Balloon ride, Luxor valley

[Caz]

This was the best bit of my recent holiday to Egypt - the best holiday EVER. I spent the first 5 days in a permanent jaw-dropped state (putting it politely ).

After a wake-up call at 4.15 a.m., we were collected from our hotel at 5 o'c and taken by mini-bus, nile taxi then another minibus to the launch site, just in time to see them firing up our balloon.


Shortly after take off at just after 6 am, the sun rose over the Nile:


It's amazing how many balloons are up there at any one time:


We flew over the Valley of the Kings and were able to see the temples of Karnak and Luxor (although even with a 300mm lens on, any pics I took weren't that clear!)

We had a great view of the workers village - which isn't open to the public yet, although our guide had already told us that the paintings are far superior to those in the tombs of the kings.


And the landing, after a 45 minute flight, was as smooth as silk with no need of the safety positions we'd been taught and we landed in front of an interested audience

[fluffy penguin]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

wow that looks fantastic, pleased you enjoyed it.
always wondered what a balloon ride would be like.
so can you describe?

[ekkl]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

Big WOW!!

Great pictures and nice story too.

Makes me want to just book a place there now but alas work beckons and all that, will have to wait till later this year to do anything like that!

[Autumn]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

Because we had had a balloon ride over the Arizona desert and experienced the same thing as you from the early morning start and having to act as ballast as they fired up the balloon, we did not do it again when we went to Luxor.

We saw these balloons most mornings and I have photographs of them taken from our hotel bedroom window. They are an amazing site.

I think our Nile Cruise rates at one of our favourites and if we were to repeat it, after seeing your photographs, I think I might have a balloon ride as your views look really interesting.

As you say it isn't so easy to get really quality pics, but at least you have a memorable record of your wonderful trip which is what is important.

Thanks for sharing.

[Pops]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

Great way to do your sightseeing. I love the first shot and that of the workers village.
I can well understand your jaw being dropped. You must have seen some truly wonderful sights

[paul.r.w]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

The balloon over Luxor was one of the best bits from my trip there last year.

If you go, don't book through a rep or on the boat, go into town and book it direct. It's a fraction of the cost.

[ekkl]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

Good tip, thanks Paul.

[Autumn]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

The balloon over Luxor was one of the best bits from my trip there last year.

If you go, don't book through a rep or on the boat, go into town and book it direct. It's a fraction of the cost.

That IS a very good tip Paul. I remember thinking how expensive it was compared to our American trip, because some of the people on our cruise did go on it. If it had been less expensive, we might have booked a trip, but with these special "One Offs" we say "Oh let's do it and next time we get the opportunity, we say "Done That."

If anyone does have the opportunity to have a balloon ride over Luxor, I remember one young man coming back absolutely bitten to death. I don't know whether Caz or Paul were bitten but he was in a terrible state - his wife wasn't! So wear insect repellent to be on the safe side.

[paul.r.w]

[Caz]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

Sorry I'm late in replying but the boss is on holiday, and I decided to go out of the office at lunchtime to get away from the phone. (Forum sites are blocked during working hours!)

Thank you for all your comments - and Paul has upset me, because I booked in England! But it was worth it.

We weren't made to wait in the basket whilst they filled it - that was done while we waited on the side lines. The chaps then climbed in the basket, and the women were picked up and poured in. The pilot then went through the landing procedure (partner bought the DVD and it's quite funny watching each section bob up and down as requested).

Then lift-off - just a gentle glide upwards. It was quite cool, and tall gentlemen would be advised to wear hats - particularly if they have a 'sunshine dome' - Bob reckoned he was getting an extra suntan, but it was better when he put on his beanie! Don't know about fleas - we were both wearing trousers as it was cool, and a jacket's also advisable.

The flight itself was lovely. The pilot would point out the various sites, then turn the basket round so the other side could see. We actually flew between the Colossi of Memnon, and I do have shots of another balloon doing that.

I just couldn't post all of the photos here, so here's a link to the set on flickr:
Carol's Egypt set.

The landing was very gentle - we'd been up and down several times, and we gently touched down in the desert. No landing positions, just a gentle scrape.

I'd recommend it to anyone

[Jocelyn Walker]

Re: Balloon ride, Luxor valley

Looks absolutely superb! Isn't it just an amazing experience floating over the land! I'm envious of the sites you saw! Really glad you enjoyed it & managed to get some good pics!