The right side edges ahead thanks to a possible distant view of Kilimanjaro on approach and a more defined look at Johannesburg's urban core during takeoff, while the left side offers comparatively featureless plateau and plains for most of the flight.
Flown JNB to NBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Nairobi is 1,810 miles (2,912 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
Zimbabwe's Highveld, the Zambezi lowlands near the Mozambique border, and the southern end of the Great Rift Valley approaching Tanzania and Kenya
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
RIGHTDeparting JNB northbound, the right side faces east over Johannesburg's Sandton skyline and the sprawling Ekurhuleni industrial belt, giving a clearer sense of the city's layout than the flatter highveld farmland to the west.
Landing at NBO
RIGHTOn approach into Nairobi from the southwest, the right side offers a chance to spot the snow-capped silhouette of Kilimanjaro in the far distance to the southeast, along with the Athi Plains, while the left side mostly shows the Rift Valley escarpment further off.
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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 Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Nairobi. The right side edges ahead thanks to a possible distant view of Kilimanjaro on approach and a more defined look at Johannesburg's urban core during takeoff, while the left side offers comparatively featureless plateau and plains for most of 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 northbound, the right side faces east over Johannesburg's Sandton skyline and the sprawling Ekurhuleni industrial belt, giving a clearer sense of the city's layout than the flatter highveld farmland to the west. Notable sights include: Sandton skyline, OR Tambo airport grounds, Ekurhuleni townships, Highveld plateau.
What can I see when landing at Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
When landing at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Nairobi from the southwest, the right side offers a chance to spot the snow-capped silhouette of Kilimanjaro in the far distance to the southeast, along with the Athi Plains, while the left side mostly shows the Rift Valley escarpment further off. Notable sights include: Kilimanjaro (distant), Athi-Kapiti Plains, Nairobi National Park edge, Nairobi city skyline.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,810 miles (2,912 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Nairobi flight path pass over?
Zimbabwe's Highveld, the Zambezi lowlands near the Mozambique border, and the southern end of the Great Rift Valley approaching Tanzania and Kenya