Frankfurt to Johannesburg is 5,400 miles (8,690 km), a flight of about 10 hours 50 minutes.
The right side offers the only real mountain drama of the flight, with the Alps visible shortly after departure and, much later in the flight, the aircraft's path passes very close to Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, giving a rare and distinctive landmark near the end of the long African overland leg.
Flight Path
Sahara Desert (Algeria/Libya/Chad), Congo Basin rainforest, Zambia bushveld, and the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
RIGHTDeparting FRA on the westerly runway configuration, the climb-out and subsequent turn south put the Rhine valley and the wooded ridges of the Taunus and Palatinate on the right side, with the Swiss Alps beginning to rise on the horizon as the aircraft turns south. The left side mostly shows the flatter Rhine-Main basin and eastern suburbs of Frankfurt with less relief.
Landing at JNB
LEFTOn approach into OR Tambo, aircraft arriving from the north typically bank to align with the northeast-southwest runways, putting Johannesburg's dense high-rise CBD, mine dumps, and the sprawling Ekurhuleni suburbs on the left side. The right side mainly shows open Highveld grassland with less urban detail.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Johannesburg. The right side offers the only real mountain drama of the flight, with the Alps visible shortly after departure and, much later in the flight, the aircraft's path passes very close to Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, giving a rare and distinctive landmark near the end of the long African overland leg.
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 the westerly runway configuration, the climb-out and subsequent turn south put the Rhine valley and the wooded ridges of the Taunus and Palatinate on the right side, with the Swiss Alps beginning to rise on the horizon as the aircraft turns south. The left side mostly shows the flatter Rhine-Main basin and eastern suburbs of Frankfurt with less relief. Notable sights include: Rhine River, Taunus hills, Palatinate forest, distant Swiss Alps.
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. On approach into OR Tambo, aircraft arriving from the north typically bank to align with the northeast-southwest runways, putting Johannesburg's dense high-rise CBD, mine dumps, and the sprawling Ekurhuleni suburbs on the left side. The right side mainly shows open Highveld grassland with less urban detail. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline, mine dumps, Ekurhuleni suburbs, Highveld grassland.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Johannesburg?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 10 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,400 miles (8,690 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Sahara Desert (Algeria/Libya/Chad), Congo Basin rainforest, Zambia bushveld, and the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls