While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach to Mahé from the west provides superior views of the Seychelles' most dramatic geography—the granite peaks and coral-ringed lagoons are far more visually distinctive than Nairobi's departure landscape.
Flown WIL to SEZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nairobi to Mahe is 1,311 miles (2,110 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean in a generally southeast direction. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), passengers will see open ocean for the majority of the flight. The Zanzibar Channel and East African coast fade within the first 30 minutes. No significant landmasses are visible during the midpoint of the flight—only the open Indian Ocean with occasional cloud formations. The approach to Seychelles begins around 100 nautical miles out, where the archipelago's islands start appearing as small dark features against the ocean.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from WIL
RIGHTWilson Airport typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of Nairobi's urban sprawl and the Rift Valley escarpment as the aircraft climbs away from the city.
Landing at SEZ
LEFTSeychelles International typically uses runways aligned roughly north-south. Left-side seats during approach offer views of Mahé's dramatic granite peaks and the surrounding Indian Ocean. The island's mountainous terrain is striking from altitude.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nairobi Wilson (WIL) to Seychelles International (SEZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to Mahe. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach to Mahé from the west provides superior views of the Seychelles' most dramatic geography—the granite peaks and coral-ringed lagoons are far more visually distinctive than Nairobi's departure landscape.
What can I see during takeoff from Nairobi Wilson in Nairobi?
During takeoff from Nairobi Wilson (WIL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Wilson Airport typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of Nairobi's urban sprawl and the Rift Valley escarpment as the aircraft climbs away from the city. Notable sights include: Nairobi city center and suburbs, Ngong Hills to the southwest (visible as a ridge line), the Rift Valley escarpment edge to the east, Karen and Langata districts.
What can I see when landing at Seychelles International in Mahe?
When landing at Seychelles International (SEZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seychelles International typically uses runways aligned roughly north-south. Left-side seats during approach offer views of Mahé's dramatic granite peaks and the surrounding Indian Ocean. The island's mountainous terrain is striking from altitude. Notable sights include: Mahé's central granite peaks (Morne Seychellois range), the turquoise lagoons and coral reefs surrounding the island, smaller islands of the Seychelles archipelago scattered across the ocean, the deep blue Indian Ocean.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Mahe?
The flight from Nairobi Wilson (WIL) to Seychelles International (SEZ) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,311 miles (2,110 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nairobi to Mahe flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean in a generally southeast direction. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), passengers will see open ocean for the majority of the flight. The Zanzibar Channel and East African coast fade within the first 30 minutes. No significant landmasses are visible during the midpoint of the flight—only the open Indian Ocean with occasional cloud formations. The approach to Seychelles begins around 100 nautical miles out, where the archipelago's islands start appearing as small dark features against the ocean.