The left side captures the strongest moments of the journey: London's skyline during departure and the Rift Valley/Ngong Hills scenery during the Nairobi approach, while the right side mostly overlooks less distinctive desert and cruise-altitude terrain.
Flown LHR to NBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Nairobi is 4,251 miles (6,841 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
Sahara Desert expanses over Libya and Chad, the Nile River valley near Sudan, and the Ethiopian Highlands as the route heads south toward the East African Rift
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTOn the typical westerly departure from Heathrow, the aircraft climbs out and banks left (south) onto its southeast routing, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over London before the city falls away. The Thames, central London landmarks, and the green sprawl of southwest London are visible during this turn.
Landing at NBO
LEFTNBO's arrival approach from the southwest on runway 06 carries the aircraft over the Rift Valley highlands before turning northeast to land, putting the dramatic escarpment and Ngong Hills on the left side. Nairobi National Park's open savanna is also visible just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Nairobi. The left side captures the strongest moments of the journey: London's skyline during departure and the Rift Valley/Ngong Hills scenery during the Nairobi approach, while the right side mostly overlooks less distinctive desert and cruise-altitude terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical westerly departure from Heathrow, the aircraft climbs out and banks left (south) onto its southeast routing, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over London before the city falls away. The Thames, central London landmarks, and the green sprawl of southwest London are visible during this turn. Notable sights include: River Thames, Central London skyline, Richmond Park, Windsor area.
What can I see when landing at Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
When landing at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Left side for the best views. NBO's arrival approach from the southwest on runway 06 carries the aircraft over the Rift Valley highlands before turning northeast to land, putting the dramatic escarpment and Ngong Hills on the left side. Nairobi National Park's open savanna is also visible just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Ngong Hills, Rift Valley escarpment, Nairobi National Park, Nairobi city skyline.
How long is the flight from London to Nairobi?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,251 miles (6,841 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Nairobi flight path pass over?
Sahara Desert expanses over Libya and Chad, the Nile River valley near Sudan, and the Ethiopian Highlands as the route heads south toward the East African Rift