The right side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Cape Town approach with Table Mountain, Table Bay, and the Atlantic coastline, which far outweighs the relatively flat, unremarkable views on the left throughout the flight.
Flight Path
Karoo semi-desert plains and scattered flat-topped koppies beneath the cruise track between the Free State and the Western Cape escarpment
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
RIGHTDeparting JNB toward the southwest, the right side offers glimpses of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's sprawling suburbs before the aircraft turns onto its Cape Town heading. The left side mostly shows flat Highveld farmland with little definition.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTOn approach into Cape Town, the routing over the Boland mountains and into Table Bay puts Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the Atlantic coastline squarely on the right side of the aircraft. The left side faces inland toward the flatter Cape Flats with far less visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) 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 wins overall thanks to the dramatic Cape Town approach with Table Mountain, Table Bay, and the Atlantic coastline, which far outweighs the relatively flat, unremarkable views on the left throughout the flight.
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 Right side for the best views. Departing JNB toward the southwest, the right side offers glimpses of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's sprawling suburbs before the aircraft turns onto its Cape Town heading. The left side mostly shows flat Highveld farmland with little definition. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline, Witwatersrand ridges, Highveld farmland patchwork.
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, the routing over the Boland mountains and into Table Bay puts Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the Atlantic coastline squarely on the right side of the aircraft. The left side faces inland toward the flatter Cape Flats with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Table Bay and Robben Island, Cape Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes 2h05m.
What does the Johannesburg to Cape Town flight path pass over?
Karoo semi-desert plains and scattered flat-topped koppies beneath the cruise track between the Free State and the Western Cape escarpment