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ADD → NBO
Which side of the plane to sit from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the Great Rift Valley's most dramatic features, including the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Turkana and a series of Ethiopian volcanic lakes.
Ethiopian Rift Lakes
A chain of stunning lakes including Lake Ziway, Langano, and Abaya shortly after departing Addis Ababa.
Lake Turkana
The world's largest permanent desert lake, known as the Jade Sea for its incredible turquoise color.
Central Island
Visible in the middle of Lake Turkana, this volcanic island features three distinct crater lakes.
Suguta Valley
One of the most desolate and dramatic volcanic landscapes on Earth, located just south of Lake Turkana.
Aberdare Range
Lush, forested mountain ridges that mark the final leg of the journey into Kenyan airspace.
The right side is the 'geological' side. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun is behind the plane, saturating the colors of Lake Turkana and the Rift Valley. Keep your camera ready about 45 minutes into the flight for the best lake views.
Mount Kenya
As you descend towards Nairobi, the snow-capped peaks of Kenya's highest mountain are visible on the horizon.
Nairobi Skyline
The plane often banks to the left during approach, offering a panoramic view of the Central Business District and Upper Hill.
Mount Kilimanjaro
On exceptionally clear days, the iconic silhouette of Africa's tallest peak can be spotted far to the south.
Bale Mountains
Distant views of the high-altitude Afro-alpine moorlands of southeastern Ethiopia.
Sit on the left for morning flights to capture the sunrise illuminating the peaks of Mount Kenya. During the final approach into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, this side provides the most consistent views of the city's expanding urban landscape.
Distance: 1,164 km (723 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Arrival: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Route Type: International
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