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Looking for some tips for hot air balloon ride in Luxor? You are at the right place. Welcome to an extraordinary adventure above the breathtaking landscapes of Luxor! Imagine soaring high in a colorful hot air balloon, as the rising sun paints the sky with vibrant hues, and the iconic temples, ancient ruins, and lush fields of Luxor unveil themselves below.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique perspective of this ancient Egyptian city, known for its rich history, unparalleled beauty, and enchanting charm.

Let’s take flight and explore the wonders of Luxor from the skies! Here are 12 practical tips for a hot air balloon ride in Luxor:

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

12 Practical Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

NUMBER 1

Select Safe and Reputable Hot Air Balloon Company in Luxor

How do you choose between so many hot air balloon companies in Luxor? For most of the travelers to Luxor, this choice is made for them. Either their travel agent, hotel, or tours guide sets it up.

However, if you are reading this post, then it means that you are one of the travelers to Luxor, who will decide for themselves what Luxor hot air balloons company they will be ballooning with.

Honestly, I spent several hours looking up all hot air balloon companies in Luxor and reading many reviews before making my decision.

I wanted to make sure that I book my Luxor air balloon ride with a safe and reputable company.

All in all, what you need to know is that there are no rules or regulations, safety protocols, ethics, or business practices set up for hot air balloon companies in Luxor that I could find or verify.

NUMBER 2

Read All Online Reviews of Luxor Hot Air Balloon Comapnies

So, the bottom line, one of the most important tips for riding a hot air balloon over Luxor that I want to give you is to make sure that you go with the company that has the best online reviews and the best pilots. Meaning, if you are reading the reviews and you see a lot of people praising the skills of a pilot, I would say – go for it!

Keep in mind, that if you are reading complaints about flight cancelations due to bad weather, that is actually a very good sign. It means, that the company is safety conscious and is not taking any chances flying in windy conditions or other inclement weather.

To sum up, I selected Hot Air Balloon in Luxor operated by HOD-HOD SOLIMAN.

They had decent reviews and the reviewers mentioned their pilot a lot and praised his skills.

The cost of the ticket for my hot air balloon ride was $90. However, Luxor hot air balloon prices constantly change. So, use this as a guideline when booking your hot air balloon ride in Luxor.

NUMBER 3

Be Flexible When Booking Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Another one of my tips for hot air balloon rides in Luxor is that you need to be flexible when booking your hot air balloon tour.

Weather conditions are unpredictable. If it is windy, then your hot air balloon ride might be canceled. Ideally, if you are visiting Luxor for a couple of days, then keep your itinerary flexible, so that you can make changes accordingly.

NUMBER 4

Book a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour in Luxor

There are many different time slots available for hot air ballooning in Luxor. Usually, the balloons take off in two waves. The first group is before sunrise and the second group is around 7 am.

So, my second, and probably one of the best tips for a hot air balloon ride in Luxor, is to book a sunrise tour.

Honestly, there is nothing more spectacular than watching the sunrise while taking in the majestic views of the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and floating above the glittering river Nile and the splendid Karnak Temple Complex.

Trust me, you will love it!

You will just drift peacefully through the sky, while the sun is gradually revealing the panoramic views of the world’s most important archaeological site!

Now, maybe a day or two before your scheduled hot air balloon ride in Luxor, make sure to contact your Luxor ballooning company (call them, email them, or message them) and confirm that you are booked for a sunrise hot air balloon tour. Also, remind them to pick you up on time!

On the day of my sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor, I got up at 3:30 am and I was promptly picked up at 4:30 am. Needless to say, whatever time of the year it is, make sure to layer on some clothing, because it is cold at that hour.

The journey to the sunrise hot air balloon launching pad takes time. No matter where you are staying in Luxor, it will be a few hours before you take off on a balloon flight over the largest open-air museum in Luxor.

First, I was picked up from my cruise boat docked on the eastern side of the Nile River, and then taken to a small boat. Once on the boat, I waited for the other passengers to gradually arrive. There was coffee, water, and some snacks for everyone.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor, Egypt

Boat escorting passengers to the launch pad / Tips for Hot Air Balloon in Luxor

After about a 30-minute boat ride to the west bank of the River Nile, we disembarked and walked over to a parking lot where a multitude of minibusses waited to take us to the launching pad. It took about another 30 minutes to reach the launching pad.

Ok, you are going to love being on the launching pad!

First, you get to see all these balloons spread out all around on the ground, just waiting to be raised into the sky.

Then, you will see bright gusts of air thrust into the canopies. And, eventually and gradually, one by one they will start to raise.

Balloon Ride Over Luxor

You will see bright gusts of air thrust into the canopies. And, eventually and gradually, one by one the balloons will start to raise / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

It is super exciting to be on the launch pad and watch the process of how the balloons get set up / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

The process of setting the balloons and getting them ready for a launch goes pretty fast /T ips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

NUMBER 5

Book the Longest Hot Air Balloon Tour in Luxor

My recommendation is that you check and double-check and ask about the length of the hot air balloon ride in Luxor.

In my opinion, you should look for a tour that is at least 60 minutes long and preferably not less than 90 minutes. Also, inquire about what sections of Luxor you will be flying over.

NUMBER 6

Check How Many People Will Be in Each Basket

If you do not do well in tight quarters, then I suggest you look into a private hot air balloon ride over Luxor. Otherwise, be prepared to get packed very tightly in that basket. Just like little sardines.

Second, you will need to be able to climb into the basket. It is no big deal, but if you are not very nimble then ask for help and they will hoist you up.

The basket has step holes on each side. So you have to get yourself up and, then sit on the edge of the basket, and, then swing yourself inside.

Next, get a spot next to the edge of the basket, and not inside the basket. There is no room for maneuvering, so just stick to your spot. Our pilot rotated the basket at each location so that everyone was able to take some pictures.

NUMBER 7

Pay Attention to all the Instructions from the Pilot

Right before the takeoff, your pilot should give you detailed instructions on what to expect during the flight. However, pay special attention to the landing instructions!

Be prepared that during windier landings, the basket will “tip” over and drag across the ground for a short distance. So remember, that prior to landing, you will need to:

  • Face backward to the direction of travel. Commonly known as the ‘Astronaut position’.
  • Hold on to the straps
  • Flex your knees & keep the majority of your body mass below the top edge of the basket. If the basket “tips” over, you will already be lying on your back
Balloon Ride Over Luxor

Pay attention to all the instructions / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

NUMBER 8

Bring Your Cell Phone and Valuables ONLY

Bags, purses, and backpacks are not allowed on hot air balloon rides in Luxor. You will need to leave all your stuff wherever your accommodations are in Luxor.

So, plan accordingly! Make sure to wear pants or shorts with pockets or better yet, grab a lightweight jacket with some deep pockets and secure all your documents (credit cards, DL, and/or passport) inside the pocket. It is a good idea to have a ziplock bag and store all your valuables inside the ziplock bag and then place it inside the pocket and zip it up.

Cameras are not allowed either! So, bring your cell phone.

NUMBER 9

Dress in Layers

Make sure to dress in layers. It is very cold in the morning no matter when you will be scheduling your Luxor hot air balloon ride.

I was very concerned that I will be freezing once we were going to be up in the air. However, the heat generated by the balloon burners kept us all very warm.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

I worried that it will be very cold once we were up in the air, however, the heat generated by the balloon burners kept us all very warm / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

NUMBER 10

Keep Your Cell Phone Safe

Adding a neck or wrist strap to your cell phone is a great idea.

You will capture some epic moments in the air on camera, without worrying about losing your phone!

NUMBER 11

Take Turns Taking Pictures

Here comes the best part!

Enjoy your hot air balloon ride in Luxor and take a ton of pictures!

I think that the pictures of hot air balloons gently floating around you are awesome.

However, there is not a lot of room to turn around and capture all the views. If you have a good pilot, then he will usually turn the basket around, so that everyone gets the opportunity to capture some awesome pictures. So keep your spot in the basket, and wait your turn to take pictures.

First of all, take some pictures of the launch pad from above. You will still be able to capture some images of balloons in different stages of preparation for takeoff.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Take some pictures of the launch pad from above. You will still be able to capture some images of balloons in different stages of preparation for takeoff / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

And before you know it, you will be airborne and you will be gently gaining height.

What you will notice, is how quiet it will get. All the earthly sounds will just fade away and everyone in the basket will quiet down as well. All you will hear are occasional bursts of hot air, as the pilot regulates the blasts of flame.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Once you are airborne, all you will hear are the occasional bursts of hot air, as the pilot regulates the blasts of flame / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

It gets very quiet once you are up in the air. The air feels different as well, kind of soft and silky / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Hands down, it is so worth booking a sunrise hot air balloon tour in Luxor. To watch the sun gradually rise was an awesome hot air balloon experience!

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Also, what you need to know, is that about 10-15 minutes right before the sunrise, all the colors will get softer and warmer. It is known as the Golden Hour. It is the best. time to take pictures.

As you are floating, you will be able to see the Valley of the Kings bathed in this soft rose gold color.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

You will be able to see the Valley of the Kings bathed in this soft rose gold color / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

In the distance, you will be able to see the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

You will be able to see the Valley of the Kings bathed in this soft rose gold color / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

And finally, in the distance, you could see the Karnak Temple Complex and the desert highlighted in warm golden colors.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

You will be able to see the Karnak Temple Complex / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

NUMBER 12

Brace Yourself or a Rough Landing

One of the top tips for a hot air balloon ride in Luxor is that you should be prepared for a possibility of a rough landing.

As we were flying over the River Nile, our pilot told us that he was preparing for landing.

Balloon Ride Over Luxor

In the morning sun, the River Nile looked like a glittering ribbon carving its way through the land. All around the river lay a multitude of deep green fields / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

What I noticed is that the pilot started to lower the balloon and pretty soon we were flying fairly close to the ground.

In addition, I could tell that the wind was slightly picking up.

We missed the first landing spot. He tried to communicate with the ground crew, but it did not work.

So off we went to another landing spot, however, the wind was picking up even more and we did not make it again.

Finally, we touched down in a sugar cane field. However, it is not so easy to stop the balloon! The captain regulated the hot air and tried to release as much air as possible. However, we were going up again and down again and dragging the basket through several sugar cane fields.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

It is not so easy to stop the balloon! We were going up again and down again and dragging the basket through the sugar cane fields / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Eventually, most of the air was out and the balloon was gently laid to rest and the bumping basket with all of us inside finally settled down (and thank goodness it did not tip over), before reaching and going through another sugar cane field.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

The bumping basket with all of us inside finally settled down before reaching and going through another sugar cane field / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

We all got out of the basket and walked through the fields to the closest road.

Soon enough, we were surrounded by numerous kids who came running to see the balloon and to see us.

And, finally, the owners of the sugar cane fields came in. They were upset about their damaged crop. And, I was told that the hot air balloon company compensates them for the damages.

In no time, the minibusses came to pick us up and I was back to wherever they originally picked us up from.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Soon enough, we were surrounded by numerous kids who came running to see the balloon and to see us / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Balloon Ride Over Luxor

The landing was scary! But, it was all worth it / Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Intrepid Scout's 3 Tips for Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor, Egypt

By the way, when I was sharing my landing experience with my tour guide, he said that the balloons rarely make it to the landing pad and always end up landing in the fields.

I get a lot of emails asking me if hot air balloons are scary. I admit the landing was a bit scary.

Although, the bottom line is that, there are always risks that we take. However, if you want an epic adventure of a lifetime, then do Luxor hot air balloon ride. I loved it! It was a 10 out of 10 kind of experience.

Following are some of the best tips for a hot air balloon ride in Luxor:

  • Number one of my tips for a hot air balloon ride in Luxor is to make sure to book your hot air balloon ride with a reputable company. Luxor hot air balloon safety is the number one priority.
  • Listen carefully and follow all the instructions that the pilot gives you. Especially, pay attention to the landing instructions.
  • Finally, one of the tips for a hot air balloon ride, which is important, only bring your cell phone and put all your documents in your pockets.

Read All the Posts About Egypt in: 

Egypt Travel Guide

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Now, It Is Your Turn, I Would Like to Hear Back from You!

Are you planning your trip to Luxor? Will you do a hot air balloon in Luxor Egypt?

Please let me know! Drop me a quick comment right below!

Click on any of the images below to get inspired and to help you with the planning process for your trip to Luxor!

Comments:

26 thoughts on “12 Important TIPS for Hot AIR BALLOON RIDE in LUXOR, Egypt (Read Before You Book It)


  1. 2020-01-29

    I actually am looking at going to Egypt this year, so this is perfect!

    1. 2020-01-29

      Great!

  2. 2020-01-29

    A hot air balloon at sunrise is on my bucketlist but I’ll be doing it in canada. In glad you mentioned the issues with your landing. Now I know and wont panic lol.

    1. 2020-01-30

      You will love it!

  3. Going on a hot air balloon is on bucket-list! Doing this activity in Luxor, Egypt would be such a dream. The views look so magical!

    1. 2020-01-30

      Thank you!

  4. 2020-01-30

    Wow! The photos look amazing and what a dream come true. I have to say that hot air balloons kind of scare me – there is nothing anyone can do in case something goes wrong. But good for you for doing it.

    1. 2020-01-30

      It was fun. You should try it.

      1. Kavita K
        2020-09-21

        Hi Anna…me and my friend were with you on this ride….perfectly quoted….it was indeed a 10/10 ride ?

        1. 2020-09-22

          So cool!
          We had so much fun and the views were breathtaking!

  5. 2020-01-30

    A hot air balloon ride is definitely on my bucket list! I had no idea you could do it in Egypt. I’m not sure about getting up that early for the sunrise one, lol, but your pictures are amazing.

    1. 2020-01-30

      It is all worth it.

  6. Marina
    2020-01-30

    This definitely looks like a bucket list experience! Thanks for sharing, I’d love to do this!

    1. 2020-01-30

      You should plan it. You will love it!

  7. 2020-01-31

    I cannot help it, the picture with the fire looked a little bit dangerous to me but I’m sure that they know what they are doing. Otherwise, I’m planning to go to Egypt for the longest time and I cannot wait for trying something like this

    1. 2020-01-31

      It was all worth it.

  8. 2020-01-31

    When I was in Egypt, the hot air balloons weren’t flying because of an accident like three days before I left. This was (and still is!) on my bucket list. Your pictures are breathtaking!

    1. 2020-01-31

      Thank you

  9. 2020-01-31

    Wow! That is an early wake-up time! Do you think this would be hard to do for those of us afraid of heights?

    1. 2020-01-31

      Nope, you will love it!

  10. 2020-04-27

    Thanks, Anna for sharing this excellent article. We are traveling to Egypt next and your travel guide is really helpful.

    Hope to see you in Morocco in the future. A dream destination for many bloggers!

    1. 2020-04-27

      I hope so too.

  11. yogita
    2022-12-06

    we are planning for hot air balloon…my childhood dream that one day i will travel in hot air balloon….yes your information is very useful….thanks

    1. 2022-12-07

      So glad you are doing this… It is an awesome experience.

  12. Jason
    2024-07-08

    Thank you for the article! I enjoyed it! I really would like to do it, but I’m terrified to the point of shivering just thinking about it. That and no bathroom—maybe I should wear a diaper?? Lol

    1. 2024-07-09

      It is a great experience, however if you are not up to it, I totally get it!
      Take care!

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