The left side offers consistent scenic value throughout the flight: Drakensberg foothills and KwaZulu-Natal midlands during departure, and the Magaliesberg range near Hartbeespoort Dam during arrival. The right side stays largely flat and featureless for most of the route.
Flown DUR to HLA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Durban to Johannesburg is 320 miles (515 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Free State highveld plains, Vaal River tributaries, and the distant Drakensberg escarpment visible to the south during cruise
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUR
LEFTDeparting DUR and turning inland toward Johannesburg, the left side offers views back over the Drakensberg foothills and the rolling KwaZulu-Natal midlands as the aircraft climbs. The right side mostly shows the flat coastal plain and open ocean before the turn.
Landing at HLA
LEFTOn approach into Lanseria from the south, the left side faces northwest toward the Magaliesberg range and Hartbeespoort Dam area, giving passengers a scenic hilly backdrop as the plane descends. The right side mainly shows the flatter Highveld plains and Johannesburg's northern suburbs without strong topographic features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Lanseria (HLA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Durban to Johannesburg. The left side offers consistent scenic value throughout the flight: Drakensberg foothills and KwaZulu-Natal midlands during departure, and the Magaliesberg range near Hartbeespoort Dam during arrival. The right side stays largely flat and featureless for most of the route.
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 DUR and turning inland toward Johannesburg, the left side offers views back over the Drakensberg foothills and the rolling KwaZulu-Natal midlands as the aircraft climbs. The right side mostly shows the flat coastal plain and open ocean before the turn. Notable sights include: Drakensberg foothills, Valley of a Thousand Hills, Pietermaritzburg area, KwaZulu-Natal midlands.
What can I see when landing at Lanseria in Johannesburg?
When landing at Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Lanseria from the south, the left side faces northwest toward the Magaliesberg range and Hartbeespoort Dam area, giving passengers a scenic hilly backdrop as the plane descends. The right side mainly shows the flatter Highveld plains and Johannesburg's northern suburbs without strong topographic features. Notable sights include: Magaliesberg range, Hartbeespoort Dam, Cradle of Humankind hills, Highveld grasslands.
How long is the flight from Durban to Johannesburg?
The flight from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Lanseria (HLA) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 320 miles (515 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Durban to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Free State highveld plains, Vaal River tributaries, and the distant Drakensberg escarpment visible to the south during cruise