The right side offers a richer visual arc: Alpine foothills near departure, the Mediterranean and North African desert during cruise, and a spectacular Table Mountain approach into Cape Town, while the left side is dominated by featureless interior Africa and less distinctive terrain.
Flown FRA to CPT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Cape Town is 5,836 miles (9,393 km), a flight of about 11 hours 5 minutes.
Mediterranean Sea near Sicily, the Sahara Desert across Libya and Chad, the Congo Basin rainforest, and the semi-arid plains of Zambia and Botswana before the Namibian and South African coastlines appear near descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
RIGHTDeparting FRA on a southbound track, the right side offers glimpses of the Rhine-Main basin and, further along the climb, the leading edge of the Alps near the Swiss-German border, while the left side shows mostly flat Bavarian and Franconian farmland with little relief.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTApproaching Cape Town from the north, the right side faces west toward Table Bay and the dramatic silhouette of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, while the left side only shows the flatter Cape Flats and inland hills.
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 Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Cape Town. The right side offers a richer visual arc: Alpine foothills near departure, the Mediterranean and North African desert during cruise, and a spectacular Table Mountain approach into Cape Town, while the left side is dominated by featureless interior Africa and less distinctive terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing FRA on a southbound track, the right side offers glimpses of the Rhine-Main basin and, further along the climb, the leading edge of the Alps near the Swiss-German border, while the left side shows mostly flat Bavarian and Franconian farmland with little relief. Notable sights include: Rhine-Main plain, Taunus hills, distant Alpine foothills, Frankfurt skyline.
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. Approaching Cape Town from the north, the right side faces west toward Table Bay and the dramatic silhouette of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, while the left side only shows the flatter Cape Flats and inland hills. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Table Bay, Cape Peninsula, Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Cape Town?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes about 11 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,836 miles (9,393 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Cape Town flight path pass over?
Mediterranean Sea near Sicily, the Sahara Desert across Libya and Chad, the Congo Basin rainforest, and the semi-arid plains of Zambia and Botswana before the Namibian and South African coastlines appear near descent.