The left side wins overall because the Kilimanjaro view during departure is a rare, dramatic highlight that outweighs the more modest right-side city view on arrival — few routes offer a close-up of Africa's tallest peak within minutes of takeoff.
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Flight Path
Nairobi to Johannesburg is 1,810 miles (2,912 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Northern Tanzania highlands near Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley floor, and the high plateau grasslands of southern Tanzania and Zambia before descending toward the South African Highveld
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NBO
LEFTDeparting NBO on runway 24 toward the southwest, the initial climb puts Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru squarely on the left side of the aircraft, rising dramatically over the Amboseli plains just across the Tanzanian border. This is one of the most striking landmark views available on any African departure.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTOn approach into JNB from the north, the final turn onto the runway swings the descent path over Johannesburg's northern suburbs, giving right-side passengers a wide view of the Sandton skyline and the wooded ridges of the Magaliesberg mountains beyond. The left side mostly faces the flatter, less distinctive Ekurhuleni industrial belt.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to Johannesburg. The left side wins overall because the Kilimanjaro view during departure is a rare, dramatic highlight that outweighs the more modest right-side city view on arrival — few routes offer a close-up of Africa's tallest peak within minutes of takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
During takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing NBO on runway 24 toward the southwest, the initial climb puts Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru squarely on the left side of the aircraft, rising dramatically over the Amboseli plains just across the Tanzanian border. This is one of the most striking landmark views available on any African departure. Notable sights include: Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Amboseli plains, Rift Valley escarpment edge.
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 Right side for the best views. On approach into JNB from the north, the final turn onto the runway swings the descent path over Johannesburg's northern suburbs, giving right-side passengers a wide view of the Sandton skyline and the wooded ridges of the Magaliesberg mountains beyond. The left side mostly faces the flatter, less distinctive Ekurhuleni industrial belt. Notable sights include: Sandton skyline, Magaliesberg range, Johannesburg Highveld plains, reservoirs near Midrand.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg?
The flight from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,810 miles (2,912 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nairobi to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Northern Tanzania highlands near Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley floor, and the high plateau grasslands of southern Tanzania and Zambia before descending toward the South African Highveld