Posts
Zoey
Finally checked this off my list! The hot air balloon ride in Luxor is seriously a great deal, and the service was pretty decent too. The moment you lift off and look down at the ancient city of Thebes, with the Valley of the Kings, Habu Temple, the Nile, and all the villages and farmland spread out below, it’s honestly unreal. Such a magical view.
That said, the whole process was exhausting. You spend most of the day bargaining. A ride that should cost around 50 EGP? Locals will tell you 300. You have to negotiate every single time. Even at official ticket counters, you can bribe your way into a student ticket. It felt kind of wrong to see that in a place that’s supposed to be so sacred.
To book, just search “hot air balloon” on Google Maps. Most companies have their contact info there. You can message them on WhatsApp to get quotes, though replies can be slow, or just call directly. Each company has its own payment methods. Some take cash in EGP or USD, usually half upfront as a deposit and the rest before the flight. After you pay, you’ll need to send your hotel name, room number, and a passport photo. They’ll then give you a pickup time. Definitely try to book a few days ahead. During peak season, spots fill up fast and prices can spike suddenly.
We flew about 2,000 feet over Luxor, and here’s my tip: go for the very first flight of the day. There might be fewer balloons, but the light is so much better. You get to catch the sunrise and the whole experience just feels way more magical....More
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