While the landing on the left is spectacular, the takeoff on the right offers clearer views of Johannesburg's geography and the Witwatersrand escarpment. The flight path northward provides consistent views along the right side of the aircraft as you traverse the Highveld and approach the East African highlands.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Highveld plateau of South Africa, then enters Mpumalanga province where the terrain becomes more undulating. As you approach the Limpopo River (South Africa-Botswana border), the landscape transitions to savanna. Crossing into Zimbabwe and Zambia, you'll see the Zambezi River valley and scattered woodland. The final approach into Rwanda crosses the East African highlands—increasingly hilly terrain with volcanic features visible as you descend toward Kigali. Lake Tanganyika may be visible to the west during the northern portion of the flight, and the Rift Valley escarpment becomes increasingly prominent as you approach Rwanda.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from QRA
RIGHTJohannesburg typically departs eastbound (Runway 03R/03L). Right-side seats offer views of the city's northern suburbs and the Witwatersrand ridge escarpment as you climb. Left seats face inland toward the Highveld plateau with less distinctive features.
Landing at KGL
LEFTKigali typically lands westbound (Runway 24). Left-side seats provide views of Lake Kivu and the dramatic western escarpment of the East African Rift Valley during descent. Right seats face the flatter eastern plateau with fewer visual landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rand Airport (QRA) to Kigali International (KGL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Kigali. While the landing on the left is spectacular, the takeoff on the right offers clearer views of Johannesburg's geography and the Witwatersrand escarpment. The flight path northward provides consistent views along the right side of the aircraft as you traverse the Highveld and approach the East African highlands.
What can I see during takeoff from Rand Airport in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from Rand Airport (QRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Johannesburg typically departs eastbound (Runway 03R/03L). Right-side seats offer views of the city's northern suburbs and the Witwatersrand ridge escarpment as you climb. Left seats face inland toward the Highveld plateau with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Johannesburg city center and northern suburbs, Witwatersrand ridge (visible as elevated terrain running northeast-southwest), Pretoria in the distance to the north, the Highveld plateau extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Kigali International in Kigali?
When landing at Kigali International (KGL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Kigali typically lands westbound (Runway 24). Left-side seats provide views of Lake Kivu and the dramatic western escarpment of the East African Rift Valley during descent. Right seats face the flatter eastern plateau with fewer visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake Kivu (large freshwater lake on the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border), the Rift Valley escarpment (steep western wall), Kigali city sprawling across hills in the central region, the volcanic Virunga Mountains visible on the western horizon.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Kigali?
The flight from Rand Airport (QRA) to Kigali International (KGL) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Johannesburg to Kigali flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Highveld plateau of South Africa, then enters Mpumalanga province where the terrain becomes more undulating. As you approach the Limpopo River (South Africa-Botswana border), the landscape transitions to savanna. Crossing into Zimbabwe and Zambia, you'll see the Zambezi River valley and scattered woodland. The final approach into Rwanda crosses the East African highlands—increasingly hilly terrain with volcanic features visible as you descend toward Kigali. Lake Tanganyika may be visible to the west during the northern portion of the flight, and the Rift Valley escarpment becomes increasingly prominent as you approach Rwanda.