The right side captures more of the East African Rift's lake chain and the Ethiopian highland approach, plus a distant chance of Kilimanjaro near the route's midpoint, giving it more consistent scenic interest than the left, which mostly overlooks flatter plateau terrain.
Flown JNB to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Addis Ababa is 2,528 miles (4,068 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
East African Rift Valley escarpments, Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika basins to the west, Kilimanjaro region to the east, Zambian and Tanzanian plateau below the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
LEFTDeparting JNB northbound, the climb-out gives a good look at the Johannesburg CBD skyline and the mine dumps of the Witwatersrand on the left, while the right side shows mostly flat Highveld farmland toward Pretoria.
Landing at ADD
RIGHTOn approach into Addis Ababa from the south, the right side offers views over the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes region and the highland escarpments framing the city, more dramatic than the flatter western outskirts visible on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) 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 more of the East African Rift's lake chain and the Ethiopian highland approach, plus a distant chance of Kilimanjaro near the route's midpoint, giving it more consistent scenic interest than the left, which mostly overlooks flatter plateau terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing JNB northbound, the climb-out gives a good look at the Johannesburg CBD skyline and the mine dumps of the Witwatersrand on the left, while the right side shows mostly flat Highveld farmland toward Pretoria. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline, Witwatersrand mine dumps, Sandton skyline, Magaliesberg ridge in the distance.
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. On approach into Addis Ababa from the south, the right side offers views over the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes region and the highland escarpments framing the city, more dramatic than the flatter western outskirts visible on the left. Notable sights include: Rift Valley lakes (Koka, Ziway), Entoto Mountains north of Addis, highland escarpment, Addis Ababa cityscape.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,528 miles (4,068 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
East African Rift Valley escarpments, Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika basins to the west, Kilimanjaro region to the east, Zambian and Tanzanian plateau below the flight path