The right side wins because it captures the Alps near departure, the Mediterranean and North African coastline at cruise, and the Rift Valley/Ngong Hills on arrival — a much richer mix of terrain than the largely flat or oceanic views on the left.
Flown BRU to NBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Brussels to Nairobi is 4,080 miles (6,567 km), a flight of about 8 hours 20 minutes.
Mediterranean Sea near Sicily, Libyan and Sudanese Sahara desert, the Nile River valley, and the southern Sudan/Kenya border highlands before descending into the Great Rift Valley region near Nairobi
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BRU
RIGHTDeparting BRU toward the southeast, the right side offers the first glimpses of the Ardennes hills and, later, the Swiss/French Alps as the route bends south. The left side stays over flat Belgian and French farmland with little to see.
Landing at NBO
RIGHTOn approach to NBO's runway 06 from the southwest, the right side faces the Rift Valley escarpment, Ngong Hills, and the plains south of Nairobi, giving passengers a dramatic final view of the valley walls and volcanic terrain before touchdown. The left side mainly shows the flatter Athi Plains with less relief.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brussels Natl (BRU) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brussels to Nairobi. The right side wins because it captures the Alps near departure, the Mediterranean and North African coastline at cruise, and the Rift Valley/Ngong Hills on arrival — a much richer mix of terrain than the largely flat or oceanic views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Brussels Natl in Brussels?
During takeoff from Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BRU toward the southeast, the right side offers the first glimpses of the Ardennes hills and, later, the Swiss/French Alps as the route bends south. The left side stays over flat Belgian and French farmland with little to see. Notable sights include: Ardennes forested hills, Rhine valley outline, distant Swiss Alps foothills.
What can I see when landing at Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
When landing at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to NBO's runway 06 from the southwest, the right side faces the Rift Valley escarpment, Ngong Hills, and the plains south of Nairobi, giving passengers a dramatic final view of the valley walls and volcanic terrain before touchdown. The left side mainly shows the flatter Athi Plains with less relief. Notable sights include: Ngong Hills, Rift Valley escarpment, Athi Plains, Nairobi's skyline just before landing.
How long is the flight from Brussels to Nairobi?
The flight from Brussels Natl (BRU) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) takes about 8 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,080 miles (6,567 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Brussels to Nairobi flight path pass over?
Mediterranean Sea near Sicily, Libyan and Sudanese Sahara desert, the Nile River valley, and the southern Sudan/Kenya border highlands before descending into the Great Rift Valley region near Nairobi