales manager, in addition to the taxi drivers who take the tourists in small groups from their hotel to the site of the take-off. These families use this income to equip their home with amenities and improve the education of their children, who will obtain a better level of training than their parents. For all these reasons, it seems inevitable that the seasons in which it is possible to fly a hot air balloon for business purposes will soon attract more and more companies and tourists who travel to Merzouga to carry out these activities.

6.2. Impact on Local Wildlife

When you are planning a hot air balloon ride for the first time, you rarely consider the fact that wildlife in your chosen area could be affected by your visit. It’s something that you just don’t really think about. The thing is that, just like on the ground, ballooning up above does indeed impact the local wildlife. Noise pollution, increased traffic, and fires are just some of the examples of bad things that are associated with hot air balloon rides. It is no secret that the remote region, where desert hot air balloon rides take place, is less explored than other areas. Its location and wilderness are part of the attraction. However, this area is also home to some unique wildlife that you might not find elsewhere. In an area known for engendering the last wild population of the Saharan addax antelope, which is already facing extinction in the wild, and an entire ecosystem connected to the dried-up lakes, flying hot air balloons over the desert isn’t the best addition to the list of disturbances that this population, both fauna and flora, need to cope with. There are also plenty of endangered flora and fauna species near the coast. Therefore, hot air balloon rides in these regions can create noise pollution that disturbs these increasingly busy ecosystems.

7. Personal Experiences and Testimonials

A Hot Air Balloon Adventure Company will take you on a dreamlike adventure in the skies of Erg Chebbi where a magical sunrise fills the desert panorama with dazzling colors. A hot air balloon ride is a perfect way to introduce nature lovers to the splendor of the Moroccan sand dunes. With sunrises at more than 4000 feet above sea level, you can discover the breathtaking variety in colors and landscapes showing the majestic golden sand dunes surrounded by the grandeur of the high Atlas mountains. Whatever the joys and pleasures of the trek and the travel down below, the hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable experience, to be, if possible, repeated, again and again.

Traveling is one of the most beautiful and enriching experiences that you can do during your life! It makes you discover incredible landscapes, meet wonderful people, discover different cultures, etc. During your travels, we all search one thing particular, the pleasure to live unforgettable things! Living unique experiences or discover unusual activities is what makes a trip memorable and who does not have at least one anecdote to tell about his travels and adventures? Due to the fact that travel is a rewarding experience, we have undertaken to collect travelers’ testimonials in order to help others to find unusual activities and share advice to make the most of their trips. This is a special series of interviews from travelers who went to incredible places, who lived unique experiences or who discovered unusual activities. They came back enthusiast and offer you to share these moments and their tips to help you to organize your future trip or to make you dream!

In this article, we wanted to share the experience of Mohcine. A Moroccan traveler, Mohcine organizes unusual activities during your trip to Morocco. Indeed, he proposes you to visit the Erg Chebbi sand dunes by hot air balloon and camel caravan. He also offers you the possibility to sleep in a camp in the desert. To know more about this unique activity in Morocco, we let you discover this interview!

7.1. Interviews with Participants

While academic literature is important for assessing and understanding the value of the Merzouga hot air balloon experience, it reflects a biased view of this phenomenon. A purely aerial view, including both the international tourists who traveled to the popular tourist destination of Merzouga to enjoy the lottery of colored balloons flying high in the Sahara Desert and the local community, and especially the small ballooning company at the destination would create a much more mirrored view of the destination’s niche tourism offer. It is the tourists who reflect the experience of being naturalists in a Balinese-type holiday. Similarly, it is the locals who profit from the fabric of attractiveness being woven and who offer it for sale. The tourist may take the star position for a short while, but successive seasons of tourist prospects are focused more on keeping the potential visitor comfortable than in taking individual responsibility.

This part was obtained by interviewing both participants and locals; noting their responses to several questions on tape; and summarizing, translating, and interpreting the messages proffered. The original idea for the topic originated in the results of a qualitative analysis of the hot air balloon experience as narrated by international tourists who had flown together in a large group over the sunny golden Sahara Desert. Similar, but shorter studies done during the past decade are either in the form of dissertation texts or in academic journal format. From this background, the present investigations decided to put more focus on Moroccan, Berber, Arab, and Saharan Amazigh residents, especially the Afourar family who were born and lived a long way south of the hot air balloon center, in the village of Merzouga, who helped us arrange ballooning tours, and who organized the meals in the tents nearby. For that purpose, they invited guests on behalf of the ballooning company, based at the airport near the village.

7.2. Photographic Journeys

Depending on your perspective — for the floaters in the balloons, for the drivers on the desert road, and for the hotels, souvenir shops, camel trekkers, ride providers, and tour companies — the balloons hovering over Merzouga can seem like joyous maybe colorful birds, colorful mothers of clouds, or dizzying flashes in an otherwise empty horizon. For the observed, a hot air balloon ride sprinkled with some absent-minded praying while contemplating the beauty below is definitely an inspiring experience. I attempted to document this carousel of life as a witness, straddling the dividing line. From the desert floor the balloons seem so cheerfully unimposing, yet so incongruous rising like giant skies-attracting flowers of myth, animals of the Asari spirits, or mantis, or flashing geckos. Suddenly they are here, suddenly they are gone, shining and dazzling in the sunlight, tinted pinkish-orange by the rising sun. The photo with the riders pointing at the camera below my balloon shows how jubilant they feel. A hot air balloon flight in morning and evening light offers opportunities for strikingly colorful shots of landscapes framed by contrasting colors and textures, or set alight from behind, or fast- and slow-moving colorful birds crossing the Cape. Color is right for sparking emotions. Little wonder that hot air balloon photographs are so popular. I came back with thousands of photographs. Capturing the great moments is a way of appreciating your fate. But a photograph can’t replace the original experience — reminiscing about a sunset is not a substitute for actually seeing it.

8. Comparative Analysis of Hot Air Ballooning Locations

Hot air ballooning, an age-old mode of aviation, offers a sway of subjective experience. Cruising over quaint villages or surfacing above a dark blue ocean of trees and chitons through thick fog entangles an ethereal essence. Ballooning, without being swift and racy, presents a leisurely flight for that emotional bagging; flawless sunrise or sunset, rivulet-like river or road, sky meeting distant mountains, and the whole landscape dimming into the distance. Hot air balloons are common in some tourist paradises. If you are in one of them for some other landscape, try taking off at least once in the duration. Though most famous for sunrise takeoffs, pilots may elope as and when conditions are come across while the unruly winds may undecidedly recover all the craggy mountains during winter noons.

The following description presents about hot air ballooning, if you desire to undergo the gentle flight again. Ballooning in Morocco has gained fame with different locations – Roses Valley, Agadir, Tinghir Oasis, Pachmina and Marrakeh offering no compeers in design. Roses Valley bags the flower view in season while Agadir has beaches. Waziri Dads-Ocean is renowned for its prehistoric drawings, cavity antics, tinkling birds, goat-tailling trees, and breathtaking scenery. The interesting desert and oases, rock layers, sand dunes, mountains, villages, and lifestyles – Berber and Jewish present a difference in choice to the tourists doing hot air ballooning in Morocco. Merzouga, however, is different and unique.

8.1. Morocco Hot Air Balloon Destinations(Roses Valley, Agadir, Tinghir Oasis, Marrakech

It has become increasingly appealing to experience the thrill of hot air ballooning in Morocco since adventure seekers saw the first hot air balloons float, in unison with the morning sun, over the valleys of the Atlas Mountains. Its picturesque views from the sky whilst floating atop the undulating terrain dotted with expansive orchards and traditional Berber hamlets framed by the mysteries of the ancient mountains create sublime moments that link mountains and sky. Morocco has some hot air ballooning locations worth the special trip that include Roses Valley, Agadir, Tinghir corridor, and Marrakech. The first area is located near Mile Berreguette, famous for fresh air and panoramic views. Balloon riding in Agadir may begin from an outlying town or from an oasis surrounded by palm groves. This ride for up to 12 people can last for around 40 minutes and include an attendance of coffee and tea early, a briefing, and group picture taking. The Tinghir oasis located northeast of the High Atlas, is a vast and ancient ensemble of palm groves interspersed with fields of fruit and vegetables. The last and most famous area, Marrakech, has launched the activity on the international adventure tourism stage and prices and services tend to be higher. It is enormously popular now whilst offering sunrise flights only.

8.2. Unique Features of Merzouga

In contrast to all other air balloon trip locations in Morocco, this place is without any form of tourism infrastructure associated with an air balloon activity, be it affiliated companies, money changers, hotels, or guesthouses. Instead, Merzouga is simply a small and quiet village next to the sand dunes. Hot air ballooning is conducted on privately rented land, approximately a 15-20-minute walk from the village center. Before taking off, you need to speak to camel herders and request them to leave your path. After takeoff from the uneven piece of land, you are immediately above the village and the sand dunes. The experience is complemented by the unique landscape, the quietness as you float across the sky, and the smoothness of the ride itself.

The distinctive air balloon trip experience over Merzouga derives from several unique features associated with this location. First, it is not possible to fly in other Moroccan locations such as near Marrakech or in Dades Valley and look at hot air balloons and the sunrise from the dunes. Second, during the trip over Merzouga at low altitude over the village and the dunes, you are above the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, the highest sand dunes in Morocco at approximately 250 meters. Other hot air balloon operations in Morocco are conducted in areas with quiet elevations or rocky mountains in the background. Third, while you may well see other parties doing air balloon rides in the same airspace, the area is relatively quiet compared to those in Marrakech.

9. Future of Hot Air Ballooning in Merzouga

To get a perspective for the future of hot air ballooning in Merzouga, it is necessary to first take a look at where tourism is heading in Morocco and, more specifically, in the Sahara. What do tourists that have not yet discovered Morocco want? Based on the experience I have found in the last couple of years, the answer is certainly: unique, authentic, and local experiences. Tours or suggestions that can be found in nearly every travel agency throughout Europe will no longer be valued. The beach at Agadir, the imperial cities or even the south, with its kasbahs or the dunes of Erg Chebbi have been discovered by thousands of tourists every year. Captured and filmed from above, the famous snake made up by busses overfilled with tourists along the beaches, get stuck there and wait until every peasant from the hut next to the street passes by and offers the latest products from his family handicraft industry.

Travel to Morocco will be no longer mass tourism, but will rather turn out to be a re-discovery of a country with many kind people that offer their experiences and their hospitality. Tourists will not want to mingle with the crowds but appreciate a more quiet, private atmosphere. The result will be an increase in capacity but a decrease in the number of guests being able to afford a special experience. Ballooning, the answer is ballooning. The most ancient and about the same time at the most modern way of crossing and contemplating the vastness of the Sahara. Space travel experienced on earth for the first time. Combined with the best that Moroccan hospitality has to offer, you will never forget this day for the rest of your life. Would you like to combine all of your native country’s experience in under and over fifty kilometers in a day? Well, neither do I, so we might as well agree to disagree.

9.1. Trends in Tourism

Major trends that will drive the future of hot air ballooning in Morocco include a growing penchant for authentic experiences, a desire for products that can be tailored to individual needs, and an increasing demand for relaxing and rejuvenating holidays. Trends such as wellness tourism and a maturing desire of consumers from the West for authentic experiences dovetail. They also coincide with a development in Morocco towards freedom and tolerance as life becomes firmly entrenched as a function of a consumer society. This side of Morocco provides fertile ground for hot air ballooning. It gives tourists something they cannot find at home – an insight into a life that is lived in stark contrast to their own. Ballooning over Merzouga allows the tourist to be alone, apart but still a part of this fast moving landscape. It may also be a truly memorable experience that allows the tourist to obtain a new perspective on life, the Berbers, and the desert.

As the excitement surrounding ballooning disperses, and as more operators become established, particularly in heat balloon tourist regions such as Merzouga, the atmosphere will not be one of exhilaration but of serenity. The Berbers have developed a fairly static way of life which becomes a continual shifting backdrop to the tourist’s experience. Ballooning in Merzouga, and Morocco in general, can evolve to the point where “excitement, delight, astonishment, joy, bliss, peace” becomes not the unique experience of a select few but the synergy of all hot air ballooning activities in Merzouga.

Once ballooning in Merzouga has developed to achieve the above aggregation of experiences, paraponting and helicoptering can be seen as optional add-ons, or merely different ways of viewing the desert landscape. Ballooning will be but one player in the experiences available. However it is only by allowing a long lead time, concentrating on the burning of the balloon, and being open about the process, that ballooning will evolve into this leisurely method of movement through the desert sky.

9.2. Potential Developments

Tourism development in Merzouga is likely to continue in the future. Adding services such as hot air balloon rides not only meets the wishes of international tourists to enjoy Merzouga from above but also allows local people and small business owners to obtain capital at minimal ecological risk in an area that could be considered economically disadvantaged. Considerable tourism developments in desert regions could result in ecological risks. Services such as hot air ballooning allow for the development of a tourism industry while keeping the ecological process of these regions relatively undisturbed.

The primary attraction when flying over Merzouga is the vast expanse of sand dunes located just south of the village and the way these change under the effect of light. Tours generally last between half an hour to an hour, and the general lack of wind offers the best conditions possible, allowing the flight to remain smooth and at low speed. If we want something more unique and are in Merzouga during the late spring or winter with rainy season on the other side of the mountain, we could search for the right day of wind flow to witness the wonders of tumbling sand dunes after the rains from above. Hot-air ballooning has a lot of potential; this could even be extended for days at a time with sunrise flights, which would offer even greater experiences.

Tourism in Merzouga over the next few years should continue to grow. The addition of hot air balloon rides would only serve to boost tourism further while not competing with the already high levels of traditional adventure tourism in the region. Ballooning tours are possible with minimal ecological damage to the area.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, hot air ballooning in Merzouga is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Sahara Desert from a unique perspective. With the choice of sunrise or sunset flights, guests can enjoy the stunning scenery while being amazed by the manipulation of the balloon, the grandeur of the desert, and the peacefulness of the surroundings. The gentle drift of the hot air balloon makes it easy to take in the immensity, tranquility, and splendor that is characteristic of the Saharan landscapes. Balloon rides are ideal for adventurers, lovers of nature, and those looking for a romantic or special event. Depending on the season, the flights take place in the early morning around sunrise or before sunset.

The hot air balloon activity has become an unusual and highly sought activity, perfect for relaxing and slowing down while the balloon glides through the immensity, floats over the dunes and watches the shadows created by the light of the first sun rays. We hope this experience will help you plan your dream vacation. Join us for this journey on the hot air balloon and take home with you a unique perspective of the Sahara Desert. We will do it with all the care, delicate and loving that deserves the most incredible of the Moroccan Sahara. We hope to create, along with your help, flying and embarking on this adventure, memories that remain stored f