The right side wins overall because the approach into Victoria Falls delivers a genuine, iconic landmark — the falls and Zambezi gorge — while the left side offers only a brief glimpse of Johannesburg's skyline followed by largely featureless savanna and bushveld for the rest of the flight.
Flown JNB to VFA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Victoria Falls is 577 miles (928 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Eastern Kalahari bushveld of Botswana, the distant white expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans off to the west, and the woodlands of Hwange National Park near the Zimbabwe border as the route approaches Victoria Falls.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
LEFTDeparting JNB on runway 03, the aircraft banks left to intercept the northwest track toward Victoria Falls, briefly putting Johannesburg's Sandton and CBD skyline in view before the Highveld's flat grassland takes over for the rest of the climb.
Landing at VFA
RIGHTOn final approach into Victoria Falls Airport from the southeast, the turn onto runway 30 brings the Zambezi River gorge and the rising spray plume of Victoria Falls into view on the right side just before touchdown. It's a brief but genuinely dramatic natural landmark rarely matched on this otherwise flat route.
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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 Victoria Falls International (VFA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. The right side wins overall because the approach into Victoria Falls delivers a genuine, iconic landmark — the falls and Zambezi gorge — while the left side offers only a brief glimpse of Johannesburg's skyline followed by largely featureless savanna and bushveld for the rest 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 Left side for the best views. Departing JNB on runway 03, the aircraft banks left to intercept the northwest track toward Victoria Falls, briefly putting Johannesburg's Sandton and CBD skyline in view before the Highveld's flat grassland takes over for the rest of the climb. Notable sights include: Sandton skyline, Johannesburg CBD, Ekurhuleni industrial belt, Highveld grassland.
What can I see when landing at Victoria Falls International in Victoria Falls?
When landing at Victoria Falls International (VFA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into Victoria Falls Airport from the southeast, the turn onto runway 30 brings the Zambezi River gorge and the rising spray plume of Victoria Falls into view on the right side just before touchdown. It's a brief but genuinely dramatic natural landmark rarely matched on this otherwise flat route. Notable sights include: Victoria Falls spray column, Zambezi River gorge, Zambezi National Park woodland, Victoria Falls town.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Victoria Falls International (VFA) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 577 miles (928 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Victoria Falls flight path pass over?
Eastern Kalahari bushveld of Botswana, the distant white expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans off to the west, and the woodlands of Hwange National Park near the Zimbabwe border as the route approaches Victoria Falls.