While takeoff offers the dramatic Virunga Mountains, the landing approach into Johannesburg provides more sustained and distinctive urban-geological scenery—the Witwatersrand ridge and major city are more visually compelling than the departure climb over Rwanda's hills.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses southern Rwanda and northern South Africa, passing over the Burundi-Tanzania border region. Notable features include the Kagera River valley (Rwanda-Tanzania border), the Tanzanian highlands and scattered lakes, and the transition from tropical African terrain to the South African highveld plateau. The Rift Valley escarpments are visible in the distance to the east. Most of the flight occurs over open terrain with limited major cities until approach to Johannesburg.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KGL
RIGHTRight side seats face west-southwest on departure, offering views of the Virunga Mountains and the terrain descending toward Lake Kivu. Left side faces toward the city and eastern highlands with less dramatic relief.
Landing at QRA
LEFTLeft side seats face northeast on approach to Rand, providing clear views of the Witwatersrand ridge, Johannesburg's urban sprawl, and the surrounding highveld plateau. Right side faces away from the city toward open grassland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kigali International (KGL) to Rand Airport (QRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kigali to Johannesburg. While takeoff offers the dramatic Virunga Mountains, the landing approach into Johannesburg provides more sustained and distinctive urban-geological scenery—the Witwatersrand ridge and major city are more visually compelling than the departure climb over Rwanda's hills.
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. Right side seats face west-southwest on departure, offering views of the Virunga Mountains and the terrain descending toward Lake Kivu. Left side faces toward the city and eastern highlands with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Virunga Mountains (volcanic peaks on the Rwanda-DRC border), Lake Kivu (large freshwater lake to the west), Kigali city grid (visible briefly during climb), Congo Nile Trail escarpment.
What can I see when landing at Rand Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at Rand Airport (QRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats face northeast on approach to Rand, providing clear views of the Witwatersrand ridge, Johannesburg's urban sprawl, and the surrounding highveld plateau. Right side faces away from the city toward open grassland. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge (prominent rocky escarpment running east-west), Johannesburg metropolitan area (extensive urban grid), Soweto township (large residential area southwest of CBD), Highveld grassland plateau.
How long is the flight from Kigali to Johannesburg?
The flight from Kigali International (KGL) to Rand Airport (QRA) takes 2h 15m.
What does the Kigali to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses southern Rwanda and northern South Africa, passing over the Burundi-Tanzania border region. Notable features include the Kagera River valley (Rwanda-Tanzania border), the Tanzanian highlands and scattered lakes, and the transition from tropical African terrain to the South African highveld plateau. The Rift Valley escarpments are visible in the distance to the east. Most of the flight occurs over open terrain with limited major cities until approach to Johannesburg.