Right side captures the most dramatic geography: the Rift Valley escarpment and highlands during climb-out from Nairobi, then the transition across Kenya's interior highlands and into Tanzania's plateau country. The descent into Johannesburg favors left, but the northbound climb-out scenery is more visually distinctive.
Flown NBO to HLA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nairobi to Johannesburg is 1,803 miles (2,902 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
Kenya's central highlands and Rift Valley escarpment (visible during climb and early cruise), transition into Tanzania's plateau country with scattered volcanic peaks, the Tanzanian-South African border region with gradual elevation changes, approach to the Witwatersrand plateau as you descend into Johannesburg airspace
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NBO
RIGHTRight side offers views of Nairobi's urban sprawl and the surrounding highland plateau as you climb out southwestward. The city's grid pattern and industrial areas are clearly visible during the initial climb.
Landing at HLA
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Witwatersrand plateau and Johannesburg's northern suburbs as you descend toward Lanseria. You'll see the city's sprawling development and the transition from highveld grassland into urban areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Lanseria (HLA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to Johannesburg. Right side captures the most dramatic geography: the Rift Valley escarpment and highlands during climb-out from Nairobi, then the transition across Kenya's interior highlands and into Tanzania's plateau country. The descent into Johannesburg favors left, but the northbound climb-out scenery is more visually distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
During takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Nairobi's urban sprawl and the surrounding highland plateau as you climb out southwestward. The city's grid pattern and industrial areas are clearly visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Nairobi city center and suburbs, Central Highlands plateau, Ngong Hills (southwest of city).
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 provides views of the Witwatersrand plateau and Johannesburg's northern suburbs as you descend toward Lanseria. You'll see the city's sprawling development and the transition from highveld grassland into urban areas. Notable sights include: Johannesburg northern suburbs and Sandton district, Witwatersrand plateau, Lanseria airfield approach corridor.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg?
The flight from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Lanseria (HLA) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,803 miles (2,902 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nairobi to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Kenya's central highlands and Rift Valley escarpment (visible during climb and early cruise), transition into Tanzania's plateau country with scattered volcanic peaks, the Tanzanian-South African border region with gradual elevation changes, approach to the Witwatersrand plateau as you descend into Johannesburg airspace