The takeoff view of Table Mountain and Cape Town's dramatic coastal geography is more visually distinctive than the landing approach to Johannesburg's sprawling urban landscape. The left side captures the iconic mountain and ocean views that define Cape Town's geography.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the interior plateau of South Africa's interior, passing over the Karoo semi-arid region. Notable features include the Drakenstein Mountains (visible briefly after takeoff to the east), then open highveld grassland and scattered towns. The Magaliesburg Mountains may be visible as a low ridge on the approach to Johannesburg from the southwest. Most of the cruise altitude flight shows relatively featureless plateau terrain with occasional river valleys and agricultural patchwork.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPT
LEFTCape Town International typically departs runway 01 or 03 (northeasterly headings). Left-side seats face west and southwest during initial climb, giving direct views of Table Mountain's distinctive flat-topped profile and the Atlantic coastline. Right seats look inland toward the Hottentots Holland Mountains but with less dramatic relief.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTJohannesburg International (OR Tambo) uses runways 03L/03R or 09L/09R depending on wind. On approach from the southwest, right-side seats face north and northeast, offering views of Johannesburg's urban sprawl, the Witwatersrand ridge, and the surrounding highveld plateau. Left seats see only farmland and open veld to the west.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cape Town International (CPT) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to Johannesburg. The takeoff view of Table Mountain and Cape Town's dramatic coastal geography is more visually distinctive than the landing approach to Johannesburg's sprawling urban landscape. The left side captures the iconic mountain and ocean views that define Cape Town's geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Cape Town International in Cape Town?
During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Cape Town International typically departs runway 01 or 03 (northeasterly headings). Left-side seats face west and southwest during initial climb, giving direct views of Table Mountain's distinctive flat-topped profile and the Atlantic coastline. Right seats look inland toward the Hottentots Holland Mountains but with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Table Mountain (flat-topped, 3,563 ft, dominates western skyline), Atlantic Ocean and False Bay coastline, Hottentots Holland Mountains (eastern backdrop), Cape Peninsula extending southwest.
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 Right side for the best views. Johannesburg International (OR Tambo) uses runways 03L/03R or 09L/09R depending on wind. On approach from the southwest, right-side seats face north and northeast, offering views of Johannesburg's urban sprawl, the Witwatersrand ridge, and the surrounding highveld plateau. Left seats see only farmland and open veld to the west. Notable sights include: Johannesburg city center and northern suburbs (visible as urban grid), Witwatersrand ridge (low but distinctive escarpment running east-west), Pretoria in the distance to the north, OR Tambo airport complex itself.
How long is the flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg?
The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes Approximately 2 hours.
What does the Cape Town to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the interior plateau of South Africa's interior, passing over the Karoo semi-arid region. Notable features include the Drakenstein Mountains (visible briefly after takeoff to the east), then open highveld grassland and scattered towns. The Magaliesburg Mountains may be visible as a low ridge on the approach to Johannesburg from the southwest. Most of the cruise altitude flight shows relatively featureless plateau terrain with occasional river valleys and agricultural patchwork.