Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Durban. While takeoff favors the right for Johannesburg's escarpment views, the landing approach—which occupies the final 30 minutes and offers the most dramatic scenery—strongly favors left seats. The coastal descent into Durban with the Indian Ocean, Bluff headland, and harbor in full view outweighs the takeoff advantage.

During takeoff from Johannesburg International (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern sprawl during the initial climb. JNB typically departs northbound (runways 03L/03R), so right seats face east toward the escarpment edge and the city's mining-scarred landscape. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge (visible as elevated terrain to the east), Johannesburg city grid (sprawling urban area below), mine dumps and tailings (distinctive pale mounds dotting the landscape), Pretoria direction (haze-filled plain to the north).

When landing at Durban International (DUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer the best view of Durban's coastal approach and the Indian Ocean. Aircraft descend from the northwest toward DUR's main runway (02/20), so left-side passengers see the coastline, Durban Bay, and the city's beachfront during final approach. Notable sights include: Indian Ocean (visible as the blue water body and horizon), Durban Bay (sheltered harbor with shipping activity), Bluff headland (rocky peninsula protecting the harbor), Durban city beachfront (linear urban development along the coast).

The flight from Johannesburg International (JNB) to Durban International (DUR) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path runs southeast from JNB across the KwaZulu-Natal province. Notable features include the Drakensberg Mountains' eastern escarpment (visible as a distant ridge on the left/south side during cruise), the Pietermaritzburg plateau (rolling terrain in the midpoint), and the transition from inland grasslands to coastal lowlands as the aircraft descends toward Durban. The Thukela River valley may be visible as a linear feature in the approach phase. Visibility of these features depends on weather and altitude, but the escarpment edge is typically discernible on clear days.