While the Rift Valley departure is scenic, it's brief; the right side benefits from the Nile Valley and Cairo's delta during cruise plus the classic London skyline view on final approach, giving it more sustained visual interest across the whole flight.
Flown NBO to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nairobi to London is 4,251 miles (6,841 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
Sudan's Nile Valley and Khartoum confluence, the Sahara and Nubian Desert, the Nile Delta and Cairo, the Mediterranean coastline, and the southern Alps over Italy/France before the descent into England
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NBO
LEFTDeparting NBO on runway 24 the aircraft climbs southwest before turning north toward Europe, giving a brief but striking view of the Rift Valley escarpment and the Ngong Hills west of Nairobi. The right side mostly shows the flatter Nairobi suburbs and Athi plains, which are less dramatic.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTUnder Heathrow's typical westerly operations, arrivals from the continent swing south of London before turning onto final approach for 27L/27R, putting central London on the right side of the aircraft during descent. Passengers can catch the Thames snaking through the city, the Docklands towers, and Windsor Castle just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to London. While the Rift Valley departure is scenic, it's brief; the right side benefits from the Nile Valley and Cairo's delta during cruise plus the classic London skyline view on final approach, giving it more sustained visual interest across the whole flight.
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 the aircraft climbs southwest before turning north toward Europe, giving a brief but striking view of the Rift Valley escarpment and the Ngong Hills west of Nairobi. The right side mostly shows the flatter Nairobi suburbs and Athi plains, which are less dramatic. Notable sights include: Ngong Hills, Rift Valley escarpment, Nairobi National Park edge, Athi Plains.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Under Heathrow's typical westerly operations, arrivals from the continent swing south of London before turning onto final approach for 27L/27R, putting central London on the right side of the aircraft during descent. Passengers can catch the Thames snaking through the city, the Docklands towers, and Windsor Castle just before touchdown. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf/Docklands skyline, Windsor Castle, Heathrow's parallel runways.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to London?
The flight from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Heathrow (LHR) 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 Nairobi to London flight path pass over?
Sudan's Nile Valley and Khartoum confluence, the Sahara and Nubian Desert, the Nile Delta and Cairo, the Mediterranean coastline, and the southern Alps over Italy/France before the descent into England