About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Johannesburg International (JNB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Johannesburg. Right side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get London and the Thames; at landing you get the Johannesburg skyline and the Highveld landscape. During the cruise the right side also faces east over the Congo Basin and East African features depending on exact routing.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow typically departs eastward on runways 27L/27R (westerly winds), meaning a right-hand turn south puts the city of London on the right side. You get a clear view over central London including the Thames snaking through the city, Canary Wharf towers, and the wider urban sprawl heading southeast. Notable sights include: River Thames bends through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the west during initial climb, M25 orbital motorway ring.
What can I see when landing at Johannesburg International in Johannesburg?
When landing at Johannesburg International (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. OR Tambo typically lands on runways 03L/03R or 21L/21R depending on wind. On the common northerly approach (runway 03), aircraft track from the south over the Highveld plateau. The right side faces east toward the Magaliesberg ridge and the broader Gauteng urban sprawl including Johannesburg city center and Sandton, which are clearly visible on descent. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline and Hillbrow tower, Sandton financial district towers, Magaliesberg ridge to the northwest on the horizon, Vaal Dam reservoir to the south during approach.
How long is the flight from London to Johannesburg?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Johannesburg International (JNB) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the London to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks southeast over France and the Mediterranean, then down the length of Africa passing over or near the Sahara Desert, the Congo Basin rainforest (a vast unbroken green canopy visible from altitude), the Angolan plateau, and the Kalahari semi-desert before climbing onto the South African Highveld. The Congo Basin is particularly striking — an enormous dark green expanse with the Congo River and its tributaries visible as silver threads when cloud cover permits.