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Places is Recommended To Visit In Aswan City
Places to visit in Aswan
Mostly, when tourists travel to Aswan, they rely on excursion programs only, which do not allow visiting all the places. This is why we find many people going to Aswan and returning without knowing many of the places! Therefore, we offer you a quick tour of the most important places to visit in Aswan.
Aswan is an amazing opportunity to relax and enjoy history, culture and natural beauty. It is full of historical monuments and important landmarks along with stunning landscapes on the Nile or in the desert.
For an unforgettable experience in Aswan, we will show you the most prominent tourist attractions in Aswan along with some information about tourism in Aswan as follows:
1- Philae Temple
Of course, the first place to start your visit to Aswan is the Temple of Philae, as it is one of the most famous places to visit in Aswan, and the Temple of Philae is located on Agelica Island.
Originally, the Temple of Philae was located on Philae Island in the middle of the Nile River, but following the construction of the High Dam, it was moved and assembled on Agilika Island as part of the UNESCO Nubia campaign to save sites that were flooded by the Nile’s waters during the construction of the High Dam in the 1960s. The name Philae means “beloved” in Greek, while the Arabic name was “Anas al-Wujud,” in reference to the legend of Anas in the stories of One Thousand and One Nights. However, the ancient Egyptian name is “Belak,” meaning the limit or the end, because it is the last border of Egypt in the south.
The Temple of Philae includes many antiquities dating back to the Ptolemaic era, the most prominent of which is the temple built by Ptolemy II Philadelphus, which was dedicated to Isis, the mother of Horus, the lord of kingship. The temple includes a scene in the birth chamber in which Isis appears breastfeeding her son, Horus. The Temple of Isis is more Egyptian temples are a continuation, as the temple continued to perform its role until the era of the Byzantine King Justinian I, who ordered the closure of all pagan temples, after which the temple was converted into a church and many of the temple’s inscriptions were destroyed. There is another temple located next to the Temple of Isis, which is a temple dedicated to Hathor built by Ptolemy VI Philomator. Trajan's cabin in front of the Temple of Philae is still standing, although its roof is no longer there.
You can visit the temple any time between 7 am and 4 pm.
2- Abu Simbel Temple
The Temple of Abu Simbel is one of the most famous archaeological temples in Egypt due to its association with the phenomenon of the sun perpendicular to the face of Ramesses II twice a year, the first on October 22 and the second on February 22.
The temple was built by King Ramses II, the most famous king of Egypt from the era of the New Kingdom. The temple is famous for its four huge statues that adorn its facade, one of which also collapsed due to an ancient earthquake, and its remains are still on the ground.
The statues stand on either side of the hall that leads to the Holy of Holies, where four gods sit: Amun-Ra, Ptah, Ra-Hore-Akheti, and Ramesses II. To the north is another temple engraved in the rocks known as the “Small Temple,” which is dedicated toOf the goddess Hathor and the great royal wife of Ramesses II, Queen Nevartari, on the facade of the temple stand her huge statues, the same size as those of her husband.
The temple is distinguished by its architectural design, as it was completely cut into the mountain, and its walls were decorated with the king’s victories and conquests, especially the Battle of Kadesh, in which he defeated the Hittites, in addition to scenes depicting the relationship of the king and ancient Egyptian deities.
You can visit Abu Simbel Temple at any time between 6 am and 5 pm.
3- Plant Island
It is one of the oldest botanical gardens and islands in the world, and it is one of the most important places to visit in Aswan, as it is a natural botanical museum.
Its establishment dates back to 1898 during the English occupation of Egypt, when Lord Kitchener suppressed the Mahdist revolt in the south. This place was chosen to become the headquarters of the campaign due to its strategic location in the middle of the Nile.
After the English expedition cleared, the island was assigned to the Horticulture Department, which made the place a research experiment to determine the extent of adaptation of plant species. Indeed, many plants were planted, which have continued to be preserved until the present time.
The area of Botanical Island is 18 acres, and the maximum width of the island is 115 meters and the maximum length is 700 metres. It is an oval shape within the Nile River, surrounded by water from everywhere. The island includes about 107 plant families with 417 genera, divided into 800 species, and 29 species of trees and shrubs of Egyptian origin, such as willows, in addition to rare trees such as jackfruit, in addition to the herbarium, which is a collection of dry reference plant samples.
Visiting Plant Island is open all day.
4- The missing obelisk
The incomplete obelisk is one of the prominent landmarks in Aswan. It is an obelisk of raw red granite found in the northern part of a quarry on the shore of the Nile River. If the obelisk had been erected, its height would have reached 41 meters and it would have become the tallest Egyptian obelisks ever.
It is not known when the obelisk was excavated, but archaeologists believe that the work of this statue began during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut for the purpose of installing it in the Karnak Temple in Luxor, but after the workers dug the obelisk from 3 sides, they discovered many cracks in it, so they stopped completing it. The lower surface of the obelisk is still connected to the ground rock, and the obelisk has traces of attempts to save it. It is believed that these attempts were made during the reign of Tuthmosis III. The obelisk was discovered in the early twentieth century in one of Aswan’s famous quarries after it had been covered by sand for thousands of years.
You can visit the missing obelisk anytime between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
5- The High Dam
The High Dam is the greatest engineering project of the twentieth century and the most important place to visit in Aswan. It is the first project established to store water at the level of the Nile Basin countries. The benefits of the High Dam were not limited to the agricultural and livestock sectors only, but rather it had the greatest impact on Egypt’s economy and on its political and regional power in Area.
The construction of the High Dam lasted about 10 years and the number of workers who contributed to its construction reached about 34 thousand workers at a cost of one billion dollars. Visiting the High Dam provides an opportunity to see the fusion of ancient and modern Egypt. It is located near the city center and Philae Island and you can visit it at any time from 9 am to 5 pm.
6- Nubia Museum
Within the framework of the international campaign to save Nubia, the idea of the Nubia Museum arose in order to include the historical, cultural and archaeological heritage of Nubia.
The Nubian Museum is distinguished by its architectural design that reflects local traditional Nubian architecture, as it consists of 3 floors and its walls are covered with sandstone and pink granite, inspired by the rocky nature surrounding it. The Nubian Museum won the Aga Khan Award for Islamic Architecture as the best architectural building built in 2001. The museum expresses the stages of development of Egyptian civilization in Nubia from a social, cultural and geographical perspective. The museum includes thousands of artifacts and models of Nubian heritage in the main exhibition hall. It also displays local traditions and crafts in Nubia, in addition to a library, theatre, lecture hall, a section for scientific activities, and an amphitheater. Exposed to display Nubian folklore. As for the museum garden, it is an open museum that includes a cave with rock engravings dating back to prehistoric times, and a water stream symbolizing the Nile River, in addition to a group of water canals and gondolas that illustrate the relationship between the river and the Nubian village surrounded by plants, with a model of the Nubian house. Which reflects the daily life of Egyptians in Nubia.
You can visit the museum anytime between 9am and 5pm.
7- Kom Ombo Temple
One of the places to visit in Aswan that cannot be missed is the Temple of Kom Embo, which is a name derived from the word “Kom”, which is a word found in the names of many archaeological sites. As for the word “Embo”, it is derived from the ancient Egyptian language and means Nopet, meaning gold, and in general. The name means "golden area".
The Kom Embo Temple is located in the city of Kom Embo in Aswan Governorate. The temple was built for the worship of the gods Sobek and Horus. The current structure of the temple was built during the reign of Ptolemy VI, and Ptolemy XII completed some of the decoration in the temple.
The temple is characterized by the presence of two parallel corridors running through its halls and ending in two chambers: the southern axis for Sobek, and the northern axis for Horus. In addition, the temple is distinguished by the presence of wonderful drawings adorning its walls that list the calendar of religious holidays and activities in addition to their dates and accompanying rituals. In the Roman era, what are believed to be surgical tools were engraved, which indicates the development of ancient Egyptian medicine.
You can visit Kom Ombo Temple between 7 am and 9 pm.
8- Elephantine Island
It is one of the most beautiful places in Aswan along the Nile River, as it is 1,500 meters long and 500 meters wide. Some call it the “Ark of Antiquities” or the “Jewel of the South” because it contains the oldest archaeological treasures from the Middle Ages to the Islamic eras.
In the past, the island was called “Abu,” meaning the elephant, because it was a commercial center for receiving African ivory. Then the name in Greek changed to “Elephantine.” The island had great importance in the past as a commercial center supervising trade with the south due to its location north of the gondola area, and with the unification of the two countries of Egypt. It became a center of supervision on the southern border, and in addition to that, it was the headquarters of all military, governmental and commercial missions in different eras. The island is famous for “Satet”, which is the most important deity of the island, for which many temples were built, including: a temple from the era of the First and Second Dynasties, a temple from the era of the Sixth Dynasty, a temple from the era of King Senusret I, and a temple from the era of Queen Hatshepsut, in addition to the temples of Khnum.
The island is also famous for the shrine of "Haqqa Ib", the most important ruler of the city during the Sixth Dynasty, and the shrine of "Kalabsha" located at the southern end of the island, dating back to the reign of King "Meroa Argamenes."
Of course, the most famous thing there is the Nilometer located on the eastern side of the island. It dates back to the Ptolemaic era, when it was used to calculate the increase and decrease of the Nile flood.
The island is open all day for visiting.
9- Kalabsha Temple
When talking about the most important places to visit in Aswan, we cannot not talk about the Kalabsha Temple, as it is one of the most beautiful and complete temples in Lower Nubia. The temple was built during the reign of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. The temple was dedicated to the Nubian deity Mandulis, who is the Nubian sun god, along with Egyptian deities. Ancient Isis and Osiris.
Although the temple was established in the Roman era, it contains drawings of the god Horus on the inner wall of the temple, and what distinguishes the temple is that it contains a staircase that leads to the roof that overlooks the sacred lake. The Kalabsha Temple contains many historical records inscribed on the temple walls, including the orders of the Roman commander Aurelius Bessarion prohibiting the entry of pigs into the temple, in addition to the writings of the Nubian king Silko, in which he records his victories over Belmis, where he represents himself as a Roman soldier on the back of a horse.
Kalabsha Temple is located on an island in the middle of Lake Nasser, next to the High Dam and 16 km from Aswan. You can visit the temple at any hour between 8 am and 4 pm.
10- Mausoleum of the Aga Khan
In the heart of the high hills on the bank of the Nile, the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan stands out. It is the burial place of the third Aga Khan, that is, Sultan Muhammad Shah al-Husseini, who died in 1957, but was not buried in this mausoleum until two years after his death. Every morning, a red rose is placed on the grave of the Aga Khan, in a tradition that I started. His fourth wife, Begum Umm Habiba.
Aga Khan is an Indian-born leader of the Ismaili sect. He came to Egypt when he was suffering from rheumatism and bone pain and could not walk until he came to Aswan and buried half his body in the sand for 3 hours a day. After a week he was able to walk again, and he came to Aswan often after that until His death. In commemoration of his memory, his wife, Begum Umm Habiba, built this shrine based on a will from the Aga Khan, who recommended that his tomb be built in the Fatimid style in the western mountain in Aswan.
You can visit the Aga Khan Mausoleum any time between 6am and 5pm.
11- Monastery of Anba Simeon
It is one of the oldest and largest Coptic monasteries in the world, dating back to the sixth century. Its original name was “Deir Anba Hadara.” Due to the lack of water after its construction, the monastery was abandoned and left untouched for several years.
The monastery represents the unique style of Coptic architecture and is considered the only remaining Pachomian monastery.
The monastery receives the attention of Christians and Muslims alike because it is located on the path of pilgrims who come to it seeking rest. It used to receive Moroccan pilgrims who went to Mecca via the Western Desert, and the pilgrims used to engrave their names on the interior walls of the monastery. The monastery is located on a high hill close to the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan and is surrounded by the Western Desert on all sides, while the eastern side overlooks the Nile River.
Copts celebrate Bishop Simeon's Day on December 22 of each year, and they come to visit the monastery from all over the governorates of the Republic.
12- Gharb Suhail
Gharb Sohail is the most famous place to visit in Aswan, where tourists from everywhere come to it in order to experience living in Nubian houses that still preserve the old Nubian style.
Gharb Suhail village is one of the Nubian communities located on a sandy slope west of the Nile River. It was established about 100 years ago.
When you visit West Suhail, you can do many activities such as: riding a camel, painting henna, visiting markets and bazaars to buy handicrafts that Nubian villages are famous for.
The best time to visit the village is at sunset, when the sky takes on red twilight colors, creating a sight that pleases the beholders.
13- Nile Museum
One of the best places to visit in Aswan is the Nile Museum, which was opened in 2016. It contains 250 artifacts that record the journey of the Nile River’s flow from its sources to its mouth in the Mediterranean Sea, in addition to the presence of 61 artistic paintings that express the journey of the Nile River in Egypt.
The museum consists of 3 floors and includes a part dedicated to displaying the history of the High Dam, in addition to commemorating the martyrs who fell during the construction of the High Dam. In addition, it also includes the most important national projects of the Ministry of Irrigation, such as: the Charitable Barrage, the Peace Canal, and the Toshka Project.
The museum also displays the most important historical documents, including: the document protecting the Nile River, the 59 agreement document between Egypt and Sudan.
The museum is open to visitors from 9 am to 4 pm.
14- Qubbet El-hawaa
Qubbet el-Hawa is a rocky mountain located on the west bank of the Nile River in Aswan, about 130 meters high, and contains carved tombs of the priests and nobles of Aswan from the era of the ancient Egyptians.
On the southern peak of the mountain is the tomb of Sidi Ali bin Al-Hawa, one of the Muslim saints after whom the dome was named. It is a white shrine with a dome that can be seen from afar, and beneath it is the remains of a Coptic monastery.
These tombs are distinguished by their unique design, which begins with an ascending sand path until it reaches the entrance to the cemetery, along with walls decorated with colorful drawings that tell the life of ancient Egyptian man.
15- Tourist market
We certainly cannot forget the tourist market, as it is the most famous place to visit in Aswan, so your visit to Aswan is not complete without it. The tourist market is located in the heart of Aswan, and it is an organized street crowded with souvenirs, handicrafts, and precious stones.
The tourist market is considered an opportunity to learn about Aswan and Nubian products, as they are what Aswan is famous for. The market includes many hand-made products such as ceramics, clothes, leather products, antiques, and ceramic vessels, in addition to herbalist shops famous for their folk medicine recipes, in addition to various imitation Pharaonic antiques, musical instruments, and heritage instruments.
16- Tabiya Mosque
The Tabia Mosque is located at the highest point in the center of Aswan. It is one of the oldest historical mosques in Aswan, in addition to being one of the most famous tourist attractions, as visitors go to it from everywhere.
The history of the Tabia Mosque dates back to the era of Muhammad Ali Pasha, when it was originally built as a military school in 1811 in order to protect Egypt’s southern borders. Therefore, its location was on a high hill 100 degrees away from the surface of the earth so that soldiers could monitor the borders and secure the country.
During the era of Gamal Abdel Nasser, the building was converted into a mosque, but it was opened during the era of President Mohamed Anwar Sadat. The mosque is distinguished by the presence of 24 historical columns in addition to its large area of 700 square meters, in addition to the gardens that surround it from everywhere. As for the design of the mosque, it is distinguished by its towering dome and two minarets, which provide visitors with a panoramic view of Aswan. In the past, the mosque was used to survey the crescent of the month of Ramadan.
-Tips when visiting Aswan:
1-The best time to visit Aswan is during the cold winter months from November to March in order to avoid the high heat of the sun.
2-You can go to Aswan by air, train or car but it takes more than 10 hours.
3-You can get around Aswan using taxis or boats.
4-You can spend more time enjoying the Nile River in Aswan, as it has the nightlife spots in Aswan.
Thus, we have finished this tour of the best places to visit in Aswan, and thus you are fully prepared to visit Aswan, but remember to wait until the end of the summer!
3/6/2025
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Medical Tourism In Egypt
Medical tourism in Egypt
Egypt is famous for being the best destination for cultural and historical tourism, but did you know it is also the best for medical tourism?
Egypt is famous for its sulfur and mineral springs with a unique chemical composition that exceeds all sulfur springs in the world in terms of percentage, in addition to the availability of silt in the sulfur spring pools, which has many therapeutic properties that help cure many diseases such as bone diseases, diseases of the digestive system, diseases of the respiratory system, and skin diseases.
In addition, the Red Sea waters with their chemical content and coral reefs help heal psoriasis, and burial in the desert sands in Egypt also helps heal rheumatism.
For these reasons and more, Egypt is considered the world's most important medical tourism destination
What is medical tourism?
Medical tourism refers to a person traveling from his home country to another place for treatment and recovery through natural healing areas or modern medical centers.
Medical tourism depends on providing medical services in different parts of the world so its main goal is to help the patient receive appropriate treatment and recover from any diseases.
The patient's purpose for visiting the country is to treat and recover from incurable diseases.
The difference between medical tourism and health tourism
After we learned about the concept of medical tourism, we will now learn about the concept of health tourism and the difference between them.
health tourism is one of the types of recreational medical tourism and it depends primarily on recreation and enjoyment. Its goal is to change the psychological and emotional state of the patient while providing all means of comfort for him. It is often the next stage of medical tourism.
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Types of Medical Tourism
There are 4 main types of medical tourism:
1- International Medical Tourism
International medical tourism is tourism in which the patient moves from his current place of residence to another country to receive treatment and health care that varies according to his health condition.
The costs of international medical tourism vary from one country to another based on the level of medical services and health care in each country.
2- Local medical tourism
As for local medical tourism, it is the one in which the patient moves from one city to another within the borders of his country.
3- Medical Tourism
Medical tourism aims to treat some diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, tumors, skin diseases, or other diseases, through treatment with well water, sulfur spring water, sea water or mineral springs, or even burial in hot water.
4- Health tourism
As for medical tourism, as we mentioned before, medical tourism is mostly the stage that follows medical tourism so that the patient can relax and unwind after the treatment period.
Medical tourism is mainly based on providing comfort, luxury, and psychological support to the patient in addition to preventing some diseases.
Medical tourism is done through practicing yoga or resorting to herbal medicine, and some resort to Chinese medicine, which is mainly based on natural herbs and helps the human body regain its vitality and energy.
It is worth noting that there is another term, "medical health tourism", which combines medical and medical tourism at the same time, in which the patient goes to the most famous hospitals with various medical specialties and modern medical equipment, which also rely at the same time on natural elements that contribute to the treatment and recovery of the patient.
Benefits of Medical Tourism
Medical tourism has many advantages that encourage many patients to do it, including:
Getting distinguished medical treatment that is not available in the home country.
Lower treatment costs in some countries compared to the patient's home country.
You can also relax and have fun on a medical tourism trip at low costs.
Medical tourism is considered an important economic resource for many countries.
The most famous medical tourism countries
In addition to Egypt, many countries around the world are famous as a destination for medical tourism, including:
- France.
- Germany.
- India.
- Thailand.
- Malaysia.
- Cuba.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Lebanon.
- Emirates (Dubai).
- Singapore.
- Cyprus.
- Belgium.
Disadvantages of medical tourism
In addition to the many advantages of medical tourism, it also has some disadvantages, such as:
Sometimes the cost of treatment abroad is expensive, especially in the case of incurable diseases.
Treatment is limited to the period of residence and the patient's follow-up service may not be available after returning to his country.
Medical tourism is mostly limited to the wealthy and upper-middle classes.
History of Medical Tourism in Egypt
Did you know that the history of medical tourism in Egypt dates back to the era of the Pharaohs? The ancient Egyptians excelled in the field of medicine, and many individuals came from neighboring countries such as Greece and Rome to obtain medical services and recovery.
"Imhotep" is considered the dean of medicine and its first pioneer, according to historians, as he wrote several manuscripts on symptoms and methods of treating them and treatment with drugs. His method did not depend on magic and sorcery. Among his most important manuscripts are those that contained his observations in anatomy, symptoms of diseases, and treatment methods such as treating fractures.
With the increase in archaeological discoveries of medicine and treatment, the medical and therapeutic importance of many areas in Egypt increased, such as Helwan, Fayoum, and South Sinai. After the state's interest in these areas, they became the most upscale areas of medical tourism in Egypt, and over time, Egypt became the ideal destination for medical tourism.
The importance of medical tourism in Egypt
Medical tourism is of great importance in Egypt, and that is why we find that the ancient Egyptians paid great attention to medical tourism and even all the presidents and kings of Egypt. The importance of medical tourism in Egypt is due to:
Medical tourism is considered one of the most important sources of national income in Egypt, thanks to the foreign currencies that contribute to its entry into the country.
Medical tourism has a great impact on the health sector in Egypt.
It contributes to providing many job opportunities in the medical and tourism sectors, thus contributing to solving the unemployment problem.
Activating the tourism sector in Egypt in general, because the recovery process takes place amidst the wonderful tourist atmosphere in Egypt, thus attracting more tourists.
Medical tourism statistics in Egypt
Confirming the importance of medical tourism and its major role in increasing national income and foreign exchange in Egypt, we find that the Ministry of Health previously announced statistics on medical tourism in Egypt.
The revenues of medical tourism in Egypt in 2022 were estimated at more than 12.2 billion US dollars, and Egypt aims to raise these revenues to reach 14 billion US dollars per year.
The most famous places for medical tourism in Egypt
Now it is time to know the best and most famous places for medical tourism in Egypt, which are as follows:
1- Medical tourism in Helwan
Helwan is located 30 kilometers from the heart of Cairo and is about 40 meters above sea level. It is characterized by a dry climate and low humidity, in addition to having many mineral and sulfur springs that are unparalleled in terms of purity and therapeutic benefit.
In addition, the Sulphur Center for Natural Medicine and Rheumatology Treatment was established in Helwan. It is located at the entrance to Helwan district and can be reached via the Corniche. The center includes about 38 rooms for treatment with sulfur water, restrooms, and chalets for patients to stay surrounded by many gardens, making it an ideal place for treatment and recovery.
The history of treatment in Helwan water dates back to 1899. The baths were renovated in 1955. The Helwan Center is distinguished by the presence of an elite group of doctors specializing in natural medicine and rheumatology who conduct accurate medical examinations with full medical supervision throughout the treatment period. It is equipped with the following:
- An integrated medical laboratory to conduct all examinations.
- A device for diagnostic radiology.
- A department for internal diseases and heart.
- An electric water bath for water therapy.
- A steam bath.
- A sulfur bath.
- Ultraviolet and shortwave devices.
- A carbon dioxide bath to treat circulatory diseases, and a special section for treatment with sulfur mud.
- A section specializing in fitness and weight loss.
- A department for massage and underwater massage.
- A department for wax.
As for the diseases treated by Helwan Center, they are:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Neuritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Neurological and psychological diseases.
- Paralysis.
- Chronic gout.
- Respiratory diseases.
- Skin diseases.
- Joint stiffness and healed fractures accompanied by complications of incorrect healing.
- Excessive and pathological obesity.
- Inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
2- Medical tourism in Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya Oasis is located 365 km from Giza Governorate, and it combines the elements of archaeological, historical, therapeutic, and health tourism.
The Bahariya Oasis includes many archaeological landmarks such as the tombs of the 26th Dynasty, the remains of the Roman Arch of Triumph, the ruins of the Temple of Isis, and the cemetery of the sacred birds.
In addition to these archaeological landmarks, Bahariya Oasis includes about 400 springs of cold and warm mineral and sulfurous waters, which Egyptian and foreign research and scientific centers have proven their therapeutic value in treating rheumatism, rheumatoid and skin diseases, and therefore it is one of the most important therapeutic resorts in the world.
Among the most famous places for medical tourism in Bahariya Oasis are:
- Segam Well, which is the most famous therapeutic place in Bahariya Oasis, is filled with sulfurous groundwater that helps visitors relax and recover. Segam Well is located east of Bawiti village.
- Al-Qasa'a Wells is also one of the most important therapeutic places in the Bahariya Oasis, which is famous for its hot sulfur wells that reach a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. There are 3 residential complexes in this area, and in each complex, there are many sulfur wells. The area is also distinguished by the presence of Jabal Al-Dust and Jabal Al-Magrafah.
- The Magic Eye is one of the amazing eyes in the Bahariya Oasis, which is famous for its effectiveness in healing skin diseases and rheumatism. It is called the Magic Eye because with the continued flow of water, the surrounding area remained a small hill and did not turn into an oasis, which led some to believe that the water stopped flowing after visitors left.
- Roman Wells: These are ancient wells in the Bahariya Oasis that date back to the Roman era. Their water is also used for treatment and healing in addition to its use in agriculture.
- Al-Matar Well: It is a spacious, flat plain with a well of sulfur water inside it that is used to treat many diseases.
- Al-Bashmu Well.
- Ain Halfa Well.
- Bir Hakima Eyes.
3- Medical tourism in the New Valley
The New Valley is considered one of the largest governorates in Egypt and is characterized by many natural elements that make it one of the favorite medical tourism destinations for many individuals, as it is characterized by bright sunshine, dry atmosphere, low humidity, and the absence of pollution, of course, in addition to hot sulfur wells that reach a temperature of 50 degrees and contain many elements such as magnesium, sulfur, calcium, and phosphorus, with the presence of many underground springs.
The most important feature of the New Valley is the sand with a unique chemical composition that is capable of treating and healing incurable diseases.
Among the most famous therapeutic places in the New Valley:
1- Dakhla
Dakhla Oasis is considered one of the most famous therapeutic places that tourists visit from everywhere, as it occupies the top spot in terms of demand among the New Valley regions and contains more than 500 hot wells, the most famous of which are:
Mot Wells: They are located 3 kilometers from the city of Mot, the capital of Dakhla. They are self-flowing wells that spring from a depth of 1224 meters. These wells are characterized by their hot water, which reaches a temperature of 43 degrees Celsius and contains many useful elements that help treat psoriasis and rheumatism.
Ain El-Gebel Well: They are located 52 meters from the city of Mot and the temperature of its water is 54 degrees Celsius.
2- Kharga
Kharga Oasis includes many important wells, including:
Bulaq Wells: They are about 28 kilometers away from Kharga city. They are deep, self-flowing wells with a depth of 1000 meters, while their water temperature reaches 28 degrees Celsius. They contain important therapeutic elements, in addition to being located near soft dunes that can be used for treatment by burial in the sand, as they help treat rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, and pain resulting from atrophy of the cartilage of the thoracic vertebrae.
Nasser Wells: They are 18 meters south of Kharga. They are 3 wells of different depths that gather in a swimming pool. The water temperature reaches 28 degrees Celsius. They are used to treat kidney stones, skin diseases, digestive system diseases, and rheumatism.
3- Farafra
As for Farafra, it has Well 6, a deep self-flowing well, which is located 6 kilometers away from Farafra city, and its water temperature reaches 24 degrees Celsius.
Farafra also includes the world-famous White Desert and is linked to other oases by a good transport network.
4- Medical tourism in Siwa
Siwa, which is one of the five major oases in the Western Desert of Egypt, is also considered one of the most important places for medical tourism in Egypt, especially since it is characterized by its tranquility, clean air, and moderate temperature. It is full of therapeutic wells and caves that many tourists visit, including:
- Ain Kaghar: It is a spring in the Siwa Oasis characterized by hot water, as its temperature reaches 67 degrees Celsius. It also contains a high percentage of mineral salts and sulfur and is used to treat rheumatism and psoriasis.
- Mount Dakrour: It is the most famous place for medical tourism in Siwa, due to the presence of large areas of hot sand known for its ability to treat rheumatism, in addition to the presence of many freshwater springs inside the mountain itself. There is also a team of specialists to provide medical services.
- Cleopatra's Spring: It is called Cleopatra's Spring about Queen Cleopatra, who used this place for treatment and relaxation in the past. It is also called the Sun's Spring. This spring is a huge bath built using ancient stones, and the bath is filled with spring water that has effective therapeutic properties.
- Hammamat Spring: It is the largest spring in Siwa Oasis with hot water that helps in treating rheumatism.
- Ain Al-Kassara Spring: It is one of the salty springs as it contains a high percentage of salt in its water.
- Barmut Spring: It is used in treating some skin problems and is characterized by the presence of a percentage of sulfur in its water.
5- Medical tourism in Aswan
Aswan is famous for historical and archaeological tourism and has a distinguished position among the medical tourism destinations in Egypt as well it has several important therapeutic sites such as:
Elephantine Island: Sand burial baths are used there for therapeutic purposes especially from March to October of each year as the sun's rays are intense during this period.
Isis Island Resort: After following up on many cases suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and as a result of their improvement after staying on Aswan Island, the National Research Center allocated a special treatment program for rheumatoid patients on Isis Island that combines burial treatment and exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet rays for 3 weeks. The result of this program was unexpected as it led to the improvement of many patients because this area is characterized by high levels of ultraviolet rays and low humidity, which makes it an ideal place for treating rheumatic diseases.
6- Medical tourism in Hurghada
Thanks to its natural resources, Hurghada is considered one of the most important areas for medical tourism in Egypt, as it combines treatment with seawater, coral reef mud, sand rich in mineral elements, and sunlight.
Ana Aslan Center is considered one of the most important physiotherapy centers in Hurghada, which was established after the success of the treatment method discovered by the Romanian doctor Ana Aslan in 1949.
Ana Aslan Center treats many diseases, including Parkinson's disease, insomnia, arthritis, blocked arteries, psychological depression, and prevention of organ weakness resulting from aging.
7- Medical tourism in Sinai
Sinai is well known in terms of its importance as a medical tourism destination, as it has many water springs with many therapeutic benefits. Among the most important therapeutic places in Sinai are:
- Pharaoh's Bath: Pharaoh's Baths are located 250 meters from Cairo. They are a group of hot sulfur springs that reach a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. They flow from Pharaoh's Bath Mountain, and there is a rock cave carved into the mountain above it that is used as a natural sauna.
- Moses Springs: A group of sulfur springs from which water flows at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. It is characterized by the presence of some mineral salts with therapeutic properties such as sodium and magnesium salts.
- Moses Bath: It is located in the city of Tur Sinai and water flows from five springs that pour into Moses Bath and its temperature reaches 37 degrees Celsius.
- Deir al-Saba Banat.
- Wadi Maghara.
8- Medical tourism in Safaga
Safaga has many features that make it one of the best places to treat psoriasis in the world. It is surrounded by high mountains, which are considered a firewall against storms and dust, its atmosphere is pure, and its water is highly saline.
In addition to the fact that the sand in Safaga contains 3 harmless radioactive materials: uranium, potassium, and thorium, in addition to containing most of the metallic elements and gold salts that are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic and acute joint inflammation.
The body is usually buried completely in the sand for 3 continuous hours so that the patient benefits from all the elements in it.
One of the most famous treatment centers in Safaga is the Thermal Carlo Vivari Health Center, which includes electrotherapy, physiotherapy, mineral water therapy, massage, and lightning therapy.
As the world continues to search for natural and effective treatments, Egypt's medical tourism industry stands out as a beacon of hope and healing. With its unparalleled natural resources, combined with centuries-old practices, Egypt offers a unique blend of history and health. Whether you're looking to recover, rejuvenate, or simply explore new therapeutic landscapes, Egypt provides an experience that goes beyond traditional tourism. It’s a destination where the journey to wellness is intertwined with the rich tapestry of one of the oldest civilizations on Earth.
3/6/2025
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The Dahabiya of The Nile In Aswan & Luxor
Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Imagine that you are on a boat in the middle of the Nile and there is nothing around but a gentle breeze and calm water, isn't it something fun
Imagine that you can see the most important monuments and landscapes away from the noisy crowds in an experience resembling the elegance and charm of traditional travel with a combination of nature and history!
Nile cruises are a unique experience and why not They provide the deepest connection between history and nature in Egypt.
It is also the perfect choice for lovers of watching the Nile River, which is the lifeblood of the Egyptian people and is the cradle of Egyptian civilization, as the Nile River served as a vital trade route and also fed the fertile lands that helped establish civilizations.
And of course, there is nothing more attractive than watching the Nile River on Nile ships that allow you to explore ancient Egyptian wonders, and see ancient Egyptian temples and hidden treasures in Aswan.
That is why we will take you on a tour of Nile cruises, their importance, and why they are a perfect choice if you want to visit Luxor, Aswan, and of course, we will talk about the unique Nile dahabiya vehicles.
Dahabiya Nile Cruises
The Dahabiya boats offer unique trips to experience the legendary Nile River. unlike the larger and more commercial cruise ships that Cruise the Nile River, the Dahabia Nile cruise is a traditional sailing ship with an elegant design. it dates back to the nineteenth century when the Egyptian nobility and European travelers used it to explore the ancient wonders along the Nile River.
These boats usually have two large sails and are smaller in size than modern cruise ships as they accommodate a limited number of passengers, often no more than 10 or 20 passengers, which guarantees an exclusive experience.in addition, the small size of the ships allows them to dock in smaller and less accessible locations along the Nile that large ships cannot go to and therefore helps to discover hidden gems and lesser-known places that are located outside the normal cruise routes, providing a rich experience with great privacy.
Also, one of the most important features of the Dahabiya Nile cruise is that its trips are quiet, because these boats depend on the wind in the first place, there is no noise from engines, and therefore there is nothing to prevent you from enjoying the charming landscapes and quiet sounds of the Nile, in addition to the slow pace of the ships, which means that there is more time to enjoy these picturesque views.
Mostly Dahabiya ships are equipped with comfortable classic furniture while providing a distinctive level of service to passengers, so the atmosphere is relaxed and informal, and this type of trip usually attracts those looking for more authentic trips away from the hustle and bustle of modern tourism, it is an experience combining the best of luxury travel and the romance of ancient explorations.
Growing interest in Nile Delta cruises
In recent periods dahabiya Nile cruise has gained increasing popularity among travelers who are looking for a more private, intimate, and at the same time more luxurious experience of Nile cruises especially with a lot of individuals who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern tourism.
Dahabiya Nile cruises are the first choice for those looking for a romantic getaway, friends looking for adventure, or history lovers looking into Egypt's rich past, they offer something special for everyone.
History of Nile Cruises
The tradition of sailing on the Nile River dates back to ancient times when the Nile River was the means of transportation and communication, and for this, it was called the lifeblood of the ancient Egyptian civilization, where the Nile waters were teeming with ships carrying goods and people to the Pharaohs and their royal entourage. among these ships, the dahabiya, a traditional sailing ship, enjoys a privileged place in the history of sailing on the Nile.
The word dahabiya is derived from gold and refers to the golden ships that adorned the Nile River in ancient times, They were used by the Egyptian nobility and wealthy merchants, and they designed these ships, which were decorated with lavish decorations and propelled by large sails and with spacious places for passengers to provide comfort and elegance.
The beginning of the appearance of term " dahabiya "was in the seventeenth century, but before that, it was called" Kanja", and the stories and theories differ about the reason for the appearance of the name dahabiya, where some refer to the sun's rays that were reflected over the Nile and looked shiny like gold, while others say that these boats were gold-plated in the medieval period.
During the nineteenth century, dahabiya gained great fame among European travelers and explorers who were attracted to the secrets and wonders of ancient Egypt, where they rented gold to explore the ancient monuments and temples that lined the banks of the Nile and over time these boats became a symbol of fascination with Egyptology.
The evolution of Nile River Cruises
Historical researcher "Francis Amin" says that the beginning of use of Golden vehicles dates back to Roman times, specifically in the famous trips made by Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, and the trip of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, in which he visited the landmarks of Egypt, and the Golden continued for many years of important means of transportation in the heart of Egypt
Over time, the popularity of Nile cruises increased among the European elite, and the dahabia was synonymous with luxury and exploration. this period was the Golden Age of Nile cruises in the dahabiya boats, where travelers spent weeks sailing on the Nile and stopping at various historical sites. this continued with the revival of Nile tourism in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Golden boats were mostly used in the winter as tourist boats and turned in the summer as cargo ships. during the reign of Muhammad Ali, they were used to publish official charters issued to reach all over Egypt.
It is noteworthy that in the nineteenth century, the dhow boats had their own Harbor in the Qasr El-Nil major area and the details of their rental were published in the tourist guide of Egypt, where the trips were then from Cairo to Aswan, and the most famous who made these trips were the French photographer "Maxim Dukan" and the famous writer "Gustave Flaubert".
One of the most famous paintings at this time was "The Daughter of the Nile", which Khedive Ismail exhibited at the Paris International Exhibition and for which he made a small channel in the exhibition, which impressed the French.
In addition, there is the dahabiya "Al-Manshiyya", which was intended for the head of the Egyptian Antiquities Authority to conduct his tour, which extends to 21 days from Cairo to the Egyptian state borders.
In the period between the seventeenth and ninth centuries, Dahabiyas were associated with the name of the Nile, so there were: the jewel of the Nile, the paradise of the Nile, the Pearl of the Nile, and then other names appeared that were associated with public figures, such as Agatha Christie, an English writer who documented her journey across the Nile River in one of his novels.
Dahabiya in the age of technology
With the advancement of technology, the era of steamships began, which contributed to the blocking of dahabiya ships, as steamships in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries began to dominate the Nile, and these ships were the preferred choice for many travelers because they were faster and more convenient as they could carry more passengers and were also less dependent on the wind, as a result, the use of dahabiya declined and became rare in the Nile River.
But despite these declines, the charm of dahabiya has not faded. in recent decades, there has been an interest in these boats by travelers looking for a more authentic experience.
Today, al dahabiya has been reinvented as a luxury alternative to larger commercial ships, as it is designed to combine the elegance of the old dahabiya ships with contemporary amenities and luxury to provide passengers with the best of both eras. Today, al dahabiya includes spacious decks, better-equipped cabins, large sails that still use wind power, along with modern amenities.
Sailing experience on the Dahabiya
Al Dahabiya offers a unique experience for all passengers and visitors for many reasons, including its elegant design that provides comfort, for example, we find that the cabins and suites are carefully designed to provide a quiet and comfortable haven for passengers after exploring the archaeological sites, where al dahabiya consists of a few cabins, often ranging from 4 to 10 cabins.
The design of the vestibule is as follows:
The cabins are spacious rooms with large panoramic windows that allow you to wake up to the view of the calm water every morning. the cabins are mostly mixed between traditional Egyptian decor elements and modern luxury, featuring luxurious furnishings, fabrics, and handmade furniture.
The suites offer additional spaces and more amenities for luxury lovers, as well as separate living areas, and larger bathrooms, along with private balconies or terraces that allow you to enjoy the landscape in seclusion, these suites are designed to be a haven to relax after a long day.
The lounge areas are designed to provide a better climate for social communication so that guests can gather in a warm and attractive atmosphere, in which guests can relax, read, or participate in a conversation, it is furnished with luxurious sofas and chairs decorated with traditional Egyptian textiles, handmade furnishings and coffee tables are arranged to provide an uninterrupted view of the Nile, the lounge areas serve as the heart of Safiya, where they help enhance the sense of companionship between guests, and the indoor lounge may be equipped with a small library of books about the history of Egypt, along with a selection of music the outdoor lounge, which is usually on the roof, is always a place Perfect for landscape viewing and soaking up the sun.
Dining areas are either indoors with large windows to watch the Nile or outdoors on the deck, and food is usually served at one common table, which encourages interaction between guests.
Sun terraces: the deck is one of the most beloved places for any visitor because it is a place to enjoy the warm rays of the sun in the morning or the gentle night breeze in the evening, and with sunset, the deck turns into a magical place where you can enjoy the twinkling stars in the sky, especially if the dining area is outdoors then you can enjoy dining under the stars in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Also, it is necessary to talk about the food on these boats, especially since many visitors are interested in this aspect more than one thing.
The food is mostly traditional Egyptian food, where the chef prepares a variety of Egyptian dishes with fresh bread and delicious salads accompanied by dishes of locally sourced fruits and Vegetables. Meals are usually served 3 times a day and breakfast includes a set of pastries, eggs, and fresh juices, but food and dinner are more elaborate, and the chef on board is often flexible so that he can meet dietary preferences and special requests.
In addition to the main meals, guests can enjoy tea or snacks, which are often served on the deck with the onset of Sunset, which is a good time to enjoy a refreshing drink and admire the picturesque views.
Nile Cruise Dahabiya trip
The trip on board the Dahabiya boats is very organized to allow visitors to visit the most important sites in terms of historical richness, usually the itinerary is between Luxor and Aswan with stops at key locations so that passengers can explore the oldest temples, tombs, and cities.
The routes of dahabiya vary, but usually, they are upstream (from Luxor to Aswan ) or downstream ( from Aswan to Luxor), and the trip may last four days and may extend up to 7 days, and the pace of the trip is mostly comfortable so that the passenger can explore the most important archaeological sites and landscapes and also provide him with time to rest and relax on board the ship.
The trip starts from Luxor or Aswan and includes daily visits to important archaeological sites and is supplemented by sailing periods so that every day brings a discovery or new knowledge.
Key stops on the Dahabiya Nile cruise
1-Luxor: either the beginning or the end is in Luxor, which is the home of the most archaeological monuments in Egypt, even it is called the greatest open-air museum around the world, and it is the ancient capital of the Egyptian Pharaonic civilization and one of the most important monuments that include:
- Karnak Temple: most often your trip begins with a visit to the Karnak Temple, an amazing complex of temples dedicated to the God Amon-Ra, characterized by its towering columns and intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions and therefore considered a wonderful introduction to the ancient Egyptian civilization.
- Luxor Temple: it is also at the beginning of your trip and is located in the heart of Luxor and is connected to Karnak Temple through the Avenue of Sphinxes.
- Valley of the Kings: located on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor, it is the place where the Kings of the Pharaohs were buried in tombs filled with treasures and elaborate frescoes giving you a better understanding of the ancient rulers of Egypt, their life and their journey to the afterlife.
2- The city of Esna: it is a small city located on the West Bank of the Nile River and is famous for its temple dedicated to the God Khnum, a god with a Ram's head.the temple of Khnum, although not as beautiful as the temples of Luxor, is characterized by its colorful carvings and it includes 24 columns decorated with impressive floral crowns.
3- Edfu city: it is home to one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, the temple of Horus dedicated to the god Horus, a falcon-headed god. the temple of Horus, which dates back to the Ptolemaic era, is an exceptional example of ancient Egyptian religious architecture, featuring tall towers, wide squares, and detailed inscriptions depicting life and worship in ancient Egypt.
4- Kom Embu city: it is located on a picturesque bend in the Nile and is characterized by the presence of the paired temple dedicated to the worship of the gods Horus the Great, and Sobek the crocodile god, the temple of Kom Embu is an unusual, especially because it was once a healing center and you can identify this through the medical instruments engraved on the walls of the temple.
5- Aswan: it is the southern tip of most Nile cruises on Dahabiya, a city famous for its history, culture, scenic natural beauty, and quiet atmosphere, it is an ideal place to end the trip, it includes:
- The temple of Philae: is dedicated to the worship of the God ISIS and was a major center of pilgrimage and worship, especially during the last periods of the history of Egypt. The relocation of the temple of the temple of Philae to the island of Angelika to save it from flooding is considered a modern engineering marvel. the temple provides insights into the religious practices of the ancient Egyptians and interfaith reconciliation, which was characteristic of the last periods of Egyptian history.
- The High Dam: it is the greatest engineering project of the twentieth century, and it is the project that changed life in Egypt, as the High Dam helped protect Egypt from floods, in addition to its greatest impact on the Egyptian economy.
- The unfinished obelisk: it provides a simple overview of the construction projects in ancient Egypt, if this obelisk was completed, it would have been the largest obelisk ever built, but it was not completed because there was a crack in the stone.
6- Mount Chain: it is a lesser-known destination located between Edfu and Kom Embu, an archaeological treasure rarely visited by tourists. the mountain is the source of most of the sandstone used in temples, where visitors can explore the quarries where huge stone blocks were cut, along with the shrines carved into the rock of the mountain, some of which were dedicated to the gods and pharaohs.
7- The Cape city: it is also a less famous destination, even though it is called The Forgotten City, and it dates back to the oldest periods in the history of Egyptian civilization. the city includes the Cape tombs decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from everyday life, religious rituals, and the journey to the afterlife. in addition, Cape City includes the temple of Nakhbet, which is dedicated to Nakhbet, the goddess of the Eagle and the protector of Upper Egypt. The Cape city is characterized by tranquility and solitude, allowing visitors to explore more meditatively.
Special opportunities on the Dahabiya Nile cruise
The trip on the Dahabiya Nile cruise provides you with many opportunities that allow you not only to see historical sites but also to experience these sites, for example, the following:
Guided tours: guided tours are usually led by Egyptology experts as they provide important information about the history, significance, and architecture of each site and provide stories and context that deepen your understanding of everything you see that makes the ancient world alive.
- Cultural interactions: some trips also provide you with cultural interactions and interaction with local communities, for example, you can participate in handicraft shows.
- Visiting villages: some itineraries also include stops and exploring ancient Egyptian villages along the Nile River where you can meet locals, explore traditional markets, and also take part in some cultural activities.
- Traditional entertainment: it also provides you with traditional entertainment on board the dahabiya in terms of enjoying traditional Egyptian music and dance, providing you with an authentic cultural experience that complements historical exploration.
- Self-exploration: you have the opportunity to self-explore in many locations so that you can discover a lot of hidden details on your own or enjoy loneliness in these ancient places.
- Photography opportunity: it is an opportunity provided by the slower pace and smaller size of the group on the dahabiya trip where you can take many photos so that the trip will be eternal in your memory forever.
In this way, we have reviewed the most important information and details about the Dahabiya Nile cruise, which is considered an invitation to go back and immerse yourself in the history and culture of ancient Egypt on a traditional boat, do you want to accept this invitation?
3/2/2025
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The Hot Air Balloon In Luxor City
Hot Air balloon in luxor
Imagine that you are gently rising through the fresh morning air on a hot air balloon, where the cold air gives way to the warmth of the sun, and as the sun begins to rise above the aphthae, the balloon rises to the top so that the charming landscapes of Luxor are revealed around you, you can see ancient archaeological temples, green fields, and the Nile River in an unforgettable magical experience!
Due to these charming experiences, the hot air balloon has become an activity that must be done by all tourists in Luxor, especially those who enjoy the spirit of adventure, and while some prefer to see the monuments nearby, others go to ride the hot air balloon to enjoy the panoramic views stretching from the West Bank to the East Bank of the Nile River in a unique experience that few others have.
Suppose you are an adventure enthusiast, a photography lover, or even a history buff. In that case, this article is dedicated simply because we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the hot air balloon and even about the city of Luxor.
Historical significance of Luxor
Luxor is the modern name of the city of Thebes, the capital of Egypt during the peak of its power in the Pharaonic era, especially in the New Kingdom period, which is referred to as the" Golden Age " of ancient Egypt, because it is the period when Egyptian civilization reached its peak in art, architecture and culture, Luxor or Thebes was home to many crossings and tombs that reflected the power and influence of the Pharaohs
Luxor was not only a political capital, but also a spiritual and religious center, as the city was dedicated to the god Amun, the king of the gods, and therefore the city had tremendous sanctity.
The importance of Luxor extended far beyond its borders, as evidenced by its influence on the surrounding areas and other civilizations, as well as by its ability to attract the best artists, craftsmen, and scientists of the time.
The history of the Hot Air Balloon Luxor
The balloon is a relatively recent phenomenon in Luxor, but it quickly became one of the most desirable experiences by many visitors because it provides a breathtaking view of ancient archaeological sites and stunning landscapes at the same time.
The Hot Air Balloon was first introduced in the late eighties or early nineties as part of efforts to diversify tourism efforts in the region, the idea was to provide a new way to view archaeological sites from a different perspective, and Luxor was of course the ideal place for this due to the mild weather conditions in the early hours of the morning.
It is worth noting that one of the first to carry out this experiment was the French astronaut "Jean Pepper Blanchard"
The first operators started with small-scale expeditions where they served adventure-seeking tourists or photography lovers who wanted to capture the landscapes of the Nile Valley and ancient monuments from the sky, these early excursions were very successful and drew attention to the unique experience of viewing the monuments of Luxor from the air.
With the spread of talk about this unique experience, the popularity of the hot air balloon grew rapidly, and by the late nineties it became an important activity to do when visiting Luxor, and the increasing demand led to an increase in the number of operators offering these trips, and then the industry began to turn professional with better equipment and stricter safety standards.
Today, hot air balloon flights have become an established and organized activity in Luxor, where many tourist companies offer daily flights, which are usually early in the morning, to take advantage of the calm air and cold temperatures that provide a smoother and more comfortable experience. of course, the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority monitors operations closely to ensure the safety of passengers.
In short, the hot air balloon ride has become a special part of the Luxor experience, although it does not have a long history, the magic of the experience has struck many and they come specifically to Luxor to do the balloon ride.
How can you try the Hot Air Balloon Luxor?
Many tourists are wondering about how to try a hot air balloon in Luxor and the truth is that it is a very simple process, you can book a balloon trip with one of the companies specializing in hot air balloon tours and these companies provide all the equipment and safety measures you need to ride a balloon to ensure a safe flight, and the company will also transport you to balloon launch sites.
From here, you will start your sightseeing experience in Luxor at an altitude of 1000 feet or more, and as soon as your flight is completed and you land safely, you will be returned to the hotel or any other destination.
Balloon riding is not only fun but also safe, due to the safety regulations imposed by local authorities, all pilots must be certified by local and international aviation authorities before they are allowed to ride the balloon.in addition, all balloons used in flights are checked regularly to ensure that they are safe to use at any time.
There are also environmental rules that must be followed when flying a balloon, for example, you should avoid areas where birds nest, and also avoid approaching archaeological and historical monuments, and all this contributes to the flight being comfortable and safe.
Experience the Hot Air Balloon in Luxor
Riding a hot air balloon is one of the unforgettable adventures, from the moment of reaching the launch site to flying, there are moments full of awe and wonder!
The hot air balloon adventure starts long before sunrise and as we have said before the early morning hours are the best time to fly because the calm and Cool Dawn Air provides a steady smooth flight that in addition provides the opportunity to watch the breathtaking sunrise view over the ancient landscapes of Luxor.
Upon arrival at the launch site, the balloon crew and other passengers will greet you in an atmosphere full of anticipation and excitement, and as the sky begins to brighten, you will see the huge balloon lying on the ground ready to inflate.
The process of preparing and inflating the balloon is a wonderful sight in itself that you should not miss, as large fans are used to fill the balloon with cold air, which helps it to gradually take shape, and once the balloon is partially inflated, the crew uses burners to heat the air inside, causing the balloon to rise straight, which means that your adventures are about to begin.
During the preparation of the balloon, the pilot will gather all the passengers for a safety briefing. this briefing is information about what to expect during the flight, How to climb into the basket, what to do during takeoff and landing, and also the basic principles of a hot air balloon. because safety is the top priority, the crew must ensure that all passengers feel confident and comfortable before starting the flight.
1- Boarding
Once the balloon is inflated and standing it means that it's time to climb into the basket, the basket is divided into four sections and each section has space for a small group of passengers, when you step into the basket the pilot performs the final safety checks and as soon as the heat rushes from the burners the balloon begins to rise gently from the ground.
As for the ascent, it is one of the most exciting parts of the experience, as the balloon rises slowly, making it seem as if you are floating in the air, and the vast landscapes of Luxor unfold around you as you rise, where you can see the ancient ruins of the West Bank and the busy life on the East Bank of the Nile at the same time.
From the top you can see the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the vast Reed Fields, and the vast desert mountains in an unparalleled panoramic view, and the silence of the journey adds a sense of peace and separation from reality allowing you to absorb the beauty and history of the city of Luxor and here you will realize that it is more than just a tourist tour, it is a trip to the past that will remain in your memory, mixed with the sunrise over the Nile, with you for a long time.
2. landing
When your balloon flight comes to an end, the pilot of the balloon begins to descend, which is also an experience no less amazing than the ascent, as the balloon gradually descends from the sky and the ground is closer to the view, and usually, the descent is slow, allowing passengers to enjoy the final views of the shorter from a lower altitude.
The balloon may drift over farmland or small villages in search of the perfect place to land, and during landing the pilot gives instructions for a safe landing, for example, he may ask you to hold on to the sides of the basket or bend your knees slightly to absorb any impact during landing.
At this stage, the balloon crew on the ground will be in contact with the pilot to assist in a safe landing. Landing may vary depending on weather conditions. for example, on calm days, the balloon may gently touch a field or a soft patch of sand with little or no rebound. but in other cases, when there is a light breeze, the basket may drag on the ground for a few feet before stopping completely. regardless of how to land, the pilot will guide the balloon to a completely safe landing.
3- Festive rituals after the end of the trip
After this exciting experience and safe landing, many balloon operators perform a small festive tradition, a tradition that dates back to the early days of balloon flight, where the successful landing was celebrated with a small party where passengers are served non-alcoholic drinks, and also commemorative certificates are presented to them. most often these tickets are dedicated to the passenger's name with the date and details of the flight. before the farewell, the balloon crew and passengers gather to take commemorative photos in front of the balloon.
After the celebrations are over, the passengers are transferred to their hotels or the original meeting point.
The landing and the celebrations that follow are a fitting conclusion to an adventure that doesn't happen once in a lifetime.
Sights of Luxor you can see on a balloon flight
Balloon flights offer charming panoramic views of Luxor, which, even if the itineraries vary according to weather conditions, often include seeing many iconic sights in Luxor, including:
1- Karnak Temple: it is the most important temple of Luxor and the largest religious building constructed, it is located on the East Bank of the Nile River and covers an area of more than 200 acres, it took about 2000 years to build, and it was the center of religious life in ancient Egypt.
2- The Valley of the Kings: it is the most famous site in Luxor, besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank of the Nile, and is home to more than 60 ancient pharaonic tombs, the most important of which is the Tomb of Tutankhamun, which was discovered in 1922.
3- The temple of Hatshepsut: it is one of the magnificent temples on the West Bank of the Nile River and is dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut, and is characterized by its amazing design and harmony with the surrounding slopes.
4- Memnon statues: two high-rise statues of King Amenhotep III, located on the West Bank of the Nile, provide a majestic sight during the balloon flight.
5- Luxor Temple: located in the heart of the modern city of Luxor and is a stunning example of ancient architecture, it is the place where many pharaohs were crowned.
6- The Nile River: the balloon flight provides a unique view of the Nile River, the longest river in the world and the decisive factor in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization, as it meanders through Luxor in a dazzling spectacle.
Please note that the balloon flight provides views of these attractions from a distance, i.e. you can't stop and visit them up close, because balloon flights focus on providing an aerial experience and a different view of the natural and archaeological landscapes of ancient Egypt.
The tourist places and monuments you see may vary from one trip to another, depending on the itinerary and weather conditions.
Are balloon flights in Luxor safe? - Hot air balloon Luxor safety
In general, balloon flights are considered safe, as hot air balloon flights in Luxor have a distinguished record of safety and professionalism, but your safety must be prioritized, and reputable balloon companies to avoid any possible risks.
When choosing balloon companies, you should look for companies with a proven track record of professionalism and positive customer reviews, and you should also make sure that they have all the necessary licenses and certificates and confirm the qualifications of pilots.
It should be noted that weather conditions play a big role in the safety of hot air balloon flights, for example, the early morning is chosen to do them because the weather conditions at this time are more stable, which provides clear visibility and calm winds, or if the weather conditions are bad, the flights will be canceled completely because the priority is the safety of passengers.
Also, before the flight, the balloon crew will provide important security information about what to do and what not to do to ensure a safe flight.
In this way, your experience is safe and enjoyable if you keep choosing a good company, and follow the instructions and safety instructions on board the balloon.
Duration of the flight of the hot air balloon in Luxor
Hot Air Balloon flights in Luxor usually take about 45 minutes and may be more or less than that, depending on the weather conditions and the offer of the flight itself the duration of the flight is always enough to enjoy seeing the monuments, the Nile River, and other views.
It should be noted that the duration of the experience itself is longer than the flight time because it includes the transition, pre-flight preparations, boarding, and landing procedures, where the experience itself can reach about 3 hours from start to finish.
However, the flight time may also vary depending on wind conditions, air traffic, and the pilot's estimation of the flight, because the pilot adjusts the altitude and flight path as needed to ensure safety.
Hot air balloon Luxor time
The dates of hot air balloon flights in Luxor vary according to the time of Sunrise, which in turn varies from summer to winter, for example, in summer the sunrise is from 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM, while in winter the sunrise may be delayed to 6:30 am.
In general, the timing of balloon flights varies depending on the schedule of flights on this day, the time required for preparations before each flight, balloon inflation, and safety briefings, all this contributes to determining the date of the flight, so it is preferable to ask the company based on the balloon flight to find out the exact Assembly date and launch date.
What can you wear on Hot Air Balloon flights?
This question is on the minds of many individuals who want to try a hot air balloon for the first time and the short answer to this question is that you can wear any comfortable clothes suitable for the weather conditions.
For example, you can wear layers of clothing to be more adapted to the weather, because the weather is cold in the early hours of the morning, but the temperature rises after sunrise, so it is preferable to wear a light jacket to protect against the wind.
It is also preferable to choose long trousers to protect your legs from the heat of the burners during landing or takeoff, and it is also preferable to choose comfortable closed-toed shoes such as sneakers.
To protect from the sun, it is preferable to bring a hat, sunglasses, and also a light scarf to protect your neck from the sun, and it is preferable to bring a small fact to carry only the essentials.
It is preferable to avoid wearing loose clothes, long scarves, or long accessories to avoid tangling equipment and also so as not to hinder your movement.
Remember to check the weather conditions well before you go on a balloon trip so that you can wear the right clothes.
Can children ride a Hot Air Balloon?
Yes, children can participate in the hot air balloon ride in Luxor, depending on the specific policies that exist for children, it is important to note that age restrictions may vary from company to company, but usually children from 6 years old are allowed to ride the hot air balloon.
It is important to check with the company about the policies for children to ride the balloon and check any other procedures or guidelines for children, for example, there may be appropriate seating arrangements for children or even seat belts to ensure maximum safety for the child.
It is also important to evaluate the child psychologically before this trip and assess whether he will feel comfortable if he does this experience or not. the priority is always the safety and comfort of the child.
Tips before booking a hot air balloon in Luxor
Some tips should be followed before booking a balloon flight to ensure that you get the maximum degree of enjoyment from this trip, these tips:
Always choose early morning flights that usually take place at sunrise.
Choose midweek flights instead of weekends to avoid large crowds.
Book your trip outside the high season, of course, if possible, it is preferable to visit Luxor outside the high season, where there are fewer tourists, both in the city and on balloon trips.
Always choose tour companies that are known for offering small balloon trips so that the experience is more private and quieter.
Book your trip in advance to secure a place and also to find a less crowded option.
Is the hot air balloon flight worth it?
It's worth a try, especially since it's something you can't do anywhere else! Just imagine the idea of flying at an altitude of up to 1000 and seeing around you ancient temples, green spaces, and the Nile River, isn't it something very interesting
Honestly, it is impossible to imagine that there is nothing better than starting the day by watching the magnificent views of Luxor from this height.
If you want an experience that you will only have once in your life, the hot air balloon flight is the perfect choice because it creates memories that will last a lifetime, so don't hesitate to try it.
3/2/2025
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