Ask people who have been to Egypt for the moment they remember most, and many will say the balloon over Luxor. You rise in the half-light, the Nile turns silver, and the temples and tombs of the West Bank appear below you as the sun comes up over the desert hills. Here is what the morning actually involves.
The very early start
Balloons fly at sunrise, when the air is calmest. That means a pickup from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise boat well before dawn, often around four or five in the morning depending on the season. Most operators take you across the Nile by boat, sometimes with tea and a light breakfast, then on to the launch field on the West Bank.
Watching the balloons fill
At the field, dozens of balloons are laid out on the ground and filled with air, then heated with roaring burners. It is a spectacle in itself, and a good moment for photos. When yours is ready, you climb into the basket, which is divided into compartments with a few passengers in each.
The flight
Flights usually last around forty-five minutes to an hour, though the pilot decides on the day based on the wind. From above you can see:
- the Valley of the Kings and the hills that hide the royal tombs
- the Temple of Hatshepsut, set against its cliff
- the Colossi of Memnon and the farms and villages of the West Bank
- the Nile and, on clear mornings, Luxor and Karnak on the far bank
It is quiet between bursts of the burner, and the motion is so gentle that most people who fear heights find it easier than they expected.
The landing
Landings are usually soft, but they can involve a bump or a short drag along the ground. Before you land, the pilot shows everyone the landing position — knees bent, holding on, back against the basket wall. Listen carefully and it is simply part of the fun.
Safety and weather
- Flights depend entirely on the weather. If the wind is too strong, flights are cancelled or delayed for everyone, and good operators will rebook or refund you.
- Choose an experienced, well-reviewed operator and read recent reviews about the pilots and the organisation on the day.
- Age limits for children vary between operators; check before booking.
- If you are pregnant or have serious back or heart problems, ask your doctor first.
Tips for the best morning
- Bring a light jacket. Desert mornings can be cold, especially in winter, even if the day will be hot.
- Wear closed, comfortable shoes for the landing field.
- Charge your phone or camera the night before — the light at sunrise is extraordinary.
- Plan the West Bank afterwards. You are already there early, before the crowds and the heat.
Book your sunrise flight
Compare the best-rated hot-air balloon rides in Luxor, with real traveller reviews. Staying on the Red Sea? Some Luxor trips from Hurghada include an overnight stay and the balloon.
