Sindbad Balloons

A sunrise balloon flight is one of the classic Luxor experiences, and Sindbad Balloons is one of the established companies that run them. The company says it was officially established in 2005 as the third licensed hot air balloon company in Luxor, and it operates from an office on Abdel Hamid Omda Street on the East Bank, off T.V. and Madina streets.

Flights launch from the West Bank at dawn and drift over the Theban necropolis, with views of the temples, the green strip of farmland along the Nile, the river itself and the hills that hide the Valley of the Kings. On a clear morning you can pick out the terraces of the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu, with dozens of other balloons rising around you as the sun comes up over the East Bank.

The company offers several levels of flight. Standard baskets carry up to 28 guests, Comfort baskets up to 20, and there are Deluxe and fully private options for those who want more space. The listed schedule has pickup from your hotel at 5:30 and departure at 6:30, though exact times shift with the season and sunrise. The price includes hotel pickup, tea and coffee before the flight and a flight certificate. Depending on the option, time in the air is about 30 to 60 minutes, and the whole experience takes around three to four hours including preparation and the landing celebration.

The company states that its pilots are certified by the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority and that every flight follows aviation regulations and weather checks. Flights over Luxor are only allowed in suitable conditions of wind, visibility and temperature, so be prepared for occasional cancellations and keep a spare morning in your plans if a flight matters to you.

Balloon flights suit most travellers, including families with older children, but you will need to stand for the flight and climb in and out of a basket, so check with the company if you have mobility concerns. Wear layers, as dawn can be cool in winter, and a hat for the landing. Book directly by phone, email or through the website, and confirm the pickup time the evening before.