The Cape Town arrival on the right side delivers one of the most iconic urban-mountain-ocean approaches in the world. While the Zurich departure on the left is excellent for Alpine views, the Table Mountain and Table Bay arrival scene is more consistently spectacular and the right side also picks up East African coastline and the Mozambique Channel during the cruise portion of the flight.
Flight Path
The flight tracks south over the Mediterranean, then crosses Libya and the Sahara Desert — vast sand seas and ergs visible for hours. Over central Africa the Congo Basin rainforest appears as an unbroken dark green canopy. The flight then crosses Zambia and Zimbabwe before descending over the Limpopo region and the Kalahari scrublands into South Africa. The Mozambique Channel may be visible on the left side depending on exact routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 heading south or runway 28 heading west. On a southbound departure toward the Alps, the left side gives you a direct view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Glarus Alps beyond. The right side faces north toward the Zurich city sprawl with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTCape Town International sits east of the city and typically lands on runway 01 heading north or runway 19 heading south. On approach from the north on runway 19, the right side faces west toward Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and Table Bay — the most dramatic scenery in the region. The left side faces east toward the Cape Flats and the Hottentots Holland Mountains.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Cape Town. The Cape Town arrival on the right side delivers one of the most iconic urban-mountain-ocean approaches in the world. While the Zurich departure on the left is excellent for Alpine views, the Table Mountain and Table Bay arrival scene is more consistently spectacular and the right side also picks up East African coastline and the Mozambique Channel during the cruise portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 heading south or runway 28 heading west. On a southbound departure toward the Alps, the left side gives you a direct view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Glarus Alps beyond. The right side faces north toward the Zurich city sprawl with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Glarus Alps, Lake Walen (Walensee), Zurich city center.
What can I see when landing at Cape Town International in Cape Town?
When landing at Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Cape Town International sits east of the city and typically lands on runway 01 heading north or runway 19 heading south. On approach from the north on runway 19, the right side faces west toward Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and Table Bay — the most dramatic scenery in the region. The left side faces east toward the Cape Flats and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Table Bay, Robben Island, Cape Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Cape Town?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Zurich to Cape Town flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south over the Mediterranean, then crosses Libya and the Sahara Desert — vast sand seas and ergs visible for hours. Over central Africa the Congo Basin rainforest appears as an unbroken dark green canopy. The flight then crosses Zambia and Zimbabwe before descending over the Limpopo region and the Kalahari scrublands into South Africa. The Mozambique Channel may be visible on the left side depending on exact routing.