Paris to Johannesburg is 5,429 miles (8,737 km), a flight of about 10 hours 55 minutes.
The left side captures both the Paris skyline on departure and the Johannesburg cityscape with distant mountains on arrival, while the right side offers mostly featureless farmland and veld during those same phases. Over the long Saharan and Congo Basin cruise, neither side has strong landmarks, so the departure and arrival bonuses tip the balance to the left.
Flight Path
The route crosses the western Mediterranean near Sardinia, then the Sahara Desert across Algeria and Niger, followed by the equatorial rainforest of the Congo Basin and the plateaus of Zambia and Zimbabwe before descending into the South African Highveld.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTCDG departures typically roll west on the 26/27 runways before banking south toward the Mediterranean, and that left-hand turn swings central Paris into view briefly—the Seine bends and the city's rooftops are visible before the plane straightens onto its southbound track. The right side mostly shows flat Île-de-France farmland with no distinguishing features.
Landing at JNB
LEFTJNB arrivals from the north typically fly a downwind leg that curves the aircraft with the city to the left before turning onto final for the 03/21 runways, giving left-side passengers a view of Johannesburg's high-rise core and the Magaliesberg range to the northwest. The right side during this turn mostly faces open veld with little detail.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Johannesburg. The left side captures both the Paris skyline on departure and the Johannesburg cityscape with distant mountains on arrival, while the right side offers mostly featureless farmland and veld during those same phases. Over the long Saharan and Congo Basin cruise, neither side has strong landmarks, so the departure and arrival bonuses tip the balance to the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG departures typically roll west on the 26/27 runways before banking south toward the Mediterranean, and that left-hand turn swings central Paris into view briefly—the Seine bends and the city's rooftops are visible before the plane straightens onto its southbound track. The right side mostly shows flat Île-de-France farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Paris skyline and Seine bends, Île-de-France farmland patchwork, Orly area to the south.
What can I see when landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Left side for the best views. JNB arrivals from the north typically fly a downwind leg that curves the aircraft with the city to the left before turning onto final for the 03/21 runways, giving left-side passengers a view of Johannesburg's high-rise core and the Magaliesberg range to the northwest. The right side during this turn mostly faces open veld with little detail. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline, Sandton high-rises, Magaliesberg mountain range, Witwatersrand ridgelines.
How long is the flight from Paris to Johannesburg?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 10 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,429 miles (8,737 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The route crosses the western Mediterranean near Sardinia, then the Sahara Desert across Algeria and Niger, followed by the equatorial rainforest of the Congo Basin and the plateaus of Zambia and Zimbabwe before descending into the South African Highveld.