When trying to search a hotel in Luxor, someone message me that my hotel booking has been confirmed, and the hotel also offers tour packages. Though, I cancelled that hotel, I tried to message them to assist me with my tours in Luxor. Arianna, the one who sent me a message, gave me the tour itinerary. From there, I contacted the tour guide, Ahmed. Ahmed arranged all my tours in Luxor including the hot air balloon ride.

Before arriving in Luxor, I read in one of the Facebook posts that hot air balloon flying was cancelled due to inclement weather. Fortunately and blessed, on my 2^nd day in Luxor, I got to experience the hot air balloon ride! It was my first time and I was very ecstatic! The weather and wind cooperated! 🥰

For the hot air balloon tour, I woke up early as someone from the tour will pick me up from my hotel by 4AM. I met up with Modi, my guide, in the hotel lobby. We walked about 10 minutes from my hotel to dock and ride a small boat. There were boats waiting for other passengers too. The boat men prepared small breakfast for all the passengers. When the boat was full, we crossed on the other side of Nile River.

When we docked off the boat, we rode a van that will take us to the hot air balloon take off site. We waited for about 15 minutes to have the clearance from the police officers. Maybe it was for their security measures before flying the hot air balloon. After we were cleared, all the vans started to drive including ours. We reached the take off site in less than 15 minutes.

When we arrived in the site, the tour guides grouped us, fit enough for one hot air balloon basket. While we were waiting for the balloons to get ready, our guides approached us that there were photographers and videographers that can take us photos and videos for this experience. Of course, additional charge needs to be paid. 💸💸💸

Since this was my first hot air balloon experience and I am travelling alone with no one to take me photos, I agreed to pay for US $20. The photographer and videographer asked me to pose to capture moments. It was fun! I was very happy to have that kind of moment be documented. 📸🎥

When the balloons were ready, the guides asked us to hop inside the basket. Good thing, there was this small ladder to use to be inside the basket. Just need an extra push for a plus size like me to jump inside the basket. In one square, 3 people can fit. A Spanish couple was with me. They also availed the photo and video package.

While our pilot pumped fire to the balloon, the basket where we were in started to lift. In minutes, we were flying in the sky! It was absolutely awesome! 😍😍😍 I was able to see Luxor from up above! It was very beautiful. The Nile River, the sun rises, the balloons flying, that peaceful moment was very magical. ✨✨✨

Our pilot has been very informative. He also acted as our tour guide. I can say that he was very professional. Everyone in the balloon were happy and just enjoying themselves. 😍 I guess some from my group waited for a day or two to ride the hot air balloon because of the unpleasant weather. As for me, my schedule was followed. I was flying above Luxor on my 2^nd day with her. 🥰😍

We spent more than 30 minutes in the hot air balloon. While our pilot was pumping gas, he instructed us for the landing position. We diligently followed his instructions for our safety. As we land, we almost hit a farm. The pilot’s crew started to take the ropes and pull us out from the farm to not damage the crops. As we landed, I can’t take away the smile in my face. ☺️ The hot air balloon experience was amazing! Another bucket list has been ticked off. ✨💜✨

Upon landing, we chipped in tips for our pilot and his crew for a job well done and having a safe flight. Flying a hot air balloon is no joke. A pilot should be precise on when he needs to pump the gas or when he will stop. He should know at which level are the passengers should be safe. The crew and my guide also assisted me in taking off from the basket. Short girl problems! 😃

My experience in riding a hot air balloon was one of a kind! 🥰😍🥰 It was frightening at first as I was afraid of heights and the heat of the fire from gas pump was excruciating. But the people around me, my guide, my pilot made it fun and memorable. Thus, I was very happy! 💜💜💜

After the hot air balloon ride, the videographer asked for my WhatsApp number so he can send the photos. After a day, the video was sent too. My guide also gave a certificate that I successfully flew in Luxor. It was a perfect souvenir for my first hot air balloon ride. 💜

My guide accompanied me back to the van and boat. That time, I was able to see Nile River in daylight. It was a wonderful sight to see. After the boat ride, we returned to my hotel at around 9AM. Since, it was still early, I had my breakfast in the hotel. The sumptuous breakfast was very delicious! 😋

I returned to my room to freshen up. I actually slept for about 10 to 15 minutes before I started the tour. At around 10AM, I went down in the hotel lobby to meet Ahmed. He was my guide for my entire stay in Luxor.

More on my adventures in Luxor in my next blog! 💜

Travel Date: June 08,2025