The takeoff views of the Limpopo River and plateau transition are more consistently dramatic than the landing approach. While the landing offers the iconic Victoria Falls mist plume, it's visible only in the final minutes. Right-side seats provide better scenery for most of the flight's northern leg.
Flown GBE to VFA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Gaberone to Victoria Falls is 446 miles (718 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Kalahari savanna plateau, scattered pans and seasonal water features, transition from Botswana's eastern plateau to Zimbabwe's northern plateau, sparse acacia woodland, the Nata-Francistown corridor region with its flat, open terrain
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GBE
RIGHTClimbing northwestward from Gaborone, right-side seats offer views of the Limpopo River valley and the transition from Botswana's eastern plateau toward the Kalahari. Left seats face inland toward featureless scrubland.
Landing at VFA
LEFTDescending toward Victoria Falls from the southeast, left-side seats provide direct views of the Zambezi River gorge system and the mist plume from Victoria Falls itself. Right seats see only the Zimbabwe plateau interior.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE) to Victoria Falls International (VFA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Gaberone to Victoria Falls. The takeoff views of the Limpopo River and plateau transition are more consistently dramatic than the landing approach. While the landing offers the iconic Victoria Falls mist plume, it's visible only in the final minutes. Right-side seats provide better scenery for most of the flight's northern leg.
What can I see during takeoff from Sir Seretse Khama International in Gaberone?
During takeoff from Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing northwestward from Gaborone, right-side seats offer views of the Limpopo River valley and the transition from Botswana's eastern plateau toward the Kalahari. Left seats face inland toward featureless scrubland. Notable sights include: Limpopo River (southern border), Gaborone city sprawl receding below, eastern plateau escarpment, transition zone to Kalahari savanna.
What can I see when landing at Victoria Falls International in Victoria Falls?
When landing at Victoria Falls International (VFA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Descending toward Victoria Falls from the southeast, left-side seats provide direct views of the Zambezi River gorge system and the mist plume from Victoria Falls itself. Right seats see only the Zimbabwe plateau interior. Notable sights include: Victoria Falls mist plume (distinctive white column), Zambezi River gorge, Batoka Gorge downstream, Victoria Falls town.
How long is the flight from Gaberone to Victoria Falls?
The flight from Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE) to Victoria Falls International (VFA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 446 miles (718 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Gaberone to Victoria Falls flight path pass over?
Kalahari savanna plateau, scattered pans and seasonal water features, transition from Botswana's eastern plateau to Zimbabwe's northern plateau, sparse acacia woodland, the Nata-Francistown corridor region with its flat, open terrain