The left side captures the most dramatic scenery at both ends: the Victoria Falls gorge and escarpment during takeoff, and the Ethiopian highlands escarpment during approach. The flight path itself runs roughly north-northeast, making the left side consistently favorable for viewing the major topographic features.
Flown VFA to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Victoria Falls to Addis Ababa is 2,069 miles (3,330 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Zambezi River valley and then transitions into the Zambian and Zimbabwean plateau regions. Around the midpoint, passengers may see the Kafue River system and scattered game reserves. As the aircraft continues north into Zambia and then into Tanzania, the landscape becomes increasingly elevated with scattered mountains and the transition toward the East African plateau. The final approach into Ethiopia crosses the Rift Valley escarpment before reaching the Addis Ababa highlands.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from VFA
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Zambezi River gorge and the Victoria Falls escarpment as the aircraft climbs northward. The dramatic basalt cliffs and river canyon are most visible from the western (left) side during the initial climb-out.
Landing at ADD
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Ethiopian highlands and the approach to Addis Ababa from the south. As the aircraft descends toward Bole International, the right side captures the escarpment terrain and the city's elevated plateau setting.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Victoria Falls International (VFA) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Victoria Falls to Addis Ababa. The left side captures the most dramatic scenery at both ends: the Victoria Falls gorge and escarpment during takeoff, and the Ethiopian highlands escarpment during approach. The flight path itself runs roughly north-northeast, making the left side consistently favorable for viewing the major topographic features.
What can I see during takeoff from Victoria Falls International in Victoria Falls?
During takeoff from Victoria Falls International (VFA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Zambezi River gorge and the Victoria Falls escarpment as the aircraft climbs northward. The dramatic basalt cliffs and river canyon are most visible from the western (left) side during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Zambezi River gorge, Victoria Falls escarpment, Batoka Gorge, Devil's Pool area.
What can I see when landing at Bole International in Addis Ababa?
When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Ethiopian highlands and the approach to Addis Ababa from the south. As the aircraft descends toward Bole International, the right side captures the escarpment terrain and the city's elevated plateau setting. Notable sights include: Ethiopian highlands escarpment, Addis Ababa plateau, Entoto Mountains, Awash River valley.
How long is the flight from Victoria Falls to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Victoria Falls International (VFA) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,069 miles (3,330 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Victoria Falls to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Zambezi River valley and then transitions into the Zambian and Zimbabwean plateau regions. Around the midpoint, passengers may see the Kafue River system and scattered game reserves. As the aircraft continues north into Zambia and then into Tanzania, the landscape becomes increasingly elevated with scattered mountains and the transition toward the East African plateau. The final approach into Ethiopia crosses the Rift Valley escarpment before reaching the Addis Ababa highlands.