Is Hot Air Balloon in Luxor Worth It
Is Hot Air Balloon in Luxor Worth It?
The desert air remains cool in the predawn darkness as you climb into the basket. A blast of flame bellows above, pumping heat into the balloon’s giant canopy. Then, barely perceptibly, the earth floats away, and Luxor spreads out below you in the dawn light. This is no sightseeing trip—it’s a journey over some 3,000 years of history, floating above.”.
For the majority of tourists, a hot air balloon flight over Luxor is an absolute must-do, but is it worth waking up early, paying the price, and taking the risk? Let’s analyze.
The View: A Living Open-Air Museum
Luxor, sometimes referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, boasts the vast remains of ancient Thebes. Above, the fields stretch endlessly and the twisting Nile divides the crowded modern city of the East Bank from the West Bank’s storied necropolis.
A bird’s-eye look at the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and Medinet Habu gives a different viewpoint to these timeless marvels. It is one thing to walk among the remains, but seeing them from an airplane creates a sense of their size and magnificence unparalleled.
The Experience: Serenity in the Sky
Even with the potent burners propelling the balloon into the air, the actual ride is unexpectedly serene. The balloon drifts serenely with the wind, creating a state of near-meditation. Down below, the donkeys trot along the dusty roads, and feluccas on the Nile, and the first of the visitors begin to arrive at the temples. In contrast to the often disorganized hordes on the ground, the sky is a brief oasis of calm over the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders.
Is the Price Worth It?
A standard hot air balloon ride in Luxor runs from $80 to $150 per person, depending on the tour operator and whether you pre-book or pay on the spot. The cost also covers a pick-up at your hotel, a short boat ride across the Nile, and usually some snacks. Though far from inexpensive in Egypt, it is fairly reasonable compared to ballooning elsewhere in the world.
The Safety Factor
Ballooning in Luxor has not been without incidents, with a couple of well-known accidents over the decades. That said, safety laws have come a long way, and serious operators have strict safety procedures in place. Booking with a company that has good ratings and veteran pilots reduces the risk. Also, it would be wise to check the weather forecast before reserving because any strong winds might lead to last-minute cancellations.
If you just so happen to be in Luxor, this hot air balloon ride is so much more than a sightseer’s draw because it also represents a life-time experience soaring above the actual heart of Egypt’s ancient time. The overwhelming beauty of seeing the sunrise above the Theban Necropolis, the whispered amazement at the temples on the ground below, and the silky smooth ease of the ride make it unforgettable.
Is it worth the trouble? A big yes for history lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. If getting up at 4 AM or heights are not your thing, you can likely get your Luxor fix from the ground level. But for those willing to get up with the sun, the payoff is nothing less than spectacular.
