While the takeoff offers Johannesburg views, the landing approach provides the most dramatic and memorable scenery—the Zambezi River gorge and the landscape around Victoria Falls region are far more visually distinctive than the Johannesburg departure.
Flown HLA to LVI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Livingstone is 577 miles (928 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the central highveld plateau of South Africa and enters Botswana airspace, passing over the Makgadikgadi Pans region (visible as flat, pale terrain) before entering Zambia and descending toward the Zambezi River valley. The Kalahari semi-arid landscape dominates the midpoint of the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HLA
LEFTLeft side captures the northward climb-out over the Witwatersrand Basin and the urban sprawl of greater Johannesburg. You'll see the city grid and surrounding highveld plateau as you gain altitude heading toward Livingstone.
Landing at LVI
RIGHTRight side offers the best approach view of the Zambezi River gorge and the landscape around Livingstone as you descend. The river and its dramatic valley are the defining visual feature on final approach from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lanseria (HLA) to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone. While the takeoff offers Johannesburg views, the landing approach provides the most dramatic and memorable scenery—the Zambezi River gorge and the landscape around Victoria Falls region are far more visually distinctive than the Johannesburg departure.
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 northward climb-out over the Witwatersrand Basin and the urban sprawl of greater Johannesburg. You'll see the city grid and surrounding highveld plateau as you gain altitude heading toward Livingstone. Notable sights include: Johannesburg urban area, Witwatersrand ridge, Pretoria skyline (visible to the northeast), Highveld plateau terrain.
What can I see when landing at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone?
When landing at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the best approach view of the Zambezi River gorge and the landscape around Livingstone as you descend. The river and its dramatic valley are the defining visual feature on final approach from the south. Notable sights include: Zambezi River and gorge, Victoria Falls spray (seasonal visibility), Livingstone town, Southern Zambian plateau.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone?
The flight from Lanseria (HLA) to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 577 miles (928 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Livingstone flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the central highveld plateau of South Africa and enters Botswana airspace, passing over the Makgadikgadi Pans region (visible as flat, pale terrain) before entering Zambia and descending toward the Zambezi River valley. The Kalahari semi-arid landscape dominates the midpoint of the route.