Right seats capture the more dramatic geography: the Kalahari's open expanses during departure and the Ethiopian Highlands' topographic drama during approach. The landing view of Addis Ababa's plateau setting and surrounding mountains outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown GBE to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Gaberone to Addis Ababa is 2,474 miles (3,982 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Kalahari savanna (sparse vegetation, minimal elevation change), then transitions into Botswana's northern regions near the Okavango Delta area (visible as darker vegetation patterns from altitude), continues north through Zimbabwe's airspace over the Zambezi River valley, and enters the Ethiopian Highlands approaching Addis Ababa. The most notable midpoint feature is the gradual elevation gain as the aircraft approaches the Ethiopian plateau, rising from ~1,000m in southern Botswana to 2,400m at Addis Ababa.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from GBE
LEFTGBE's primary runway is 03/21 (northeast-southwest). Departing northeast on runway 03 gives left-seat passengers a view of the Kalahari's sparse vegetation patterns and the gradual transition from Gaborone's urban sprawl into open bushland. Right seats face the less distinctive western approach zone.
Landing at ADD
RIGHTADD uses runways 03/21 and 05/23; typical landing approaches are from the south or southwest. Right-seat passengers on a southwesterly approach (runway 23) descend over the Ethiopian Highlands with views of Addis Ababa's elevated position, the Entoto Mountains to the north, and the city's sprawling districts across the plateau. Left seats face the less dramatic eastern approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Gaberone to Addis Ababa. Right seats capture the more dramatic geography: the Kalahari's open expanses during departure and the Ethiopian Highlands' topographic drama during approach. The landing view of Addis Ababa's plateau setting and surrounding mountains outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Sir Seretse Khama International in Gaberone?
During takeoff from Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE), sit on the Left side for the best views. GBE's primary runway is 03/21 (northeast-southwest). Departing northeast on runway 03 gives left-seat passengers a view of the Kalahari's sparse vegetation patterns and the gradual transition from Gaborone's urban sprawl into open bushland. Right seats face the less distinctive western approach zone. Notable sights include: Gaborone city grid (immediate departure), Kalahari savanna transition zone, Notwane River valley (dry season), distant Magaliesburg Range escarpment to the southeast.
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. ADD uses runways 03/21 and 05/23; typical landing approaches are from the south or southwest. Right-seat passengers on a southwesterly approach (runway 23) descend over the Ethiopian Highlands with views of Addis Ababa's elevated position, the Entoto Mountains to the north, and the city's sprawling districts across the plateau. Left seats face the less dramatic eastern approach corridor. Notable sights include: Entoto Mountains (northern rim of Addis Ababa plateau), Addis Ababa's urban sprawl across 2,400m elevation plateau, Rift Valley escarpment edge (distant southern horizon), Bole International Airport runway complex.
How long is the flight from Gaberone to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,474 miles (3,982 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Gaberone to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Kalahari savanna (sparse vegetation, minimal elevation change), then transitions into Botswana's northern regions near the Okavango Delta area (visible as darker vegetation patterns from altitude), continues north through Zimbabwe's airspace over the Zambezi River valley, and enters the Ethiopian Highlands approaching Addis Ababa. The most notable midpoint feature is the gradual elevation gain as the aircraft approaches the Ethiopian plateau, rising from ~1,000m in southern Botswana to 2,400m at Addis Ababa.