The right side offers the better overall experience: the dramatic Johannesburg mine dump landscape on departure, and during the long northbound cruise over Africa you get views of the Nile Valley and the Eastern Mediterranean coast. The left side's Alpine arrival is excellent but shorter in duration. Right side wins on total scenic content across the full flight.
Flown JNB to MUC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Munich is 5,247 miles (8,444 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight tracks north over Zimbabwe and Zambia, crossing the Congo Basin rainforest, then over Sudan and the Nile Valley near Khartoum, across the Eastern Mediterranean over Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, then over Greece and the Adriatic before crossing the Alps into Bavaria. The Nile River near Khartoum and the Sinai Peninsula coastlines are the most visually distinctive midpoint features at cruising altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
RIGHTO.R. Tambo's primary departure runway 03L/21R means northbound departures track roughly north, putting the Johannesburg city skyline and the Witwatersrand ridge to the right (east side). The mine dumps and sprawling East Rand townships are clearly visible on the right as you climb out heading north.
Landing at MUC
LEFTMunich's primary arrival runway 08L/26R means aircraft typically approach from the east, tracking westward. On left-side seats you get the Bavarian Alps to the south — the Zugspitze massif and the Inn Valley are clearly visible on the left as you descend over the Bavarian plateau toward the airport.
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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 Munich (MUC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Munich. The right side offers the better overall experience: the dramatic Johannesburg mine dump landscape on departure, and during the long northbound cruise over Africa you get views of the Nile Valley and the Eastern Mediterranean coast. The left side's Alpine arrival is excellent but shorter in duration. Right side wins on total scenic content across the full 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. O.R. Tambo's primary departure runway 03L/21R means northbound departures track roughly north, putting the Johannesburg city skyline and the Witwatersrand ridge to the right (east side). The mine dumps and sprawling East Rand townships are clearly visible on the right as you climb out heading north. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline to the northwest, Witwatersrand ridge and gold mine dumps, East Rand urban sprawl, Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni industrial zones.
What can I see when landing at Munich in Munich?
When landing at Munich (MUC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Munich's primary arrival runway 08L/26R means aircraft typically approach from the east, tracking westward. On left-side seats you get the Bavarian Alps to the south — the Zugspitze massif and the Inn Valley are clearly visible on the left as you descend over the Bavarian plateau toward the airport. Notable sights include: Bavarian Alps including Zugspitze massif, Inn Valley and Innsbruck corridor, Chiemsee lake to the southeast, Munich city center and English Garden.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Munich?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Munich (MUC) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,247 miles (8,444 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Munich flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north over Zimbabwe and Zambia, crossing the Congo Basin rainforest, then over Sudan and the Nile Valley near Khartoum, across the Eastern Mediterranean over Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, then over Greece and the Adriatic before crossing the Alps into Bavaria. The Nile River near Khartoum and the Sinai Peninsula coastlines are the most visually distinctive midpoint features at cruising altitude.