Visitors to the Giza Pyramids will soon be able to see one of Egypt’s most famous landmarks from an entirely new perspective, with preparations underway to launch a new tethered balloon experience near the archaeological site.
The attraction will take passengers up to approximately 150 meters above the ground while remaining securely connected to its base, offering panoramic views of the Giza Plateau, the pyramids and the surrounding desert landscape during an experience lasting around 15 minutes.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy inspected the project on August 30 as preparations continued ahead of its trial operation phase.
A New Way to See the Giza Pyramids
Unlike a conventional hot-air balloon that travels freely through the sky, the new attraction will remain tethered to the ground throughout the entire experience.
The balloon will move vertically as it rises and descends, allowing visitors to enjoy elevated views without travelling across the surrounding area.
At its highest point, passengers will reach roughly 150 meters above ground level, giving them a panoramic perspective of one of the world’s most recognizable archaeological landscapes.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities describes the project as the first attraction of its kind around the Giza Pyramids area and part of efforts to introduce additional recreational experiences for visitors.
The Balloon Will Be Located Away From the Archaeological Zone
The attraction is being installed in a desert location outside the immediate archaeological boundaries of the Giza Plateau.
According to the project details, the balloon will sit approximately two kilometers from the pyramids and 2.2 kilometers from the Great Sphinx.
The location was selected in part to protect the archaeological character and visual identity of the site while still giving passengers clear views of the monuments.
During his inspection, Fathy emphasized the importance of maintaining the exceptional historical value of the Giza Pyramids area while ensuring that any new tourism activity meets safety and environmental requirements.
Visitors Will Get a Guided Experience in 12 Languages
The experience will not be limited to sightseeing from above.
Passengers will also be provided with special glasses and headsets offering information about the Giza Plateau and its major monuments.
The commentary will be available in 12 languages and has been developed under the supervision of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, giving international visitors additional historical context while viewing the site from the air.
The feature could make the attraction particularly useful for tourists visiting the pyramids for the first time, combining a recreational activity with information about the ancient site below.
Egyptian and French Companies Behind the Project
The new attraction is being implemented by Tashreef for Tourism Marketing in cooperation with French company Aerophile, which specializes in tethered balloon systems.
According to the companies behind the project, the site has been designed using lightweight prefabricated structures that can be assembled and removed without requiring conventional underground foundations.
Officials said no excavation or concrete construction affecting the surrounding soil was required, an important consideration given the archaeological sensitivity of the wider Giza area.
Safety and Environmental Requirements Under Review
Fathy’s inspection included a review of the balloon’s technical specifications, operating system and safety procedures ahead of trial operations.
Authorities are also examining environmental considerations and measures intended to preserve views across the plateau.
Because the balloon remains permanently connected to its ground system and travels only vertically, the experience differs significantly from the free-flying balloon tours more commonly associated with destinations such as Luxor.
When Will the Giza Balloon Experience Open?
An exact public opening date has not yet been announced.
Officials said the project was preparing to enter its trial operation phase when Fathy inspected the site on August 30.
Ticket prices, daily operating hours and booking procedures have also not yet been publicly confirmed.
Those details are expected to become clearer once testing is completed and authorities approve the attraction for regular visitor operations.
Egypt Expands the Visitor Experience Around the Pyramids
The tethered balloon project comes amid wider efforts to enhance the tourism experience around the Giza Plateau and encourage visitors to spend more time exploring the area.
Rather than changing the archaeological site itself, the new attraction aims to give tourists a different way to appreciate its scale and surrounding landscape.
For many visitors, standing beside the Great Pyramid offers one perspective on its enormous size. Rising 150 meters into the air could provide another entirely.
Once trial operations are completed, the new tethered balloon could become one of the most distinctive additions to the Giza tourism experience — offering visitors approximately 15 minutes above the desert with panoramic views of the pyramids and one of the world’s most famous ancient landscapes.
