Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Zanzibar. While takeoff favors the right for highlands views, the landing approach over Zanzibar's distinctive reef systems and island geography is more visually rewarding and geographically dramatic. Left seats capture the approach corridor over the most interesting water features.

During takeoff from Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bole International typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands' eastern escarpment and the approach to the Rift Valley, which dominates the landscape south of Addis Ababa. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands (eastern edge), Addis Ababa urban sprawl receding westward, Entoto Mountains to the north, early views of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley trending south.

When landing at Zanzibar (ZNZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zanzibar approaches typically use runways aligned north-south. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Tanzanian coast, the Pemba Channel, and Zanzibar Island's distinctive shape and coral reef patterns as you descend toward the island. Notable sights include: Zanzibar Island (coral-fringed, crescent shape), Pemba Channel (deep blue water separating Zanzibar from Pemba Island to the north), Tanzanian mainland coast to the west, shallow turquoise lagoons and reef systems surrounding the islands.

The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley (trending south-southwest), passes over the Somali-Ethiopian border region, then transitions over the Indian Ocean coastal plains of Tanzania. The Rift Valley's escarpments and lake systems (including Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo) are visible from altitude during the first 45 minutes. The transition to coastal lowlands occurs around the 90-minute mark as you approach the Tanzanian coast near the Rufiji Delta region, then the final approach crosses the Pemba Channel toward Zanzibar.