The right side captures the most dramatic and continuous scenery: Johannesburg's urban-industrial landscape during climb, the transition across the African plateau, and the Ethiopian highlands' escarpment and Addis Ababa's elevated setting during descent. Left offers good initial views but becomes less distinctive over the central flight path.
Flown HLA to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Addis Ababa is 2,521 miles (4,057 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the East African plateau, passing over the Zambian and Tanzanian highlands. Notable features include the Zambezi River valley (visible as a darker linear feature if crossing near the Kariba region), scattered volcanic peaks in Tanzania, and the gradual rise toward the Ethiopian highlands. The landscape transitions from southern African savanna and plateau to the more rugged, higher-elevation terrain of East Africa and Ethiopia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HLA
LEFTLeft side captures the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's urban sprawl immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northward, and the left wing reveals the city's eastern and northern suburbs spreading across the highveld plateau.
Landing at ADD
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Ethiopian highlands and the approach into Addis Ababa from the south. The aircraft descends over the Entoto Mountains and the city's elevated terrain, with the right wing providing the clearest sightlines to the surrounding escarpment and urban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lanseria (HLA) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa. The right side captures the most dramatic and continuous scenery: Johannesburg's urban-industrial landscape during climb, the transition across the African plateau, and the Ethiopian highlands' escarpment and Addis Ababa's elevated setting during descent. Left offers good initial views but becomes less distinctive over the central flight path.
What can I see during takeoff from Lanseria in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's urban sprawl immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northward, and the left wing reveals the city's eastern and northern suburbs spreading across the highveld plateau. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge (gold-bearing escarpment), Johannesburg urban area, Pretoria to the north, Magaliesburg Mountains (distant, northwest).
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 offers views of the Ethiopian highlands and the approach into Addis Ababa from the south. The aircraft descends over the Entoto Mountains and the city's elevated terrain, with the right wing providing the clearest sightlines to the surrounding escarpment and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Entoto Mountains (northern rim of Addis Ababa), Blue Nile gorge system (distant east), Ethiopian highlands plateau, Addis Ababa urban area.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Lanseria (HLA) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,521 miles (4,057 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the East African plateau, passing over the Zambian and Tanzanian highlands. Notable features include the Zambezi River valley (visible as a darker linear feature if crossing near the Kariba region), scattered volcanic peaks in Tanzania, and the gradual rise toward the Ethiopian highlands. The landscape transitions from southern African savanna and plateau to the more rugged, higher-elevation terrain of East Africa and Ethiopia.