Luxor Hot Air Balloon Ride: Sunrise Flight & Banana Island

Summary

Sunrise balloon flight over Luxor’s temples, Nile views, and local tea on Banana Island

You’ll float above Luxor’s temples at sunrise on a hot air balloon ride with an experienced local pilot, then unwind on Banana Island with fresh bananas and Egyptian tea under shady trees. Hotel pickup makes it easy—just show up and let yourself be surprised by how peaceful Luxor can feel from above.

What’s the experience like?

I remember the first thing that hit me wasn’t the view—it was the quiet. Up there in the hot air balloon, just before sunrise, even the city dogs seemed to hush for a minute. Our pilot, Mahmoud, grinned as he pointed out the faint outline of Karnak Temple below. I tried to take a photo but my hands shook—maybe from excitement or maybe because it was colder than I’d expected (bring a light jacket if you’re like me and forget these things). The main keyword here is “hot air balloon ride Luxor”—but honestly, nothing about it felt like a tour. It was more like floating through someone else’s dream.

The colors changed every few minutes. First this kind of dusty blue over the Nile, then gold started to spill everywhere—on fields, rooftops, even people waving up at us from their motorbikes. Mahmoud told us stories about each monument we drifted past; his voice was soft but you could tell he’d done this hundreds of times. I didn’t expect to feel so small watching all those ancient tombs from above. After we landed (gentler than I thought possible), there was this weird moment where everyone just looked at each other and laughed—maybe relief? Or maybe because we’d just flown over Luxor together and didn’t know what to do with ourselves.

Afterward we drove out to Banana Island—which isn’t really an island but more of a patchwork of banana groves by the river. The smell there is sweet and earthy at the same time. We sat under some trees while an old man poured us strong Egyptian tea; he handed me a banana with a little wink like he knew I needed sugar after all that adrenaline. Not fancy, but perfect. If you’re looking for a day trip in Luxor that feels both surreal and oddly grounding… well, this is it. I still think about that view sometimes when I can’t sleep.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight over Luxor

• Pickup from hotel or cruise ship
• Fly in hot air balloon over Luxor
• View ancient monuments from above
• Return to hotel or cruise ship

Top questions

What time does the hot air balloon ride in Luxor start?

Pickup is early morning before sunrise; exact time depends on your hotel location—confirm with your tour agent.

Is hotel pickup included for the Luxor hot air balloon ride?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or cruise ship in Luxor are included.

How long is the flight over Luxor?

The hot air balloon flight lasts between 30 to 45 minutes above Luxor City.

Will we visit Banana Island after the balloon ride?

Yes, after landing you’ll go to Banana Island for fresh bananas and Egyptian tea.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the tour allows prams or strollers.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near most pickup points in Luxor.

Do I need special fitness for this hot air balloon ride?

No special fitness level is required; it’s suitable for most travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your hotel or cruise ship in Luxor (and drop-off later), all entry fees and taxes covered, insurance during your flight, coffee or tea before takeoff, an official flight certificate as a keepsake—and finally fresh bananas plus traditional Egyptian tea on Banana Island before heading back.