The long cruise phase over Africa favors the left side, where passengers can trace the Nile corridor through Egypt and Sudan, the Red Sea coastline, the Ethiopian highlands, and later the Great Rift Valley and Kilimanjaro region — a much richer set of landmarks than the right side's largely featureless Sahara and Congo basin overflight.
Flight Path
Nile River and Sudanese desert give way to the Ethiopian highlands, Lake Victoria basin, and the Great Rift Valley with Kilimanjaro visible off to the east before the route continues south over Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, the initial climb and turn onto the southbound track give a good look back at the Bosphorus mouth, the Asian-side districts of Istanbul, and the Sea of Marmara dotted with the Princes' Islands. This is the only urban/coastal highlight of the entire flight and it falls on the left side during the turn south.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTOn approach into Cape Town from the north, the final turn onto the runway reveals Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the sweep of Table Bay with Robben Island offshore, all sitting to the right of the descending aircraft.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Cape Town. The long cruise phase over Africa favors the left side, where passengers can trace the Nile corridor through Egypt and Sudan, the Red Sea coastline, the Ethiopian highlands, and later the Great Rift Valley and Kilimanjaro region — a much richer set of landmarks than the right side's largely featureless Sahara and Congo basin overflight.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST, the initial climb and turn onto the southbound track give a good look back at the Bosphorus mouth, the Asian-side districts of Istanbul, and the Sea of Marmara dotted with the Princes' Islands. This is the only urban/coastal highlight of the entire flight and it falls on the left side during the turn south. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Asian Istanbul skyline, Princes' Islands, Sea of Marmara.
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 approach into Cape Town from the north, the final turn onto the runway reveals Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the sweep of Table Bay with Robben Island offshore, all sitting to the right of the descending aircraft. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Table Bay, Robben Island.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Cape Town?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes 11h 05m.
What does the Istanbul to Cape Town flight path pass over?
Nile River and Sudanese desert give way to the Ethiopian highlands, Lake Victoria basin, and the Great Rift Valley with Kilimanjaro visible off to the east before the route continues south over Zambia and Zimbabwe.