Right-side seats deliver the most dramatic scenery at takeoff with Victoria Falls and the Zambezi gorge system, which outweighs the left-side advantage during landing. The falls are a globally iconic landmark visible only during the first 15 minutes of flight, making them the flight's visual highlight.
Flown LVI to JNB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Livingstone to Johannesburg is 595 miles (958 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Zambezi River valley and then transitions into the highveld plateau. Notable features include the Zambezi floodplain (visible briefly after takeoff), scattered miombo woodland and grassland savanna across northern Botswana and the Limpopo region, and the gradual rise toward the Witwatersrand ridge as the aircraft approaches Johannesburg from the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LVI
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls gorge system as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Livingstone. The falls themselves sit just northwest of the airport, so right-side windows frame the dramatic river canyon and mist plume during initial climb.
Landing at JNB
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best approach view into Johannesburg. The aircraft descends from the north over the Witwatersrand ridge, and left-side windows frame the city's northern suburbs, the downtown skyline, and the distinctive ridge topography that defines Johannesburg's geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Livingstone to Johannesburg. Right-side seats deliver the most dramatic scenery at takeoff with Victoria Falls and the Zambezi gorge system, which outweighs the left-side advantage during landing. The falls are a globally iconic landmark visible only during the first 15 minutes of flight, making them the flight's visual highlight.
What can I see during takeoff from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone?
During takeoff from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls gorge system as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Livingstone. The falls themselves sit just northwest of the airport, so right-side windows frame the dramatic river canyon and mist plume during initial climb. Notable sights include: Victoria Falls gorge, Zambezi River, Batoka Gorge, Livingstone town grid.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach view into Johannesburg. The aircraft descends from the north over the Witwatersrand ridge, and left-side windows frame the city's northern suburbs, the downtown skyline, and the distinctive ridge topography that defines Johannesburg's geography. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge, Johannesburg downtown skyline, northern suburbs sprawl, Soweto township district.
How long is the flight from Livingstone to Johannesburg?
The flight from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 595 miles (958 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Livingstone to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Zambezi River valley and then transitions into the highveld plateau. Notable features include the Zambezi floodplain (visible briefly after takeoff), scattered miombo woodland and grassland savanna across northern Botswana and the Limpopo region, and the gradual rise toward the Witwatersrand ridge as the aircraft approaches Johannesburg from the north.