The right side captures the Ethiopian Highlands during departure and provides better views of the highland terrain that dominates much of the flight path southward. While the left side offers Kigali's approach, the right side's continuous highland scenery throughout most of the flight provides more consistent scenic value.
Flown ADD to KGL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Addis Ababa to Kigali is 963 miles (1,550 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Ethiopian-Kenyan border region, passing over the East African Rift Valley's northern sections and the highland plateaus of southern Ethiopia. The terrain transitions from the high Ethiopian plateau (9,000-10,000 feet elevation) southward through progressively lower highland terrain into Rwanda's rolling hills (5,000-7,000 feet). The Blue Nile and its tributaries are visible in the northern portion. The landscape is predominantly highland savanna and agricultural terrain with scattered lakes and river valleys. No major cities are directly on the flight path, but the terrain itself—the dramatic escarpments, plateau edges, and highland valleys—provides the primary scenic interest.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADD
RIGHTBole International typically departs to the northeast or east. Right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands immediately surrounding Addis Ababa, with the city's elevated terrain and escarpment edges visible during climb-out.
Landing at KGL
LEFTKigali International's primary runway alignment is typically northwest-southeast. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Rwandan highlands and the city of Kigali itself nestled in the rolling terrain, with the distinctive topography of the region visible during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Kigali International (KGL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Kigali. The right side captures the Ethiopian Highlands during departure and provides better views of the highland terrain that dominates much of the flight path southward. While the left side offers Kigali's approach, the right side's continuous highland scenery throughout most of the flight provides more consistent scenic value.
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. Bole International typically departs to the northeast or east. Right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands immediately surrounding Addis Ababa, with the city's elevated terrain and escarpment edges visible during climb-out. Notable sights include: Addis Ababa urban sprawl, Ethiopian Highlands plateau edge, Entoto Mountains to the north, Blue Nile river valley system.
What can I see when landing at Kigali International in Kigali?
When landing at Kigali International (KGL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Kigali International's primary runway alignment is typically northwest-southeast. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Rwandan highlands and the city of Kigali itself nestled in the rolling terrain, with the distinctive topography of the region visible during final approach. Notable sights include: Kigali city center and surrounding hills, Rwandan highland terrain, Lake Kivu to the west (partially visible), Virunga Mountains to the north.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Kigali?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Kigali International (KGL) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 963 miles (1,550 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Addis Ababa to Kigali flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ethiopian-Kenyan border region, passing over the East African Rift Valley's northern sections and the highland plateaus of southern Ethiopia. The terrain transitions from the high Ethiopian plateau (9,000-10,000 feet elevation) southward through progressively lower highland terrain into Rwanda's rolling hills (5,000-7,000 feet). The Blue Nile and its tributaries are visible in the northern portion. The landscape is predominantly highland savanna and agricultural terrain with scattered lakes and river valleys. No major cities are directly on the flight path, but the terrain itself—the dramatic escarpments, plateau edges, and highland valleys—provides the primary scenic interest.