While takeoff offers highland scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and iconic visual landmarks. Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula are among Africa's most distinctive geographic features and are far more visually striking than the Ethiopian Highlands during departure.
Flight Path
Kenya's Rift Valley lakes (Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru visible around 2h 30m into flight), Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro on the eastern horizon during mid-flight, Tanzania's volcanic highlands, Serengeti plains, Lake Tanganyika's northern reaches, Zambian plateau terrain, and the Zambezi River valley approaching southern Africa
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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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Cape Town. While takeoff offers highland scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and iconic visual landmarks. Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula are among Africa's most distinctive geographic features and are far more visually striking than the Ethiopian Highlands during departure.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwestward, and right-side windows frame the dramatic escarpment and elevated terrain that dominates the landscape around Addis Ababa. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands (Addis Ababa plateau at ~7,700 ft elevation), Blue Nile gorge system to the southwest, Entoto Mountains ridge to the north.
What can I see when landing at Cape Town International in Cape Town?
When landing at Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Cape Town. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, and left windows frame Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles ridge, and the Cape Peninsula's distinctive geography as the plane descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Table Mountain (flat-topped, 3,563 ft), Twelve Apostles mountain range (dramatic peaks south of Table Mountain), Cape Peninsula coastline with Atlantic Ocean, False Bay to the east.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Cape Town?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes 5h 15m.
What does the Addis Ababa to Cape Town flight path pass over?
Kenya's Rift Valley lakes (Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru visible around 2h 30m into flight), Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro on the eastern horizon during mid-flight, Tanzania's volcanic highlands, Serengeti plains, Lake Tanganyika's northern reaches, Zambian plateau terrain, and the Zambezi River valley approaching southern Africa