As we have seen, the Luxor Valley is surely the richest in Egypt, in terms of archaeological sites, temples and necropolises that have left their mark on history. Remarkably, the necropolises are on the west bank, where the sun sets. There are many of them, and their tombs are buried deep underground. The temples ****_of millions of years are also on this side of the Nile, while those of Amon and Karnak are on the east bank, in the heart of the city of Luxor itself**.
On the ground, it is therefore impossible to have an overall idea of these complexes and their geography, or to know from the outset how to organise your visits. For all these reasons, trying to see all of these 41,000 hectares in a single day seems rather foolhardy. So we've got the solution: Take to the skies and see the region's sublime landscapes from aboard a hot-air balloon.
Flying over the Valley of the Kings.
- © Waj / Shutterstock
Luxor
The hot-air balloon ride begins in the twilight, at around 3 or 4 in the morning. So yes, it might sting a bit, but it's worth it.
A minibus will collect you from your hotel. Don't forget to give its name when booking, or the name of your boat if you're on a cruise.
Then watch the balloon being inflated. The balloon is first spread out on the ground and then inflated with the help of large fans. Finally, it is filled with hot air to straighten it out. An impressive technical feat to behold.
The tour lasts around two to two-and-a-half hours, with a flight time of around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The duration in the air cannot be guaranteed, as it depends on the wind, but you'll feel as if time stands still once you're up there.
Soar with the sun on the horizon and watch the historic sites come alive in the soft morning light.
Each balloon ride is unique, as the route is random. The pilot has no control over the direction of the balloon, only its altitude. Nevertheless, the distances between each site are relatively short and you can enjoy all the different views.
During your time in the air, you'll have the chance to see these dazzling sites and panoramas: the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Ramesseum, the Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Deir el-Medineh, Luxor and its temples on the banks of the Nile, and the sugar cane plantations that lie between the ancient sites of Thebes and the Nile.
The quality of the equipment and the training of the personnel are guaranteed by the company to ensure a safe flight.
Before climbing into the balloon basket, it is very important to listen carefully to the instructions. The landing will be the only moment that is a little technical. If it turns out to be a little rougher than expected, you'll need to put your things away. Then bend your knees and lower yourself as far as possible into the basket. This helps to absorb the shock.
The weather conditions must be good to be able to fly, but at this altitude it's essential to be dressed warmly, and a good idea to wear a windbreaker. A hot-air balloon can fly up to 300 metres.
Don't hesitate to take sunglasses that you can attach and sun cream. Even at this time of day, the sun can be very strong.
Finally, wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be on your feet for a while.
Unfortunately, if you're pregnant, in a wheelchair or have heart problems, you won't be able to get on board and enjoy the show. However, these rules vary depending on the company, so don't hesitate to check the accessibility conditions or call the company directly.
A small rucksack will suffice, so avoid suitcases or bulky bags, which will not be allowed on board the balloon in any case.
Hygiene (COVID-19): You may be asked to wear a mask. If so, don't forget to put one in your bag. The crew is regularly tested and body temperatures frequently taken. Hydro-alcoholic gel will be available on site before you board the gondola.
Ballooning in the Valley of the Kings is very affordable. In fact, it's hard to beat the price. It's a far cry from the hundreds of euros charged in other countries such as France and Canada, with prices ranging from around €120 to €260. Enjoy a hot drink after an unforgettable flying experience.
Prices range from around €50 to €80 per person. The ticket also includes pick-up from your accommodation and a snack. Children aged 6 to 10 inclusive will be entitled to a discount, and for toddlers under 5, the ride is free.
All you have to do to book is follow the instructions. You can choose to book online or on site.
We strongly advise you to book in advance, as hot-air ballooning is a very popular activity in the region.
Booking online allows you to avoid exchange rates and bank charges, as the booking is made directly in euros. The web can also help you avoid coming across a travel agency that might inflate prices and therefore charge you more.
The rate for on-site bookings should not change. So if you decide to book on site, do so with your hotel.
A hot-air balloon ride depends on the weather, Mother Nature decides on the weather conditions. So it's a good idea to keep an eye on the weather. If the wind is too strong, or if there is a risk of rain or thunderstorms, you will receive a 100% refund and will be offered another date.
If another problem arises and you find yourself unable to enjoy your excursion, be sure to cancel 24 hours in advance, as cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will not be refunded.
It's tempting to want to keep memories of this extraordinary experience. As the balloon will be leaving very early, there will not be much light. For a wide shot, choose one of the corners of the balloon. You'll be able to see all the monuments and landscapes as the balloon rotates.
Take photos before departure. Preparing the balloon is a show in itself.
As for the excursion in the air, first of all, make sure you attach your camera properly. There are special straps for extreme situations. Here are a few tips on how to get the best shots during your excursion:
To compensate for low light, turn up the ISO on your camera and open your diaphragm. A variable focal length is ideal (as it is not advisable to change lenses during a trip, given the risk of falling). Set the lens to telephoto and focus on infinity. Set your shutter speed to at least 1/500th.
Now you know everything you need to know to enjoy an unforgettable moment aboard a hot-air balloon over the valleys surrounding Luxor!
