Magic Horizon Balloons

Magic Horizon is a professional balloon rides operator based in Luxor, with its office on Khaled Ibn El Walid Street, opposite the Nile Palace Hotel on the East Bank. It is one of several companies that take visitors up over the West Bank at dawn, when the air is calm and the light over the temples and tombs is at its softest.

The main product is the traditional sunrise flight of about forty minutes, flying over the fields, villages and monuments of the Theban West Bank with views across the Nile to the East Bank. For couples or families who want the basket to themselves, the company offers private flights, and it also lists its own premium Magic Horizon flights. Tethered balloon flights, which rise and descend while attached to the ground, are an option for those who would like the view without a full free flight, and last-minute flights can be booked for travellers with short notice.

The company describes its fleet as the largest of any balloon rides company in Egypt and says it operates very large passenger baskets. Larger baskets mean more people, so if you prefer a quieter experience it is worth asking about smaller or private options when you book. Most flights include hotel pickup, and the day starts well before sunrise with a transfer across the river to the launch field.

Balloon flights in Luxor are regulated by the civil aviation authorities and only go ahead when wind, visibility and temperature are within set limits. Cancellations do happen, especially in hazy or windy conditions, so book early in your stay to leave room for a second attempt. Wear warm layers in winter, comfortable shoes, and bring a camera with a strap.

Flights suit most visitors who can stand for the length of the flight and climb into a basket. Children are usually welcome, but check age and height rules when booking. You can contact the office by phone or email, or call in at the office on Khaled Ibn El Walid Street if you are staying in one of the nearby hotels. Confirm your pickup time the evening before.