Takeoff views from London City are superior—the Thames estuary and North Sea approach are visually distinctive and dramatic. Landing views at JNB are less compelling (industrial sprawl and distant mountains). Left seats win on the outbound leg, which carries more visual interest.
Flown LCY to JNB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Johannesburg is 5,632 miles (9,063 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Mediterranean (visible around 2-3 hours out), North Africa (Sahara desert, Atlas Mountains near Morocco/Algeria border around 4-5 hours), sub-Saharan Africa including the Sahel transition zone, and approaches southern Africa over the Kalahari semi-arid plateau before descent into the Witwatersrand basin. The Nile Delta is visible early in the flight if departing during daylight. The Atlas Mountains (bearing ~180° from cruise altitude, appearing as a distant ridge) are the most visually distinctive mid-route landmark.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLCY typically departs eastbound (runway 09/27 favors east). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving views of the Thames estuary, Greenwich, and the North Sea approach corridor. Right seats see only south London suburbs and the Kent countryside.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTJNB uses runways 03R/21L and 03L/21R. Westbound approaches (landing on runway 21) descend from the east. Right seats face north during descent, revealing the Witwatersrand ridge, Johannesburg's northern suburbs, and the Magaliesburg Mountains in the distance. Left seats see only southern industrial areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Johannesburg. Takeoff views from London City are superior—the Thames estuary and North Sea approach are visually distinctive and dramatic. Landing views at JNB are less compelling (industrial sprawl and distant mountains). Left seats win on the outbound leg, which carries more visual interest.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. LCY typically departs eastbound (runway 09/27 favors east). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving views of the Thames estuary, Greenwich, and the North Sea approach corridor. Right seats see only south London suburbs and the Kent countryside. Notable sights include: River Thames (winding below), Greenwich Peninsula (distinctive bend in river), North Sea horizon, Essex marshlands.
What can I see when landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. JNB uses runways 03R/21L and 03L/21R. Westbound approaches (landing on runway 21) descend from the east. Right seats face north during descent, revealing the Witwatersrand ridge, Johannesburg's northern suburbs, and the Magaliesburg Mountains in the distance. Left seats see only southern industrial areas. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge (elevated plateau), Magaliesburg Mountains (distant northern range), Johannesburg urban sprawl, OR Tambo International Airport complex.
How long is the flight from London to Johannesburg?
The flight from City (LCY) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,632 miles (9,063 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Mediterranean (visible around 2-3 hours out), North Africa (Sahara desert, Atlas Mountains near Morocco/Algeria border around 4-5 hours), sub-Saharan Africa including the Sahel transition zone, and approaches southern Africa over the Kalahari semi-arid plateau before descent into the Witwatersrand basin. The Nile Delta is visible early in the flight if departing during daylight. The Atlas Mountains (bearing ~180° from cruise altitude, appearing as a distant ridge) are the most visually distinctive mid-route landmark.