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ADD → MPM
Which side of the plane to sit from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) to Maputo Airport (Maputo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Ethiopian Highlands at departure and provides a breathtaking, prolonged view of the entire western coastline of Lake Malawi.
Ethiopian Highlands
Rugged volcanic plateaus and deep gorges immediately after departing Addis Ababa.
Lake Malawi
Also known as Lake Nyasa, this massive Rift Valley lake stays in view for nearly an hour of flight time.
Zambezi River
A spectacular crossing of one of Africa's longest rivers, often near the Tete region of Mozambique.
Gorongosa National Park
View the diverse ecosystems where the Rift Valley ends, featuring floodplains and fever tree forests.
Limpopo River Basin
The winding curves of the Limpopo River as it snakes through the southern Mozambican plains.
The right side is ideal for morning flights, keeping the sun behind the aircraft for perfect photography of the Ethiopian plateaus. Ensure you have a window seat away from the wing to fully appreciate the scale of Lake Malawi, which is the undisputed highlight of this north-to-south transcontinental route.
Rift Valley Soda Lakes
A string of shimmering lakes in the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley, including Lake Ziway and Lake Langano.
Mount Kilimanjaro
On clear days, the snow-capped peak of Africa's highest mountain is visible in the far distance to the east.
Selous Game Reserve
Vast stretches of uninhabited Tanzanian wilderness, one of the largest faunal reserves in the world.
Maputo Bay
The deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the Portuguese Island as you bank for the final approach.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun. This side provides the best perspective of the coastline and the Indian Ocean as you descend into Maputo. Look out for the massive Cahora Bassa reservoir further inland if the flight path tracks slightly east.
Distance: 3,939 km (2,448 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 38 min
Departure: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Arrival: MPM (-25.920799, 32.572601)
Route Type: International
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