While the Istanbul departure favors the left, the long cruise phase over Egypt's Nile Valley, the Red Sea's edge, the Ethiopian highlands, and Kilimanjaro's silhouette near Kenya-Tanzania border, followed by the Zanzibar coastal approach, gives the right side a richer and more varied set of landmarks over the full flight.
Flown IST to ZNZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Zanzibar is 3,348 miles (5,389 km), a flight of about 6 hours 50 minutes.
Nile River Valley and Lake Nasser (Egypt/Sudan), Red Sea coastline, Ethiopian Highlands, Kenyan Rift Valley lakes, Mount Kilimanjaro near the Kenya-Tanzania border
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTClimbing south out of IST, the Bosphorus mouth, the Asian shore of Istanbul, and the Princes' Islands sit on the left, giving a classic skyline-and-strait view before the plane crosses into the Sea of Marmara. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside.
Landing at ZNZ
RIGHTOn approach into Zanzibar the aircraft typically tracks in from the north, putting Stone Town's coastline, the coral reef patterns, and the turquoise lagoon on the right side of the plane, with a glimpse of the Tanzanian mainland coast in the distance. The left side over this stretch is open Indian Ocean.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Zanzibar (ZNZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Zanzibar. While the Istanbul departure favors the left, the long cruise phase over Egypt's Nile Valley, the Red Sea's edge, the Ethiopian highlands, and Kilimanjaro's silhouette near Kenya-Tanzania border, followed by the Zanzibar coastal approach, gives the right side a richer and more varied set of landmarks over the full flight.
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. Climbing south out of IST, the Bosphorus mouth, the Asian shore of Istanbul, and the Princes' Islands sit on the left, giving a classic skyline-and-strait view before the plane crosses into the Sea of Marmara. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait entrance, Princes' Islands, Üsküdar/Asian Istanbul shoreline, Sea of Marmara.
What can I see when landing at Zanzibar in Zanzibar?
When landing at Zanzibar (ZNZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Zanzibar the aircraft typically tracks in from the north, putting Stone Town's coastline, the coral reef patterns, and the turquoise lagoon on the right side of the plane, with a glimpse of the Tanzanian mainland coast in the distance. The left side over this stretch is open Indian Ocean. Notable sights include: Stone Town waterfront, coral reef patterns, Zanzibar Channel, distant Tanzanian mainland coastline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) takes about 6 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,348 miles (5,389 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Zanzibar flight path pass over?
Nile River Valley and Lake Nasser (Egypt/Sudan), Red Sea coastline, Ethiopian Highlands, Kenyan Rift Valley lakes, Mount Kilimanjaro near the Kenya-Tanzania border