The right side offers the Magaliesberg range on departure and, more importantly, the spectacular Table Mountain and Atlantic coastline approach into Cape Town, while the left side spends most of the flight over the flat, monotonous Karoo with little to see.
Flown HLA to CPT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Cape Town is 786 miles (1,266 km), a flight of about 2 hours.
Vast semi-arid Karoo plains, occasional dry riverbeds, and the distant Hex River Mountains as the route approaches the Western Cape
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HLA
RIGHTDeparting Lanseria and turning south toward Cape Town, the Magaliesberg range and the western reaches of the Witwatersrand ridge line are visible off the right side during the climb, giving some relief above the otherwise flat Highveld. The left side mostly shows the sprawling flat suburbs of Johannesburg's West Rand with little topographic interest.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTOn the descent into Cape Town, especially with a southbound approach onto runway 19, the aircraft passes the Cape Winelands and then Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline appear prominently on the right side just before landing. This is the most dramatic scenery of the entire route.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lanseria (HLA) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The right side offers the Magaliesberg range on departure and, more importantly, the spectacular Table Mountain and Atlantic coastline approach into Cape Town, while the left side spends most of the flight over the flat, monotonous Karoo with little to see.
What can I see during takeoff from Lanseria in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Lanseria and turning south toward Cape Town, the Magaliesberg range and the western reaches of the Witwatersrand ridge line are visible off the right side during the climb, giving some relief above the otherwise flat Highveld. The left side mostly shows the sprawling flat suburbs of Johannesburg's West Rand with little topographic interest. Notable sights include: Magaliesberg mountain range, Witwatersrand ridge, Cradle of Humankind area, Hartbeespoort Dam glint on the horizon.
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. On the descent into Cape Town, especially with a southbound approach onto runway 19, the aircraft passes the Cape Winelands and then Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline appear prominently on the right side just before landing. This is the most dramatic scenery of the entire route. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Atlantic coastline near Table Bay, Cape Winelands mountains near Paarl/Stellenbosch.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town?
The flight from Lanseria (HLA) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 786 miles (1,266 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Cape Town flight path pass over?
Vast semi-arid Karoo plains, occasional dry riverbeds, and the distant Hex River Mountains as the route approaches the Western Cape