Book carefully, ours didn’t even happen!
There are many, many tour operators offering the balloon rides at different prices from £45- £100+ and it’s all much of muchness. We paid around £90 pp for a ride that should be 30 mins over the Valley of the Kings.
We booked a private sunrise balloon ride pickup at 4am.
The tour leader made contact the evening before to inform us pick up was at 6am which meant we would miss the sunrise. He said there was too much wind and hence a later time was fixed. Interesting how he knew that the night before.
The next morning, hotel staff told us balloons were going up at 5am as you could see them from our hotel.
They all use the same travel mode - unless yours is a private one from the hotel. We were in a private bus and picked up from 7 different hotels. This wasted about an hour. We took a short boat ride across the Nile. Some tea bags were on the table with paper cups, no water - this was the lovely light breakfast that was included. But because we took ages to pick everyone up we had to move quickly. No one touched the tea.
Once on the other side, we sat in a minivan- us and 100’s of other people. This caused a massive blockade at one point and we sat waiting yet another half an hour or so.
Eventually after 1.5 hours we got to the site where balloons were still taking off but the wind had picked up. It was 8am by now.
We watched one balloon take off and land relatively quickly and at that point it was game over.
The guide was flustered and told us the ride was cancelled. We’d get a full refund- we did get that the next day, no quibble.
So my tip?
Book via your hotel or then any of them will do, save yourself some money.
Get the sunrise ride because there is little wind at that time.
It’s around 32 people to a pod- be prepared.
You have to bend in squat position for around a couple of minutes to land.
That was a 3 hour round trip with no end result. It was fascinating to be at the air field and we took some nice photos. But sadly, it’s a money making spin so be aware.
Shaqeel_H · Oct 2023 · via Viator
money's worth
This was truly a magical experience. it was very organized, and every step of the way, we were kept informed of each proceedings. we were picked up from our hotel and then took a boat across to the other side and then taken to the location. the open-air museum was just breathe taking, and our captain was very patient and informative.
Aneita S · Oct 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Too windy for hot air balloon
Sadly we were unable to go due to weather conditions. Our guide recommended we go on the following day rather than our scheduled day. Very disappointing that we were unable to get the best view in a hot air balloon. Incidentally, we saw plenty of the balloons up in the sky on both days from our balcony
Shannon_C · Oct 2023 · via Viator
Amazing
We had a amazing time. From start to finish great communication. Explaining why need to leave so early to wait for escort. The captain of the balloon was the best. We were one of the 1st ones up and stayed over Valley if Kings for a extended time. Highly recommend!
chris_w · Oct 2023 · via Viator
Ahmazing Air Balloon Experience
We absolutely loved our air balloon experience! We are not morning people so of course we were not excited about waking up at early. However, our tour guide, Khalid, got us going with coffee and tea. We got a boat transfer over the Nile. Our air balloon operator, Ali, was absolutely amazing. The views were perfect of the Nile and the Temple of Hapshetsut. Ali made sure everyone got 360 views. Other balloons were landing in the fields but Ali landed us exactly where we took off. 100% recommend. Don’t hesitate and book this tour
Ciara_T · Oct 2023 · via Viator
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
We loved our hot air balloon ride! Both the tour guide who picked us up at the hotel and escorted us across the Nile and Ali, our pilot, were excellent. The wind that day carried us over several of the main sights on the West Bank, including the Ramesseum, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon, and Ali ensured that all 32 people in our basket had a good view. I enjoyed every minute and would highly recommend the experience to anyone visiting Luxor.
Kirsten_B · Oct 2023 · via Viator
A great experience even if you have a mobility issue (I.e. walk with stick, can’t climb steep steps!)
A great experience. The balloon captain is a skilled balloonist making the most of an unhelpful wind. Wind direction will affect how far the balloon can get towards the Valley of the Kings. Nothing is too much trouble for the balloon team - I have limits in mobility and no way could I get in or out of the basket. No problems to the team —- I was lifted in and out, with great care and many laughs! Recommend this company over and above others.
ELIZABETH J · Sep 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Incroyable vue
L’expérience en elle-même est belle à voir, nous l’avons fait le lendemain de notre excursion à la vallée des rois donc c’était vraiment bien de voir ça vu du ciel cette fois. Malheureusement le départ à 4h du matin est beaucoup trop tôt puisqu’ils nous ont fait attendre au moins une heure sur le bateau (qui nous amené sur l’autre rive où se trouve les montgolfières).
Lydia_B · Sep 2023 · via Viator
Great experience
Picked up at 4:30 a.m. at the hotel (with several other clients) then crossed the Nile by boat to change banks, there, picked up by minibuses which take you to the take-off zone where it is still dark. From there, inflation of the balloons (at least 20 seconds), very impressive. Then you board the basket, a basket of 32 people divided into compartments of 4, rather narrow, not easy to move in, you must not fall with large sizes!
Gentle takeoff, the spectacle is magnificent, flight less than 40 minutes for us, but really great. Located in the middle of the fields where we will pick you up, then return to the hotel.
It was great
nicolas b · Sep 2023 · via Tripadvisor · Translated
Good flight, explain the maneuvers
Very good views, we flew very close to a temple. The landing was smooth and the pilot explained the maneuvers and the altitude at which we were going.
R7845SYfranciscog · Sep 2023 · via Tripadvisor · Translated
