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AMS → CPT
Which side of the plane to sit from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam) to Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side (Starboard) is generally superior for this North-to-South journey, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline, the dramatic Skeleton Coast of Namibia, and the iconic approach into Cape Town with potential views of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula.
Atlantic Seaboard
Stunning views where the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean meets the West African coastline.
Namib Desert
The world's oldest desert, famous for its towering red sand dunes that glow in the morning light.
Skeleton Coast
The hauntingly beautiful Namibian coastline where the desert meets the sea, often shrouded in mist.
Atlantic Sunset
If departing in the late afternoon, enjoy a prolonged and vivid sunset over the open ocean.
Table Mountain
The iconic landmark of Cape Town usually becomes visible on the right during the final approach into CPT.
The Right Side is essential for the Namibian coastline, which is the scenic peak of the trip. To see the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast, ensure you are awake approximately 2 hours before landing. On the approach to CPT, if the flight path comes from the west, the Right Side offers the premier view of Table Mountain and Robben Island.
Benelux Landscapes
Early flight views of the dense urban grid of the Netherlands and Belgium as you head south.
French & Swiss Alps
Distant but visible peaks of the Alps and the Massif Central during the European leg.
Sahara Heartland
Deep orange sand dunes and volcanic rock formations of the central Sahara Desert in Algeria and Niger.
Congo Basin
The vast, dark green expanse of the world's second-largest rainforest, often shrouded in tropical clouds.
The Great Karoo
The semi-desert natural region of South Africa featuring unique flat-topped hills and arid plateaus.
Choose this side if you prefer seeing the sun rise over the African interior. It provides a better perspective of the vastness of the Sahara and the transition into the lush tropics. Most AMS-CPT flights are overnight, so the early morning light over the Karoo is a major highlight for early risers.
Distance: 9,687 km (6,019 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 24 min
Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Arrival: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Route Type: International
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