Right seats capture the dramatic Virunga Mountains during departure and provide better views of Rwanda's distinctive hill terrain. While left seats have advantages on landing, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding and the route's most striking geographic feature (the Virunga range) favors the right side.
Flown KGL to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kigali to Addis Ababa is 963 miles (1,550 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses from Rwanda's southwestern highlands northeastward across Uganda's western border region. Notable features include Lake Victoria's northern waters (visible to the east around midpoint), the Rwenzori Mountains on the Uganda-Congo border (far western horizon), and the transition from Rwanda's intensively cultivated terrain to Uganda's more open savanna and woodland. The aircraft cruises at 28,000-32,000 feet, so individual landmarks become small; the most distinctive visual is the shift from Rwanda's dense green 'thousand hills' topography to Uganda's flatter, more open landscape with visible water bodies and forest patches.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KGL
RIGHTKigali typically departs runway 06 (northeast heading). Right-side seats offer views of the Virunga Mountains to the north and west as the aircraft climbs, plus the sprawling city of Kigali receding below. Left seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at ADD
LEFTAddis Ababa uses runway 25 for most landings (southwest approach). Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Entoto Mountains to the north and the city's sprawl across the high plateau as you descend. The approach path also offers views of the surrounding escarpment terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kigali International (KGL) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kigali to Addis Ababa. Right seats capture the dramatic Virunga Mountains during departure and provide better views of Rwanda's distinctive hill terrain. While left seats have advantages on landing, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding and the route's most striking geographic feature (the Virunga range) favors the right side.
What can I see during takeoff from Kigali International in Kigali?
During takeoff from Kigali International (KGL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Kigali typically departs runway 06 (northeast heading). Right-side seats offer views of the Virunga Mountains to the north and west as the aircraft climbs, plus the sprawling city of Kigali receding below. Left seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Virunga Mountains (northern horizon), Lake Kivu (western edge, partially visible), Kigali city grid, surrounding tea and banana plantations.
What can I see when landing at Bole International in Addis Ababa?
When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Addis Ababa uses runway 25 for most landings (southwest approach). Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Entoto Mountains to the north and the city's sprawl across the high plateau as you descend. The approach path also offers views of the surrounding escarpment terrain. Notable sights include: Entoto Mountains (northern edge of city), Addis Ababa plateau cityscape, surrounding highland terrain at 7,500+ feet elevation, distant Awash River valley to the east.
How long is the flight from Kigali to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Kigali International (KGL) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 963 miles (1,550 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kigali to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses from Rwanda's southwestern highlands northeastward across Uganda's western border region. Notable features include Lake Victoria's northern waters (visible to the east around midpoint), the Rwenzori Mountains on the Uganda-Congo border (far western horizon), and the transition from Rwanda's intensively cultivated terrain to Uganda's more open savanna and woodland. The aircraft cruises at 28,000-32,000 feet, so individual landmarks become small; the most distinctive visual is the shift from Rwanda's dense green 'thousand hills' topography to Uganda's flatter, more open landscape with visible water bodies and forest patches.