- Duration~45 Min Flight
- TimeSunrise
- SeasonMar-May, Sep-Nov
- Group12-16 passengers
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165 JD / person
Wadi Rum Hot Air Balloon - See the Desert from Above
A hot air balloon flight over Wadi Rum offers a perspective impossible to achieve from the ground—you'll drift silently above the desert at sunrise, watching shadows shift across red sand dunes, rock formations, and mountain ridges as the sun illuminates the landscape. The balloon typically rises to 300-500 meters, high enough to see vast expanses of the protected area stretching toward Saudi Arabia while still close enough to appreciate desert details: vehicle tracks, animal trails, and the texture of weathered sandstone. At 165 JD per person, it's the most premium experience in Wadi Rum—and for many visitors, the most unforgettable.
The flights are operated by Balloons Over Rum, a professional operator working in partnership with the Royal Jordanian Gliding Club. They fly brand-new balloons built in England by Cameron Balloons Ltd., one of the world's leading balloon manufacturers, and all pilots hold full commercial licences issued by the Royal Jordanian Airforce. The total experience lasts about 3-3.5 hours: early morning pickup from your camp (typically 4:30-5:00 AM), hot beverage and biscuits at the launch site while you watch the balloon inflate, a safety briefing, approximately 45 minutes of flight time, and a post-landing celebration with flight certificate before returning to your accommodation around 8:00-9:00 AM.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Sunrise flight • ~45 min airborne • Free camp pickup
per person
Who is this experience for?
Hot air ballooning suits travelers seeking a unique, once-in-a-lifetime perspective of Wadi Rum—people excited by the idea of floating silently above the desert at sunrise. It's particularly popular for special occasions: honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or proposal opportunities. Photography enthusiasts love the aerial perspective and dramatic early morning light. Anyone who appreciates landscapes from unusual angles will find the experience memorable.
If you're worried about a fear of heights, most people who are normally afraid of heights aren't affected during a balloon flight. The basket is very stable—it doesn't rock or sway—and there's little sensation of movement. It feels as though the scenery moves around you while you stand still. However, the basket holds 12-16 people standing close together in partitioned compartments (3-4 per section), so if you're uncomfortable in confined spaces, keep that in mind. The early morning start (4:30-5:00 AM pickup) is also a factor—but most people find the sunrise views make the alarm clock worth it.
What to expect during your flight
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The views are genuinely spectacular
Wadi Rum looks completely different from above. You'll see the entire landscape's structure—how canyons cut between mountains, where sand accumulates in valleys, the patterns wind creates across dunes, and the dramatic color shifts as sunrise light moves across the terrain. The silence adds to the experience; without engine noise, you hear only the burner's occasional roar and wind. The pilot acts as your guide, pointing out sights and explaining the unique terrain below. On clear days, visibility extends 30-40 kilometers. The perspective is genuinely unique and worth the early wake-up.
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Flights are completely weather dependent
Balloons fly only at low wind speeds and optimum weather conditions. The pilot is well trained to make the go/no-go decision. If conditions aren't safe, flights are cancelled—sometimes at the launch site after you've already arrived. Balloons Over Rum offers a 100% refund or an alternative flight date if cancelled for weather. Build flexibility into your schedule if ballooning is a priority; consider booking for your first morning in Wadi Rum so you have backup days if needed.
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How steering works (there is no steering wheel)
A balloon has no steering wheel—it travels with the wind. The pilot controls altitude very precisely: firing burners to rise, venting hot air to descend. Since wind at different heights blows in different directions and speeds, an experienced pilot uses altitude changes to effectively steer. Before launch, the crew releases small helium-filled balloons to assess wind speed and direction at various altitudes. Every flight path is different, and the exact landing spot isn't known until the basket touches down. This unpredictability is part of the romance and adventure.
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Takeoff is gentle, landing requires attention
Climbing into the basket uses a small step—the crew assists you. Each basket is partitioned so the pilot compartment with flight equipment is separate from passengers, with a maximum of 3-4 passengers per compartment. Takeoff is surprisingly gentle—no lurching, just smooth vertical ascent. All baskets contain safety equipment so passengers are seated during landing. The landing can be bumpy—the basket may drag a few meters before stopping, and occasionally tips on its side in windy conditions (this is normal; the crew quickly rights it). Flights over 40 minutes are considered completed.
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Temperature shifts from cold to warm
Early morning (5:00-6:00 AM) in the desert is genuinely cold—especially at altitude where temperatures can be 5-10°C colder than ground level. Dress in warm layers. Once the sun rises fully and the burner fires regularly, the basket warms up significantly—you'll likely remove outer layers by the end of the flight. Bring layers you can easily add or remove rather than a single heavy jacket.
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Photography tips
You're free to take photos and videos throughout the flight. The basket sways gently, making stable shots trickier than expected—use fast shutter speeds and image stabilization. Other passengers crowd around, so expect people in your frame. The burner creates heat distortion and noise in videos. Sunrise light changes rapidly, requiring constant exposure adjustments. Bring a neck strap or wrist strap to prevent dropping your camera overboard. The operator also takes group photos and videos during the flight using a digital camera hung from the balloon—these are available for purchase on a flash drive after landing.
Ready for the flight of a lifetime?
Hot air balloon sunrise flight — 165 JD per person
Book Now →The balloon ride was the highlight of our entire Jordan trip. Watching the sun rise over Wadi Rum from above while drifting silently over the desert was absolutely magical. Yes, it's expensive and requires a very early start, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's worth every penny. Our pilot was experienced and made us feel completely safe throughout.Sophie & David, France
What's included & practical details
- Approximately 45 min flight time
- Pickup & return from camp/hotel
- Coffee, tea, water & biscuits pre-flight
- Professional licensed pilot & crew
- Safety briefing and equipment
- Flight certificate signed by pilot
- UK-built balloons (Cameron Balloons Ltd.)
- 100% refund if cancelled for weather
- Guaranteed flight (weather dependent)
- Souvenir photos (available for purchase)
- Specific route or landmarks
- Food or beverages during flight (only water)
- Wadi Rum entry fee (7 JD, or free with Jordan Pass)
Typical flight experience timeline
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AM04:30
Pickup & Transport to Launch Site
Very early pickup from your camp while it's still dark. Free pickup is included for most camps in the Wadi Rum and Disi area. The drive to the launch site takes 15-30 minutes. Dress warmly—pre-dawn desert temperatures are surprisingly cold, especially in spring and autumn.
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AM05:00
Hot Drinks & Balloon Inflation
Arrive at the launch site and enjoy coffee, tea, water and a selection of biscuits while watching the crew assemble and inflate the balloon. Massive fans blow cold air into the envelope, then burners heat the air to make it rise—a spectacular sight in the pre-dawn darkness. The crew also releases small helium-filled balloons to assess wind conditions at different altitudes, a standard procedure used worldwide.
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AM05:30
Safety Briefing & Boarding
The pilot gives an important safety briefing covering entry and exit procedures, flight behavior, and landing position. You then climb into the basket with crew assistance. The basket is partitioned into compartments with 3-4 passengers each, separated from the pilot's compartment with all flight equipment. As the balloon fills with hot air, you'll feel it strain against anchor ropes, then lift off—a surprisingly gentle sensation with no lurching or jerking, just smooth vertical ascent.
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AM05:45
Flight & Sunrise (~45 Minutes)
Drift silently over the desert as the sun rises. The pilot controls altitude by firing burners (to rise) or venting hot air (to descend), using wind direction at different heights to navigate. You'll cruise at various altitudes, dipping lower for close-up views and rising higher for panoramic vistas. The landscape transforms as sunlight shifts—shadows recede, colors intensify, and the desert's structure reveals itself. The silence between burner firings is profound. Your pilot acts as guide, pointing out sights and explaining the terrain. No food, drink (except water), or smoking during the flight.
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AM06:30
Landing & Celebration
The pilot identifies a suitable landing zone and reminds everyone to assume the landing position (all passengers are seated for landing using safety equipment in the basket). The basket touches down with a bump, may drag briefly before stopping. After exiting, there's a celebration with drinks and you receive your flight certificate signed by the pilot. Souvenir photos and videos taken from the balloon's digital camera are available for purchase on a flash drive. The chase vehicle drives everyone back to their accommodation. You'll be back by 8:00-9:00 AM with the whole day ahead.
Frequently asked questions
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How long is the flight?
Flights average around 45 minutes and can last between 40 minutes and just over one hour, depending on wind speed, direction and weather conditions on the day. The pilot will seek to give you the best possible flight experience in the prevailing conditions. The total experience—including camp pickup, pre-flight refreshments, inflation, flight, celebration and return transport—takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.
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Is ballooning safe?
Hot air ballooning is an extremely safe activity regulated with strict safety guidelines. Balloons Over Rum is licensed by the Royal Jordanian Airforce and all pilots hold full commercial pilot's licences. The balloons are built to the highest standards required by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency by Cameron Balloons Ltd. in England. An approved aviation maintenance organisation with factory-trained engineers handles all inspections. All pilots and ground crew receive regular first aid and fire safety training.
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I'm afraid of heights—will I be OK?
Most people who are normally afraid of heights aren't affected during a balloon flight. The basket is very stable—it doesn't rock or sway—and there's very little sensation of movement. It feels as though the scenery moves around you while you stand still. The experience is much gentler than standing on a high building or cliff edge, and most nervous flyers end up loving it.
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Can children fly?
The minimum age is 8 years old, and all passengers must be able to see over the side of the basket. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult family member. There's no upper age limit, but all passengers need to be able to climb into the basket and maintain balance during the flight and landing.
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What if my flight is cancelled?
If the pilot decides weather conditions aren't safe enough to fly, you'll receive either an alternative flight date or a 100% refund—your choice. Cancellations can happen at the launch site, so build flexibility into your itinerary. Booking for your first morning in Wadi Rum gives you backup days if needed.
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Why do I need to provide my weight?
The combined total weight of all passengers is a legally required calculation the pilot makes during pre-flight safety checks. Please provide accurate weight at booking. Passengers weighing over 110 kg are charged an additional 50% of the ticket price—this isn't a penalty but a safety and operational requirement related to balloon capacity.
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Can I fly if I'm pregnant?
No—for safety reasons, pregnant passengers cannot fly. If your situation changes after booking, the operator will provide a full refund.
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Is pickup from my camp included?
Free pickup and return is included for most camps in the Wadi Rum and Disi area—the operator covers a very extensive list of camps. If your camp is in a remote location not on their standard list, pickup can be arranged at an extra cost. We'll confirm pickup logistics when you book.
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What to wear & bring
Dress in warm layers you can remove as it warms up: long pants (not shorts—you'll be seated during landing), closed shoes with good grip, warm fleece or jacket, and a hat. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen—the sun becomes intense quickly. Camera with wrist or neck strap to prevent dropping. A small backpack is fine but stays at your feet in the basket. No loose scarves or items that could blow away or get caught in equipment. No smoking, food or drink during the flight (only water).
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Best season for ballooning
March through May and September through November offer the best conditions—stable weather, moderate winds, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June-August) is too hot and windy with more cancellations. Winter (December-February) can offer crystal-clear visibility but has more unpredictable winds. Spring is generally optimal. Book at least a few weeks in advance during peak season (March-April, October-November) as flights fill up quickly.
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