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AMS destination photo
HRE destination photo

AMSHRE

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the sunrise over Africa on typical overnight flights, spectacular sandstone formations in the Algerian Sahara, and a better angle for the transition from desert to rainforest.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

The Alps

Distant but visible snow-capped peaks of the Swiss and French Alps during the first 90 minutes of the flight.

🌊

Mediterranean Crossing

A wide-angle view of the deep blue sea as the flight transitions from Europe into the African airspace.

🏜️

Tassili n'Ajjer

A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site in Algeria featuring surreal 'forest of stone' sandstone formations.

💧

Lake Chad

The historic and shrinking wetland at the edge of the Sahel, appearing as a splash of blue amidst the arid landscape.

🛶

Oubangui River

A major tributary of the Congo River that marks the transition into the lush Central African greenery.

🐊

Lake Kariba

One of the largest man-made lakes in the world, often visible on the approach into Zimbabwe's capital.

For the standard overnight flight from Amsterdam, the sun will rise on the left side, providing stunning golden-hour photography opportunities over the Sahara. Choose a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the unique Saharan topography.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
🗼

Western France

Potential views of the outskirts of Paris and the French countryside depending on the specific airway taken.

🏖️

Balearic Islands

Aerial vistas of Mallorca and Ibiza as the aircraft leaves the European mainland.

⏳

Grand Erg Occidental

Massive fields of rolling orange sand dunes in the western reaches of the Algerian desert.

🐍

Niger River

The winding path of West Africa's most important river as it flows through the semi-arid Sahel region.

🌳

Congo Basin

An endless green carpet of the world's second-largest tropical rainforest, visible for several hours.

🌊

Zambezi River

The mighty river that forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, visible shortly before the final descent.

The right side is ideal for catching the sunset during the early phase of the flight over Europe. During the day, it offers the best views of the vast, classic Saharan sand dunes. It is generally the 'cooler' side of the plane during the afternoon as it faces away from the direct sun.

Top Activities in Harare
Route Information

Distance: 8,215 km (5,105 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 40 min

Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)

Arrival: HRE (-17.931801, 31.0928)

Route Type: International

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