The left side wins both ends of the flight: Alpine peaks during the Zurich departure and, weather permitting, the iconic snow-capped profile of Kilimanjaro itself during the descent into JRO, giving it a clear edge over the comparatively flat scenery on the right.
Flight Path
The route crosses the eastern Alps near the Swiss-Italian border, then continues over the Adriatic Sea and Greek islands, the eastern Mediterranean, the Nile River valley near Egypt, the Red Sea coastline, the Ethiopian Highlands, and the Kenyan Rift Valley before descending toward Kilimanjaro.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
_-_75_(50558355441).jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTDeparting Zurich on runway 16 southbound, the initial climb tracks over the city with Lake Zurich curving away to the east (left side), and as the aircraft turns onto its southeasterly routing the snow-capped peaks of the Glarus Alps and Säntis massif rise into view ahead-left. The right side mostly shows the wooded Uetliberg ridge and flatter Jura foothills, which are far less dramatic.
Landing at JRO
LEFTJRO's prevailing easterly winds typically bring aircraft in on runway 09, landing toward the east, which puts Mount Kilimanjaro's massive snow-capped dome on the left side of the cabin during final approach. The right side faces south toward the flatter Maasai plains, which are scenic but far less striking than the volcano itself.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Kilimanjaro International (JRO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Kilimanjaro. The left side wins both ends of the flight: Alpine peaks during the Zurich departure and, weather permitting, the iconic snow-capped profile of Kilimanjaro itself during the descent into JRO, giving it a clear edge over the comparatively flat scenery on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Zurich on runway 16 southbound, the initial climb tracks over the city with Lake Zurich curving away to the east (left side), and as the aircraft turns onto its southeasterly routing the snow-capped peaks of the Glarus Alps and Säntis massif rise into view ahead-left. The right side mostly shows the wooded Uetliberg ridge and flatter Jura foothills, which are far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, City of Zurich, Uetliberg ridge, Glarus Alps/Säntis peak.
What can I see when landing at Kilimanjaro International in Kilimanjaro?
When landing at Kilimanjaro International (JRO), sit on the Left side for the best views. JRO's prevailing easterly winds typically bring aircraft in on runway 09, landing toward the east, which puts Mount Kilimanjaro's massive snow-capped dome on the left side of the cabin during final approach. The right side faces south toward the flatter Maasai plains, which are scenic but far less striking than the volcano itself. Notable sights include: Mount Kilimanjaro summit and glaciers, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, savannah plains with acacia trees, Sanya River plain.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Kilimanjaro?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Kilimanjaro International (JRO) takes 7h 45m.
What does the Zurich to Kilimanjaro flight path pass over?
The route crosses the eastern Alps near the Swiss-Italian border, then continues over the Adriatic Sea and Greek islands, the eastern Mediterranean, the Nile River valley near Egypt, the Red Sea coastline, the Ethiopian Highlands, and the Kenyan Rift Valley before descending toward Kilimanjaro.