The right side tracks the more geographically varied western edge of the route corridor, taking in Ethiopia's Rift Valley lakes, Lake Victoria's shoreline near Tanzania, the plateau country of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and finishing with the dramatic Table Mountain approach into Cape Town.
Flown ADD to CPT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Addis Ababa to Cape Town is 3,250 miles (5,230 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
Lake Victoria shoreline, Tanzanian and Zambian plateau, Zimbabwe highlands, and the fringe of the Kalahari Desert as the route crosses southern Africa
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADD
RIGHTClimbing out of Addis and turning south, the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes (Ziway, Langano, Awasa) sit just west of the flight path, giving right-side passengers a good look at the volcanic highland terrain and lake chain before the route continues south over Kenya and Tanzania.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTOn approach into Cape Town from the north, the final turn typically brings Table Mountain, the city bowl, and Table Bay into view on the right side of the aircraft, offering one of the most dramatic airport approaches in the world.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Cape Town. The right side tracks the more geographically varied western edge of the route corridor, taking in Ethiopia's Rift Valley lakes, Lake Victoria's shoreline near Tanzania, the plateau country of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and finishing with the dramatic Table Mountain approach into Cape Town.
What can I see during takeoff from Bole International in Addis Ababa?
During takeoff from Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Addis and turning south, the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes (Ziway, Langano, Awasa) sit just west of the flight path, giving right-side passengers a good look at the volcanic highland terrain and lake chain before the route continues south over Kenya and Tanzania. Notable sights include: Ethiopian highlands, Rift Valley lakes (Ziway, Langano), Entoto mountain ridge near Addis.
What can I see when landing at Cape Town International in Cape Town?
When landing at Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Cape Town from the north, the final turn typically brings Table Mountain, the city bowl, and Table Bay into view on the right side of the aircraft, offering one of the most dramatic airport approaches in the world. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Table Bay coastline, Cape Town city bowl, Hottentots Holland mountains.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Cape Town?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,250 miles (5,230 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Addis Ababa to Cape Town flight path pass over?
Lake Victoria shoreline, Tanzanian and Zambian plateau, Zimbabwe highlands, and the fringe of the Kalahari Desert as the route crosses southern Africa