Discovering ancient Thebes by hot air balloon: practical tips for a successful flight!
Dreaming of a hot air balloon excursion over Luxor? Excellent idea! This unique activity offers breathtaking views of ancient Thebes and its numerous archaeological sites.
Dreaming of a hot air balloon excursion over Luxor? Excellent idea! This unique activity offers breathtaking views of ancient Thebes and its numerous archaeological sites. But before you take to the skies, discover how to book your hot air balloon escape in Égypte – and all the precautions to take for a successful flight!
How to book your hot air balloon flight in Luxor?
Where and how?
To book a hot air balloon flight over Luxor, you can purchase a ticket online (on a dedicated website) or contact a local English-speaking agency. Note that the second option is more interesting, as agencies typically include several services with your ticket purchase.
● Transportation to the departure point: most takeoffs occur from the west bank of the Nile. The agency handles transfers from your accommodation (Nile cruise or hotel) to the launch site.
● Refreshments (breakfast, tea, biscuits, etc.)
● Return transportation to your accommodation
When?
It is strongly recommended to schedule your hot air balloon flight early in your stay. Why? Takeoffs depend on weather conditions: if conditions are poor, your flight may be postponed… several days later! It's wise to leave yourself a small buffer in case of bad weather.
If you cannot complete your flight due to persistent poor weather before the end of your stay, a refund is possible.
What is the price for an hour of hot air ballooning?
The average price for a hot air balloon flight over Luxor is €80 per person (from age 11) and €70 per child (ages 6-10). The flight duration is 45 minutes – for a total excursion duration of approximately 3 hours (see detailed schedule below).
The more services included with the flight, the higher the price. For example, it's possible to find flights combined with a full day visiting the main archaeological sites. In this case, a package might cost around €150 – and could end up being less expensive than buying each ticket separately.
To note If you'd like a custom trip – for a wedding, unforgettable honeymoon, cruise, or any other special event – don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your plans. Together, we'll create a tailor-made itinerary! |
How does a hot air balloon flight in Égypte unfold?
1. Excursion schedule
1 - Hotel pickup
The first thing to know is that hot air balloon flights in Égypte are scheduled very early – around 5 in the morning. This allows you to enjoy clear views and, above all, avoid the intense heat.
Pickup from your accommodation will therefore be around 4:00-4:30 a.m. by a driver... One tip? Be on time, as it's essential to take off before sunrise!
2 - Balloon inflation
This stage of the excursion marks the beginning of the experience. Indeed, about ten people are needed to inflate the balloon! As the very first light of day appears, the hot air balloon is ready for departure…
3 - Takeoff
Once the balloon is inflated – and after a safety briefing – participants are invited to enter the basket for an imminent departure. A hot air balloon can accommodate about twenty people – including at least two crew members: the pilot and his assistant.
At the moment of takeoff, passengers are asked to crouch in their compartment. The pilot then requests takeoff permission from Luxor airport (which controls all departures). Once permission is granted via walkie-talkie, the hot air balloon begins to gain altitude for an unforgettable tour above an open-air museum…
4 - Flight over Luxor and surroundings
● The Valley of the Kings and Queens: viewed from the sky, this Égypte necropolis offers exceptional panoramic views and allows you to admire, as a whole, its dozens of tombs carved into the rock.
● Sugarcane plantations (located between the ancient sites of the Nile and Thebes)
● The Luxor Temple (or Amon Temple): its impressive proportions (260 m long and 50 m high) reveal their grandeur in panoramic view.
● The Colossi of Memnon: similarly, the two statues of this twin monument (18 meters high!) offer an exceptional view of these vestiges from the 18th century.
● The Karnak Temple : UNESCO-listed, this edifice is known worldwide for its Avenue of Sphinxes…
● The Hatshepsut and Ramesseum Temples: both located on the west bank of the Nile, these monuments display their full grandeur during a hot air balloon flight.
5 - Landing and return
After a smooth landing, return to your accommodation.
2. Tips for a successful flight
● Protect yourself well: even though the flight is scheduled early, the first rays of sunlight may require sunglasses. If you're sensitive to UV rays, also remember to apply some sunscreen before departure.
● Dress appropriately: for optimal comfort, dress and wear appropriate footwear – it may be a bit cool at the beginning of the flight.
● Bring a small bag: large bags are not permitted on a hot air balloon, so take only what you need for your flight.
● Secure your devices: a hot air balloon flight is an opportunity to take beautiful photos. Make sure to secure your camera or smartphone (remember to bring neck straps)
Good to know Pregnant women, people with heart conditions, and children under 6 years old cannot board a hot air balloon for safety reasons. |
Frequently asked questions
The flight itself lasts about 45 minutes. Including transportation from your accommodation, balloon inflation, and return, the total excursion duration is approximately 3 hours.
The average price is around €80 per person from age 11, and €70 for children ages 6-10. Packages including visits to archaeological sites are available for around €150.
Flights are scheduled very early in the morning, with pickup around 4:00-4:30 a.m. for takeoff before sunrise, around 5 a.m. This allows for optimal visibility and helps avoid the intense heat.
For safety reasons, pregnant women, people with heart problems, and children under 6 years old are not permitted to board a hot air balloon.
If weather conditions do not permit the flight, the excursion is postponed. If the flight cannot be completed before the end of your stay, a refund is possible. It is therefore advisable to book the flight early in your stay to have sufficient buffer time.
From the basket, you can admire the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Luxor Temple (or Amon Temple), the Colossi of Memnon, the Karnak Temple, the Hatshepsut and Ramesseum Temples, as well as the sugarcane plantations that extend between these ancient sites.
