Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Zanzibar. While left offers good takeoff scenery over southern England, right seats dominate the return journey with superior views of the East African coast, Zanzibar Channel, and the island's distinctive reef systems during descent. The landing views are more dramatic and geographically distinctive than the takeoff.

During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the North Downs and Surrey Hills as the aircraft climbs southeastward out of Gatwick. You'll see the distinctive chalk escarpment and patchwork farmland receding beneath you during the initial climb. Notable sights include: North Downs (chalk ridge), Surrey Hills, English Channel (distant southern horizon), Weald of Kent.

When landing at Zanzibar (ZNZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into Zanzibar. You'll see the Tanzanian coast, the distinctive turquoise waters of the Zanzibar Channel, and the island's coral reef patterns as you approach from the northwest. Notable sights include: Zanzibar Channel (turquoise water), Tanzanian mainland coast, Zanzibar Island's reef system, Pemba Island (northern horizon).

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.

The flight path crosses the Mediterranean (visible as a broad blue expanse with North African coastline to the south), then continues over Libya and Egypt. The Nile Delta appears as a distinctive green fan-shaped feature against the desert. Further south, the Red Sea becomes visible as a narrow dark water body between the Arabian Peninsula (right) and the African coast (left). The flight then crosses the Horn of Africa region and the Indian Ocean before approaching the East African coast near Tanzania.