The left side wins overall thanks to the Paris departure view, the Alps and Italian coastline early in the route, and glimpses of the Nile valley during the long African crossing — the right side is dominated by featureless Sahara desert for most of the cruise.
Flown CDG to NBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Nairobi is 4,036 miles (6,495 km), a flight of about 7 hours 50 minutes.
Western Alps foothills, Mediterranean Sea near Sicily/Libya, Sahara Desert across Libya and Sudan, Nile River basin
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTDeparting CDG toward the west and then banking left toward the southeast, passengers on the left get a sweeping view back over central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and Sacré-Cœur are all visible in the turn before the climb-out continues toward the Alps.
Landing at NBO
RIGHTOn the turn into Nairobi's runway 06 approach from the southwest, the right side offers views of the Ngong Hills and the eastern edge of the Rift Valley escarpment, along with the green patchwork of Nairobi National Park just south of the city.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Nairobi. The left side wins overall thanks to the Paris departure view, the Alps and Italian coastline early in the route, and glimpses of the Nile valley during the long African crossing — the right side is dominated by featureless Sahara desert for most of the cruise.
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. Departing CDG toward the west and then banking left toward the southeast, passengers on the left get a sweeping view back over central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and Sacré-Cœur are all visible in the turn before the climb-out continues toward the Alps. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame area.
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 the turn into Nairobi's runway 06 approach from the southwest, the right side offers views of the Ngong Hills and the eastern edge of the Rift Valley escarpment, along with the green patchwork of Nairobi National Park just south of the city. Notable sights include: Ngong Hills, Rift Valley escarpment, Nairobi National Park, Nairobi skyline.
How long is the flight from Paris to Nairobi?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) takes about 7 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,036 miles (6,495 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Nairobi flight path pass over?
Western Alps foothills, Mediterranean Sea near Sicily/Libya, Sahara Desert across Libya and Sudan, Nile River basin