Ballooning Over the Desert

(February 2023)

I have always wanted to go up in a hot-air balloon. This seems strange for the kid who made them stop the Ferris Wheel at Kiddie Land, because she was too frightened to go through with it. I have evolved, but only to a point. I did ride The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel with the grandkids last summer. However, I still don’t ride rollercoasters, skydive, or get too close to the window in a skyscraper. You’ll never find me on the glass floor skydeck at The Willis Tower. But balloons, yeah, there’s just something about balloons. And maybe something about being far from home in a foreign country that brings out my reckless streak. I have snorkeled in Mexico, walked over a gorge in Spain on a suspension bridge, and climbed countless narrow bell towers while traveling.

Viator Tours has a Hot-Air Adventure Tour from Marrakesh, which includes a traditional Berber breakfast and a camel ride. After a trip to Bryce Canyon in 2019, Bill announced, ” No more horses, no more mules.” So I had to ask, ” How do you feel about camels?”

Meeting our tour meant an early alarm and departing in the dark. Once again, Aman escorted us to the parking lot and talked to the driver. We were a group of eight in the van. There was some confusion on our part as to whether we were with the right tour. Attendance taking was pretty lax and we were never asked to show our ticket. But it seemed we were all headed for a balloon ride, so that was good enough. The drive there was actually scarier than the balloon ride. Our driver was going very fast on the highway and when we went off -road, things got pretty bumpy. We arrived at the compound in the dark. There was a huge tent, bathrooms, hot coffee, tea and croissants to enjoy while we watched the crew prepare the balloons. There were three huge balloons in our compound. Later, we would realize that this was one of many balloon launching sites in the area.

At first light, they began filling the balloons one at a time. They lay on their sides; once filled, the crew rights the gondolas. Once they were prepared, we were signaled to line up to get in a gondola. Twenty people fit in each gondola. You have to climb over the side to get in and it is no small feat, because the gondola walls are pretty high.

(Double click on photos for larger view)

When our gondola was filled and our weight properly distributed, the captain fired up the “engine”, the crew cut the ropes, and we began to rise. It is a gentle rise and so quiet that it wasn’t scary at all. The sensation of floating 1500 meters above the Moroccan dessert is amazing! The sky was filled with balloons as the sun rose over the Atlas mountains. There was some friendly conversation and photo taking in the gondola; but there were also long minutes of silence as we all contemplated the beauty of the experience. We floated peacefully for a good hour.

Gradually, we began our descent. We floated over abandoned compounds, small villages, and luxury villas. We could see a caravan of balloon crews following our path. The captain announced, “When we get closer to landing, we will all face one direction, bend our knees and hold on with both hands.” Only then did I consider that the biggest challenge lay ahead: a safe landing. Our captain then told us to take our landing posture and without delay, he “stuck” the landing. The crew ran over and held down the gondola, and began removing passengers a few at a time. Bill and I were among the first. Once on the ground, I looked up and noticed that the balloon was rising again, taking the crew members with it. They were hanging on to the outside as it went air born. I have to say, I was relieved to be out of the gondola. It didn’t take long for it to land again, this time for good, and everyone exited safely.

Now, it was time for breakfast. Moroccan breakfast is a carbohydrate heavy feast. There are always at least two kinds of bread and two kinds of pancakes, along with donuts, coffee and tea. Usually, an egg is offered, and often fresh fruit.

After breakfast, we were headed to the camel compound. Bill had not yet decided if he was riding. When we got there, one group was departing and another arriving. Things looked pretty tame. The camels were tethered together and they get down low to the ground for people to mount and dismount. Truthfully, that didn’t look very comfortable for the camel. The guide assured me that the animals are well-treated and only work mornings. The next thing I knew, Bill was aboard the lead camel! The ride was only about twenty minutes, which was probably just enough. To dismount, you have to lean back, way back. There is a brief moment that feels like you might get thrown, and then the camel is down and you climb off.

After our camel ride, we had an uneventful ride home. Another bucket list item accomplished!

NEXT: Join me as we take a train to Fez.