While both sides score equally at 2.5, the right side edges ahead for the full flight experience. Takeoff from Maun offers superior scenery with the Okavango Delta's distinctive water patterns and ecological drama, which is the most visually compelling segment of this short route. Landing views are comparable on both sides, but the delta's unique geography during departure gives the right side the decisive advantage for a passenger prioritizing scenic interest.
Flown MUB to HLA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Maun to Johannesburg is 502 miles (807 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Central Kalahari savanna with scattered acacia woodland, sparse settlement patterns, gradual transition from Botswana's flat terrain to South Africa's slightly elevated highveld plateau, no major water features or mountain ranges along the direct flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MUB
RIGHTRight side captures the Okavango Delta's water channels and vegetation patterns during initial climb, offering more visual interest than the flat scrubland to the left. The delta's distinctive braided waterways are visible from 3,000–5,000 feet during the first 10 minutes of flight.
Landing at HLA
LEFTLeft side during descent into Lanseria reveals the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's urban sprawl, including the distinctive mine dumps and city grid. This urban and geological drama outweighs the right side's open grassland views during the approach phase.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Maun (MUB) to Lanseria (HLA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Maun to Johannesburg. While both sides score equally at 2.5, the right side edges ahead for the full flight experience. Takeoff from Maun offers superior scenery with the Okavango Delta's distinctive water patterns and ecological drama, which is the most visually compelling segment of this short route. Landing views are comparable on both sides, but the delta's unique geography during departure gives the right side the decisive advantage for a passenger prioritizing scenic interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Maun in Maun?
During takeoff from Maun (MUB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Okavango Delta's water channels and vegetation patterns during initial climb, offering more visual interest than the flat scrubland to the left. The delta's distinctive braided waterways are visible from 3,000–5,000 feet during the first 10 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Okavango Delta water channels, Maun town grid, sparse acacia woodland, flat Kalahari plains extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Lanseria in Johannesburg?
When landing at Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side during descent into Lanseria reveals the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's urban sprawl, including the distinctive mine dumps and city grid. This urban and geological drama outweighs the right side's open grassland views during the approach phase. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge escarpment, Johannesburg city sprawl and mine dumps, Lanseria airport complex, Cradle of Humankind limestone hills.
How long is the flight from Maun to Johannesburg?
The flight from Maun (MUB) to Lanseria (HLA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 502 miles (807 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Maun to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Central Kalahari savanna with scattered acacia woodland, sparse settlement patterns, gradual transition from Botswana's flat terrain to South Africa's slightly elevated highveld plateau, no major water features or mountain ranges along the direct flight path