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ADD → FBM
Which side of the plane to sit from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) to Lubumbashi International Airport (Lubumashi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpments, the distant peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, and the winding Lualaba River tributaries as you enter the Katanga region.
Omo Valley
Views of the diverse landscapes of southern Ethiopia, known for its unique geological formations and rivers.
Rwenzori Mountains
On clear days, see the 'Mountains of the Moon' rising in the distance near the border of Uganda and DRC.
Tanganyika Escarpment
Deep blue waters of Lake Tanganyika framed by the steep western cliffs of the Congo side.
Lualaba River
Catch glimpses of the headwaters of the Congo River meandering through dense tropical forests.
Lubumbashi Mining Landscape
Aerial views of the massive copper and cobalt mines that define the landscape around Lubumbashi.
The right side is superior for avoiding the direct glare of the afternoon sun on southbound flights. This side offers the most dramatic views of the Rift Valley's western edge. During the rainy season (November to April), look for massive thunderheads forming over the Congo Basin.
Ethiopian Highlands
Dramatic rugged terrain and deep volcanic valleys immediately after take-off from Addis Ababa.
Lake Victoria
Aerial views of the world's largest tropical lake, often showing fishing boats and small islands near the Ugandan border.
Lake Tanganyika
The eastern shores of the world's longest freshwater lake, bordering Burundi and Tanzania.
Upemba National Park
Expansive wetlands, lakes, and savannas of the Katanga plateau as you approach the destination.
Sit on the left for better morning lighting when flying south, as the sun will be behind you. This side provides the best perspective of the Tanzanian coastline of Lake Tanganyika. Keep an eye out for the vast expanse of Lake Victoria mid-flight.
Distance: 2,605 km (1,619 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 28 min
Departure: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Arrival: FBM (-11.5913000107, 27.5308990479)
Route Type: International
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