While landing favors the left, the takeoff views of Nairobi and the Ngong Hills are more consistently dramatic and visually rewarding. The flight path southwestward means right-side passengers see the most interesting terrain during the longer cruise phase over Kenya's highlands and Rift Valley.
Flown NBO to LVI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nairobi to Livingstone is 1,367 miles (2,200 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Kenya's central highlands including the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya (visible to the east on clear days), the Great Rift Valley with its escarpments and scattered lakes (Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru region), transition into Tanzania's plateau terrain, and the approach to Zambia's higher elevation plateau near Livingstone. The flight path generally tracks southwest from Nairobi, crossing the Rift Valley and descending into Zambia's Zambezi region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NBO
RIGHTRight side offers views of Nairobi's urban sprawl and the Ngong Hills to the southwest as the aircraft climbs. The left side faces the relatively flat terrain north toward the Aberdare Range, which is distant and less visually prominent during initial climb.
Landing at LVI
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Zambezi River gorge and the dramatic landscape around Livingstone as the aircraft descends. The right side faces the flatter terrain to the east. The Zambezi's white water and gorge walls are striking features visible from altitude during approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to Livingstone. While landing favors the left, the takeoff views of Nairobi and the Ngong Hills are more consistently dramatic and visually rewarding. The flight path southwestward means right-side passengers see the most interesting terrain during the longer cruise phase over Kenya's highlands and Rift Valley.
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 Ngong Hills to the southwest as the aircraft climbs. The left side faces the relatively flat terrain north toward the Aberdare Range, which is distant and less visually prominent during initial climb. Notable sights include: Nairobi city grid and suburbs, Ngong Hills (southwest), Athi River valley, Karen residential area.
What can I see when landing at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone?
When landing at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Zambezi River gorge and the dramatic landscape around Livingstone as the aircraft descends. The right side faces the flatter terrain to the east. The Zambezi's white water and gorge walls are striking features visible from altitude during approach. Notable sights include: Zambezi River and gorge, Victoria Falls mist plume (seasonal), Livingstone town, Batoka Gorge.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Livingstone?
The flight from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,367 miles (2,200 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nairobi to Livingstone flight path pass over?
Kenya's central highlands including the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya (visible to the east on clear days), the Great Rift Valley with its escarpments and scattered lakes (Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru region), transition into Tanzania's plateau terrain, and the approach to Zambia's higher elevation plateau near Livingstone. The flight path generally tracks southwest from Nairobi, crossing the Rift Valley and descending into Zambia's Zambezi region.