While the takeoff offers Thames estuary views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Witwatersrand geology and Johannesburg's sprawl are visually distinctive. Right seats capture this better during the critical descent phase.
Flown LCY to HLA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Johannesburg is 5,612 miles (9,032 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Sahara Desert (visible as vast tan expanses with occasional wadi systems and rocky outcrops), the Niger River valley near Bamako, the Atlas Mountains' southern slopes, and the West African coast. Further south, you'll pass over the Gulf of Guinea, then inland across central Africa—the Congo Basin rainforest appears as unbroken green canopy, with the Congo River visible as a dark serpentine line. As you approach southern Africa, the landscape transitions to savanna and scattered woodland. The Kalahari's semi-arid terrain becomes visible as you near Johannesburg, with the Limpopo River marking the border region.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs southeastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the North Sea coast receding beneath you.
Landing at HLA
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during descent into Lanseria. You'll see the Witwatersrand ridge and the Johannesburg urban sprawl spreading across the highveld plateau, with the distinctive rocky outcrops of the Magaliesburg Mountains visible to the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Lanseria (HLA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Johannesburg. While the takeoff offers Thames estuary views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Witwatersrand geology and Johannesburg's sprawl are visually distinctive. Right seats capture this better during the critical descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs southeastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the North Sea coast receding beneath you. Notable sights include: River Thames estuary, Kent coastline, Southend-on-Sea, North Sea.
What can I see when landing at Lanseria in Johannesburg?
When landing at Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during descent into Lanseria. You'll see the Witwatersrand ridge and the Johannesburg urban sprawl spreading across the highveld plateau, with the distinctive rocky outcrops of the Magaliesburg Mountains visible to the northwest. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge, Johannesburg urban area, Magaliesburg Mountains, Highveld plateau.
How long is the flight from London to Johannesburg?
The flight from City (LCY) to Lanseria (HLA) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,612 miles (9,032 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Sahara Desert (visible as vast tan expanses with occasional wadi systems and rocky outcrops), the Niger River valley near Bamako, the Atlas Mountains' southern slopes, and the West African coast. Further south, you'll pass over the Gulf of Guinea, then inland across central Africa—the Congo Basin rainforest appears as unbroken green canopy, with the Congo River visible as a dark serpentine line. As you approach southern Africa, the landscape transitions to savanna and scattered woodland. The Kalahari's semi-arid terrain becomes visible as you near Johannesburg, with the Limpopo River marking the border region.