The right side combines a distant view of the Drakensberg/Lesotho highlands during early cruise with a dramatic Table Mountain approach into Cape Town, giving it more terrain drama and a stronger finish than the left side's flatter Karoo interior views.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Great Karoo plateau and Eastern Cape interior grasslands near the Camdeboo/Sneeuberg foothills, with the Drakensberg escarpment and Lesotho highlands visible as a distant mountain wall to the north earlier in the flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUR
LEFTDeparting King Shaka on runway 24 (the prevailing sea-breeze configuration), the climb-out heading is close to the route's southwest track, so the aircraft banks briefly over Durban's coastline. Passengers on the left get a clear look at the beachfront, harbor entrance, and the Bluff headland before the plane turns inland.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTWhen southeasterly 'Cape Doctor' winds push operations to runway 19, arrivals from the northeast line up from the north and fly south over the Cape Flats toward the runway. On this approach, Table Mountain, Table Bay, and the Atlantic coastline sit off the right side of the aircraft, making for one of the most recognizable approach views in commercial aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Durban to Cape Town. The right side combines a distant view of the Drakensberg/Lesotho highlands during early cruise with a dramatic Table Mountain approach into Cape Town, giving it more terrain drama and a stronger finish than the left side's flatter Karoo interior views.
What can I see during takeoff from King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
During takeoff from King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing King Shaka on runway 24 (the prevailing sea-breeze configuration), the climb-out heading is close to the route's southwest track, so the aircraft banks briefly over Durban's coastline. Passengers on the left get a clear look at the beachfront, harbor entrance, and the Bluff headland before the plane turns inland. Notable sights include: Durban's Golden Mile beachfront, Durban Harbour entrance, the Bluff headland, Indian Ocean shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Cape Town International in Cape Town?
When landing at Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. When southeasterly 'Cape Doctor' winds push operations to runway 19, arrivals from the northeast line up from the north and fly south over the Cape Flats toward the runway. On this approach, Table Mountain, Table Bay, and the Atlantic coastline sit off the right side of the aircraft, making for one of the most recognizable approach views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Table Mountain's flat summit, Table Bay and Robben Island, Lion's Head, the Atlantic coastline near Camps Bay.
How long is the flight from Durban to Cape Town?
The flight from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes 1h 55m.
What does the Durban to Cape Town flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Great Karoo plateau and Eastern Cape interior grasslands near the Camdeboo/Sneeuberg foothills, with the Drakensberg escarpment and Lesotho highlands visible as a distant mountain wall to the north earlier in the flight.