East London to Johannesburg is 477 miles (768 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
While the takeoff favors right-side views of the Drakensberg, the landing approach to Johannesburg—which occupies the final 30 minutes of flight—offers more dramatic and distinctive urban and industrial scenery on the left. The mining landscape is visually unique and not easily seen from other routes.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the interior Highveld plateau, passing over grassland and scattered towns. The Free State province dominates the midpoint, with few dramatic landmarks visible at cruising altitude. The terrain is relatively flat and uniform—open grassland with occasional farm boundaries and small settlements. No major mountain ranges or water bodies cross the direct route between East London and Johannesburg.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ELS
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Drakensberg Mountains as they rise inland from East London. The aircraft climbs northwest on departure, and the right wing offers direct views of these dramatic peaks. Left seats face the Indian Ocean and coastal lowlands—less visually distinctive.
Landing at JNB
LEFTLeft seats provide views of Johannesburg's urban sprawl and the surrounding Highveld plateau during descent. The aircraft approaches from the southeast, and left-side windows face the city and its distinctive mining dumps (tailings). Right seats see only open grassland and distant terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 East London (ELS) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from East London to Johannesburg. While the takeoff favors right-side views of the Drakensberg, the landing approach to Johannesburg—which occupies the final 30 minutes of flight—offers more dramatic and distinctive urban and industrial scenery on the left. The mining landscape is visually unique and not easily seen from other routes.
What can I see during takeoff from East London in East London?
During takeoff from East London (ELS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Drakensberg Mountains as they rise inland from East London. The aircraft climbs northwest on departure, and the right wing offers direct views of these dramatic peaks. Left seats face the Indian Ocean and coastal lowlands—less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Drakensberg Mountains (inland escarpment), East London coastal city grid, Indian Ocean coastline, Sundays River valley.
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. Left seats provide views of Johannesburg's urban sprawl and the surrounding Highveld plateau during descent. The aircraft approaches from the southeast, and left-side windows face the city and its distinctive mining dumps (tailings). Right seats see only open grassland and distant terrain. Notable sights include: Johannesburg city sprawl, Witwatersrand mining ridge and tailings, Highveld grassland plateau, Magaliesburg Mountains (distant northern horizon).
How long is the flight from East London to Johannesburg?
The flight from East London (ELS) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 477 miles (768 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the East London to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the interior Highveld plateau, passing over grassland and scattered towns. The Free State province dominates the midpoint, with few dramatic landmarks visible at cruising altitude. The terrain is relatively flat and uniform—open grassland with occasional farm boundaries and small settlements. No major mountain ranges or water bodies cross the direct route between East London and Johannesburg.