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BBK destination photo
JNB destination photo

BBKJNB

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most dramatic contrast in scenery, featuring the shimmering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and a direct view of the Pretoria skyline and administrative landmarks during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
💧

Chobe-Zambezi Confluence

Immediately after takeoff, view the meeting point of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers and the unique 'Four Corners' where four countries meet.

🧂

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Witness the vast, blindingly white expanse of one of the world's largest salt flats appearing like a frozen lake in the desert.

⛰️

Waterberg Plateau

As you enter South African airspace, the terrain shifts to the rugged, ancient sandstone formations of the Waterberg Biosphere.

🏛️

Pretoria Landmarks

On clear days, identify the Union Buildings and the massive Voortrekker Monument as the plane begins its final approach.

🏗️

Gauteng Industrial Hub

View the sprawling industrial infrastructure and residential suburbs of the Ekurhuleni region just before touchdown.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you, providing better light for photos of the salt pans. During the rainy season (December-March), look for flashes of green and seasonal lakes forming in the pans. Watch the ground carefully 15 minutes before landing for the distinct urban grid of Pretoria.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🐘

Chobe National Park

Look down shortly after takeoff to see the dense woodlands and floodplains of one of Africa's premier wildlife sanctuaries.

🏜️

Kalahari Basin

Observe the characteristic red longitudinal dunes and sparse vegetation of the eastern Kalahari desert system.

🐊

Limpopo River

Track the meandering course of the Great Limpopo River which marks the international border between Botswana and South Africa.

🌋

Pilanesberg Ring Complex

In the far distance, you may spot the unique circular mountain rings of an ancient alkaline volcano.

🏢

Sandton Skyline

Capture the impressive high-rise buildings of Sandton, known as Africa's richest square mile, as the aircraft turns toward OR Tambo.

The right side is spectacular for afternoon flights, offering golden hour views and sunset colors over the Kalahari desert. Keep your binoculars ready during the first 10 minutes of flight; while hard to spot from altitude, you can often see the tracks and trails left by elephant herds in the Chobe region.

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Route Information

Distance: 977 km (607 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min

Departure: BBK (-17.83289909362793, 25.16239929199219)

Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)

Route Type: International

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