Cairo: SiltaNews – News Desk
A unique magic and joy are experienced daily by tourists from around the world in the safe and secure area west of Luxor. At dawn each day, groups of tourists from all over the globe take to the skies above the West Bank in hot air balloons, transporting them to a world of pure delight at altitudes exceeding 200 meters.
The most prominent adventure in western Luxor is offered by hot air balloon rides, which take tourists from around the world to the highest point in the sky above the West Bank daily, reaching altitudes of up to 2,000 feet. These balloons, soaring daily over the West Bank of Luxor, offer a magical, beautiful, and joyous experience for tourists from all over the world. Hot air balloon rides are considered the most popular adventure tourism activity, attracting visitors to the West Bank daily.
These flights began in 1988 with pilots from Britain, and in 1994, the first Egyptian-run balloon company was established. The hot air balloons reach an altitude of 650 meters (approximately 2,000 feet) above sea level. The flight lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the archaeological sites and lush green landscapes.
Flights depart from sunrise until late morning, carrying tourists from around the world who enjoy the stunning aerial views of the enchanting natural scenery, historical landmarks, and tourist attractions. Visitors can see the temples of Queen Hatshepsut, the workers’ city, the Ramesseum, the Colossi of Memnon, the Nile River, and the surrounding farmland from above.
Tourists flock to take souvenir photos at the airport grounds and inside the balloon baskets to enjoy them as a historical memory in their lives. Luxor currently has more than one company working to serve tourists via hot air balloons, which have 8 models of balloon baskets. The capacity of the hot air balloon baskets also includes different types of passengers: 2, 6, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 passengers.