While takeoff favors the right for Addis Ababa's escarpment views, the landing approach to Windhoek on the left is more visually rewarding, featuring the Khomas Highlands and the dramatic valley setting. The left side captures the more distinctive geography overall.
Flown ADD to ERS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Addis Ababa to Windhoek is 2,631 miles (4,234 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Ethiopian Rift Valley, then transitions over the Somali Plateau and into Kenya's arid northern regions. Notable midpoint features include Lake Turkana (visible as a dark linear body in the arid landscape), the volcanic highlands of northern Kenya, and the transition into the semi-arid scrublands of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Further south, the flight crosses into the vast Kalahari semi-desert region of Botswana, characterized by sparse vegetation and flat to gently rolling terrain. The Makgadikgadi Pans area may be visible as lighter-colored salt pan terrain. As the flight approaches Namibia, the landscape becomes increasingly arid with the Kalahari giving way to Namibian savanna and eventually the Khomas Highlands near Windhoek.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADD
RIGHTClimbing southwestward from Addis Ababa, right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment and the city's eastern sprawl. The left side faces inland plateau with less dramatic relief.
Landing at ERS
LEFTDescending toward Windhoek from the northeast, left-side seats capture the Khomas Highlands and the transition from semi-arid scrubland to the city's location in a valley. Right side faces open plains with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Eros Airport (ERS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Windhoek. While takeoff favors the right for Addis Ababa's escarpment views, the landing approach to Windhoek on the left is more visually rewarding, featuring the Khomas Highlands and the dramatic valley setting. The left side captures the more distinctive geography overall.
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 southwestward from Addis Ababa, right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment and the city's eastern sprawl. The left side faces inland plateau with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Addis Ababa urban area, Ethiopian Highlands escarpment edge, Entoto Mountains to the north, Awash River valley to the east.
What can I see when landing at Eros Airport in Windhoek?
When landing at Eros Airport (ERS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Descending toward Windhoek from the northeast, left-side seats capture the Khomas Highlands and the transition from semi-arid scrubland to the city's location in a valley. Right side faces open plains with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Khomas Highlands ridge, Windhoek valley and urban area, Daan Viljoen Game Reserve terrain, semi-arid savanna transition zone.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Windhoek?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Eros Airport (ERS) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,631 miles (4,234 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Addis Ababa to Windhoek flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ethiopian Rift Valley, then transitions over the Somali Plateau and into Kenya's arid northern regions. Notable midpoint features include Lake Turkana (visible as a dark linear body in the arid landscape), the volcanic highlands of northern Kenya, and the transition into the semi-arid scrublands of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Further south, the flight crosses into the vast Kalahari semi-desert region of Botswana, characterized by sparse vegetation and flat to gently rolling terrain. The Makgadikgadi Pans area may be visible as lighter-colored salt pan terrain. As the flight approaches Namibia, the landscape becomes increasingly arid with the Kalahari giving way to Namibian savanna and eventually the Khomas Highlands near Windhoek.