London to Johannesburg is 5,639 miles (9,075 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The left side benefits from London's landmarks during the turn out of Heathrow and, more importantly, from the cruise phase, where the eastward-curving great circle track brings the Nile River, the Sahara's dune fields, and the East African Rift Valley (with Lake Victoria and Kilimanjaro's silhouette often visible) into view — landmarks the right side largely misses over the flatter Chad/Congo basin.
Flight Path
Sahara Desert dune fields over Libya/Chad, the Nile River near Sudan, the East African Rift Valley with Lake Victoria and the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Zambezi River basin approaching Zimbabwe
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow's westerly departures climb out heading west before banking left onto the southbound track toward France, putting London and the Thames valley directly beneath the left wing during the turn. Right-side passengers mostly see featureless Berkshire and Surrey farmland with no comparable landmark.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTArrivals into Johannesburg descending toward runway 03 typically loop around the city before final approach, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Sandton skyline and the low ridge of the Magaliesberg mountains to the northwest. The left side mostly faces open Highveld grassland during this turn.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) 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. The left side benefits from London's landmarks during the turn out of Heathrow and, more importantly, from the cruise phase, where the eastward-curving great circle track brings the Nile River, the Sahara's dune fields, and the East African Rift Valley (with Lake Victoria and Kilimanjaro's silhouette often visible) into view — landmarks the right side largely misses over the flatter Chad/Congo basin.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's westerly departures climb out heading west before banking left onto the southbound track toward France, putting London and the Thames valley directly beneath the left wing during the turn. Right-side passengers mostly see featureless Berkshire and Surrey farmland with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: River Thames loop near Windsor, Windsor Castle, distant Central London skyline, patchwork farmland of Surrey giving way to the Channel coast.
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. Arrivals into Johannesburg descending toward runway 03 typically loop around the city before final approach, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Sandton skyline and the low ridge of the Magaliesberg mountains to the northwest. The left side mostly faces open Highveld grassland during this turn. Notable sights include: Johannesburg/Sandton skyline, Magaliesberg mountain range, Hartbeespoort Dam, Highveld grassland patchwork.
How long is the flight from London to Johannesburg?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,639 miles (9,075 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Sahara Desert dune fields over Libya/Chad, the Nile River near Sudan, the East African Rift Valley with Lake Victoria and the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Zambezi River basin approaching Zimbabwe