Loading map...
AUH → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Great Rift Valley's geological formations, the turquoise lakes of the Ethiopian rift system, and a more direct view of the Red Sea coastline during the initial stages of the flight.
Red Sea Coastline
The sharp contrast where the arid desert sands of Sudan meet the deep blue waters and coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Great Rift Valley
A front-row seat to the massive tectonic trench, featuring dramatic escarpments and volcanic landscapes.
Rift Valley Lakes
A chain of colorful alkaline and freshwater lakes, including Lake Ziway and Lake Abaya, sparkling in the Ethiopian sun.
Serengeti & Mara
The vast, golden plains of the East African savanna where the great migration occurs, visible as the flight heads south.
Pretoria & Johannesburg
On the final descent, view the urban sprawl of Gauteng, including the Union Buildings and the distinctive mine dumps.
The right side is ideal for daytime flights to avoid direct glare from the sun while looking west. It provides the best perspective of the Great Rift Valley's unique geography. As you approach Johannesburg, the right side often gets a better view of the Pretoria skyline before the final turn into OR Tambo International Airport.
Rub' al Khali
The vast, rolling orange dunes of the Empty Quarter in the southern Arabian Peninsula shortly after takeoff.
Ethiopian Highlands
Dramatic views of the 'Roof of Africa' with its rugged plateaus and deep, ancient river gorges.
Mount Kilimanjaro
On clear days, the snow-capped peak of Africa's highest mountain is visible in the distance to the east while crossing Tanzania.
Lake Malawi
The shimmering blue expanse of one of the world's deepest freshwater lakes as the flight crosses into Southern Africa.
Limpopo River
The winding green belt of the Limpopo River which marks the border between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Sit on the left for morning flights to experience a spectacular sunrise over the Indian Ocean horizon. This side is also your best bet for spotting the silhouette of Mt. Kilimanjaro, though it will be quite distant depending on the exact flight corridor. Ensure your window is clear of ice crystals for the best photography of the Ethiopian Highlands.
Distance: 6,299 km (3,914 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 25 min
Departure: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.