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BBO destination photo
JIB destination photo

BBOJIB

Which side of the plane to sit from Berbera Airport (Berbera) to Djibouti-Ambouli Airport (Djibouti)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side of the aircraft offers a continuous and dramatic view of the Somaliland coastline, the arid Guban plains, and the rugged Golis Mountains, finishing with a clear perspective of Djibouti City's urban center.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏗️

Berbera Port

A bird's-eye view of the strategic deep-water port and industrial infrastructure immediately after takeoff.

🏜️

Guban Desert

The vast, scorched coastal plains that transition from the sea into the Somali interior.

⛰️

Golis Range

Jagged mountain peaks visible in the distance, marking the edge of the Ogo Plateau.

🏘️

Zeila (Saylac)

The ancient and historic port city near the Djibouti border, recognizable by its white coastal structures.

🏙️

Djibouti City

A full panorama of the capital's dense urban sprawl and harbor during the final descent into JIB.

Choose a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun over the Gulf of Aden. This side is also superior for spotting the border crossing landmarks and the complex geography where the mountains meet the sea. During the descent, pilots often bank right, providing the left side with an unobstructed view of the Presidential Palace and the main city districts.

Right Side Highlights
6.2
🌊

Gulf of Aden

Expansive views of the deep blue maritime corridor connecting the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea.

🚢

Maritime Traffic

Dense clusters of cargo ships and oil tankers transiting one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

🏝️

Mushha Islands

Coral-fringed islands and turquoise lagoons visible in the Gulf of Tadjoura as the plane approaches Djibouti.

🌅

Bab-el-Mandeb

Distant views toward the 'Gate of Tears' strait where Africa nearly meets the Arabian Peninsula.

The right side is ideal for spotting maritime activity and the coral reefs of the Gulf of Tadjoura. It is particularly scenic during sunset flights, as the light reflects off the water. If the aircraft approaches from the north, you might catch a glimpse of the Obock coastline, but for this specific short route, the left side remains more diverse in scenery.

Top Activities in Djibouti
Route Information

Distance: 233 km (145 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 23 min

Departure: BBO (10.389200210571287, 44.94110107421875)

Arrival: JIB (11.547300338745115, 43.15950012207031)

Route Type: International

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