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BEW → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Beira Airport (Beira) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the dramatic transition from the Mozambican coastal plains to the rugged Drakensberg Escarpment and the iconic Lebombo Mountains.
Banhine National Park
View the remote and arid ecosystems of southern Mozambique, characterized by salt pans and dry savanna.
Lebombo Mountain Range
A long, narrow ridge that forms a natural boundary between Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa.
Drakensberg Escarpment
Marvel at the sudden rise in elevation as the coastal plains give way to the towering peaks of the Mpumalanga highlands.
Gold Mine Tailings
During descent, look for the distinctive 'yellow hills'—man-made mountains of sand created by a century of gold mining on the Reef.
Johannesburg Skyline
On the final approach, catch glimpses of the Hillbrow Tower and the dense urban sprawl of Africa's economic hub.
The right side is the 'photographer's choice' for afternoon flights, as the setting sun illuminates the Drakensberg mountains. Look for the Olifants River crossing the border. In winter (June–August), the atmosphere is often clearer, offering visibility of the escarpment from much further away, though seasonal 'veld fires' can occasionally create a hazy horizon.
Pungwe River Estuary
Witness the massive silty waters of the Pungwe River meeting the Indian Ocean immediately after takeoff from Beira.
Kruger National Park
As the flight crosses into South Africa, look down for the vast, untamed bushveld of the world-famous wildlife reserve.
Highveld Agriculture
The landscape transforms into a patchwork of yellow and green circular irrigation fields as you approach the Gauteng province.
Industrial Powerhouses
Spot the massive coal-fired power stations and cooling towers near Witbank that power South Africa's interior.
The left side is preferable for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun which will be to the north and west. It provides the best view of the Beira coastline during the initial ascent. Keep an eye out for the Sabie River winding through the bushveld roughly 40 minutes into the flight.
Distance: 981 km (610 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: BEW (-19.79640007019043, 34.90760040283203)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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