What to wear for a hot air balloon ride in Marrakech?

Why dress in layers?

Because the temperature changes a lot in a few hours: the outing starts in the dark, in countryside that is cooler than the city, and ends mid-morning in the sun.The right approach is to layer: a T-shirt, a jumper or fleece, then a windproof jacket.Layering is the first rule of what to wear for a hot air balloon ride.Morning temperatures by month are covered in our guide to the best time to fly.

You can take a layer off after landing, during breakfast.In flight you feel the heat of the burners above your head from time to time, but it is not enough to warm you up on cold mornings.

What to wear for a hot air balloon ride in each season?

In winter, from December to February, mornings can be close to freezing: bring a warm coat, a beanie and possibly gloves.In spring and autumn, a fleece and a light jacket are usually enough.For children, our tips are in the guide to flying with kids.

In summer, a light jumper is often handy while waiting for take-off, even though the day will be very hot.Bring sun protection for the end of the morning.

Which shoes should you wear?

Closed, comfortable shoes.Take-off and landing happen in fields, on ground that can be dusty, stony or wet with dew.You also have to climb over the basket wall to get in and out.Shoes are the most important part of what to wear for a hot air balloon ride.

Trainers or closed walking shoes are ideal.Avoid sandals, flip-flops and heels, which are impractical and unsafe in the basket.

Which accessories should you bring?

A well-fitting cap or hat protects your head from the radiant heat of the burners, right above the passengers.Sunglasses are welcome at sunrise, when the sun is low on the horizon.A cap and sunglasses complete what to wear for a hot air balloon ride.The rest of the morning is described in our first flight guide.

For photos, keep your phone or camera attached with a wrist strap: people naturally lean over the edge of the basket, and anything dropped is gone for good.A small, light backpack is better than a large, bulky bag.

What should you avoid wearing?

Very loose clothing and long scarves that flap around are best avoided near the burners.Thin synthetic fabrics are also less comfortable close to the heat than cotton or wool.In short, what to wear for a hot air balloon ride should be simple, practical and close-fitting.

Leave fragile or bulky items you will not need at the hotel.There is little room in the basket, and you stand for the whole flight.

What should you wear for the quad and camel ride?

If your day includes a quad or dromedary ride in the Agafay desert, bring a scarf against the dust, trousers that cover your legs and sunglasses.These packages are detailed on the balloon, quad, camel and dinner page.