Hot air balloon rides

[mushtaq]

Has anyone done this? is it worth it and what company to use as I hear there are many and lot of them not very good.

[FourBear]

I'd be interested to know, also. I haven't been on a balloon ride period, and I might as well try it in Egypt. What is the typical cost? Do tourists get ripped off often?

[Tangent210]

I don't know what company to use, perhaps check with a travel agent or something if you can't find an answer here but I would DEFINITELY suggest doing it. Hot air balloon rides are possibly the most amazing experience ever. You're high up in the air and it's quiet since there are no engines and you jude glide over the countryside. I couldn't imagine going over the pyramids or anything like that in a hot air balloon, it's worth the money.

[Egyptian_Sharm]

there are three companies who are providing the service.

check the detials at hte end of the following link

http://travel.independent.co.uk/afri...icle140702.ece


xxx

[mamab]

Can you imagine the photographs you could take from a hot air balloon?! I'm sure they would be one-of-a-kind!

I'll have to look into doing that when we finally get over there.

[Egyptian_Sharm]

you will really enjoy it , put in mind that they fly around 5 am . early start but very nice experience.

wish you all the luck

xxx

[tater03]

You guys come up with some great ideas. I would have never thought of doing something like this well their. I have been on a hotair balloon ride here at home and they are awesome to do. I could not imagine the great pictures you would get. Thanks for posting the links above.

[Isis]

The only balloon company I would recommend in Luxor is Hod Hod Soliman. They are run to British Health and Safety standards and are the only company with a 100% safety record. The are not the cheapest, but safety is paramount, and for me, its worth paying the extra.
There are a number of other companies operating, and if you want cheap then you can get a flight for around £40 sterling. Hod Hod however, are more expensive.
Hod Hod have a desk in a few of the hotels (take a look in their brochure in the Movenpick and you might spot me in one of the pics lol). Their office is on a side street, just off Television Street, turn by the side of the Golden Palace Hotel. I could find a phone number if you need one.
The flight itself is amazing...... I will try and upload some pics.

[Tangent210]

I'll have to check out Hod Hod when I go, sounds like a good company. I've been in some hot air balloons run by people who didn't take safety seriously and it can be a little scary at times haha.

[Egyptian_Sharm]

Hot air balloon crashes in Egypt, injuring 9



Four French, three Americans and two Egyptians were injured on Friday when their hot balloon crashed in Luxor, some 680 km south of the Egyptian capital Cairo, MENA news agency reported.

High winds was to blame for the accident, local police said. Eight of the injured left Luxor hospital after treatment, while one is still receiving treatment, said MENA.

Luxor, located on the eastern bank of the Nile River, is famous for its many ancient Egyptian historical sites, including the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Karnak.

Source: Xinhua

http://english.people.com.cn/200703/...17_358428.html

Sorry they did not mention wich Company it was , but will find out and will let you know

xxx