While left offers good departure views, right provides more dramatic and sustained scenery during descent into Addis Ababa. The Ethiopian Highlands' complex terrain and the city's plateau setting are far more visually distinctive than Namibian departure views.
Flown ERS to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Windhoek to Addis Ababa is 2,631 miles (4,234 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses northern Botswana and southern Zambia, passing east of the Kalahari Desert and west of the Zambezi River system. Visible landmarks include the Makgadikgadi Pans (if flying slightly east), the Zambezi Valley's escarpments, and the transition from southern African savanna into the Ethiopian Highlands' volcanic plateau terrain as the aircraft approaches Ethiopian airspace.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ERS
LEFTLeft side captures the escarpment terrain and Windhoek city grid during northbound departure. The aircraft climbs over the central Namibian plateau with views of the surrounding highlands.
Landing at ADD
RIGHTRight side provides superior views during the final approach into Addis Ababa from the south. The descent path reveals the Ethiopian Highlands' dramatic topography and the city's position on the plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Eros Airport (ERS) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Windhoek to Addis Ababa. While left offers good departure views, right provides more dramatic and sustained scenery during descent into Addis Ababa. The Ethiopian Highlands' complex terrain and the city's plateau setting are far more visually distinctive than Namibian departure views.
What can I see during takeoff from Eros Airport in Windhoek?
During takeoff from Eros Airport (ERS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the escarpment terrain and Windhoek city grid during northbound departure. The aircraft climbs over the central Namibian plateau with views of the surrounding highlands. Notable sights include: Windhoek city center, Central Namibian Plateau, Khomas Highlands, Daan Viljoen Game Reserve.
What can I see when landing at Bole International in Addis Ababa?
When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides superior views during the final approach into Addis Ababa from the south. The descent path reveals the Ethiopian Highlands' dramatic topography and the city's position on the plateau. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands, Addis Ababa city sprawl, Mount Entoto, Awash River valley.
How long is the flight from Windhoek to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Eros Airport (ERS) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,631 miles (4,234 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Windhoek to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses northern Botswana and southern Zambia, passing east of the Kalahari Desert and west of the Zambezi River system. Visible landmarks include the Makgadikgadi Pans (if flying slightly east), the Zambezi Valley's escarpments, and the transition from southern African savanna into the Ethiopian Highlands' volcanic plateau terrain as the aircraft approaches Ethiopian airspace.