The left side offers a more complete scenic arc: Stone Town and the Zanzibar Channel at takeoff, a possible distant view of Mount Kilimanjaro during cruise, and the Rift Valley/Ngong Hills terrain on approach into Nairobi. The right side is dominated by open ocean early on and flatter suburban terrain near NBO.
Flown ZNZ to NBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zanzibar to Nairobi is 374 miles (602 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Distant profile of Mount Kilimanjaro to the west of the flight path, the Pare and Usambara Mountains of northern Tanzania, and the dry plains around Tsavo before crossing into Kenya's southern Rift Valley region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZNZ
LEFTDeparting ZNZ to the north, the aircraft banks toward the Tanzanian mainland, giving left-side passengers a clear view of Stone Town's coral-stone rooftops and the turquoise Zanzibar Channel before the coastline recedes. The right side only shows open Indian Ocean during this phase.
Landing at NBO
LEFTOn approach into NBO from the southwest, left-side passengers get views of the Rift Valley escarpment, the Ngong Hills, and the green expanse of Nairobi National Park just before touchdown. The right side mostly faces the flatter eastern Nairobi suburbs with less topographic interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zanzibar to Nairobi. The left side offers a more complete scenic arc: Stone Town and the Zanzibar Channel at takeoff, a possible distant view of Mount Kilimanjaro during cruise, and the Rift Valley/Ngong Hills terrain on approach into Nairobi. The right side is dominated by open ocean early on and flatter suburban terrain near NBO.
What can I see during takeoff from Zanzibar in Zanzibar?
During takeoff from Zanzibar (ZNZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ZNZ to the north, the aircraft banks toward the Tanzanian mainland, giving left-side passengers a clear view of Stone Town's coral-stone rooftops and the turquoise Zanzibar Channel before the coastline recedes. The right side only shows open Indian Ocean during this phase. Notable sights include: Stone Town, Zanzibar Channel, Unguja Island coastline, Mainland Tanzania coast near Bagamoyo.
What can I see when landing at Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
When landing at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into NBO from the southwest, left-side passengers get views of the Rift Valley escarpment, the Ngong Hills, and the green expanse of Nairobi National Park just before touchdown. The right side mostly faces the flatter eastern Nairobi suburbs with less topographic interest. Notable sights include: Ngong Hills, Rift Valley escarpment edge, Nairobi National Park, Nairobi city skyline in the distance.
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to Nairobi?
The flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 374 miles (602 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zanzibar to Nairobi flight path pass over?
Distant profile of Mount Kilimanjaro to the west of the flight path, the Pare and Usambara Mountains of northern Tanzania, and the dry plains around Tsavo before crossing into Kenya's southern Rift Valley region.