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BKO → NBO
Which side of the plane to sit from Modibo Keita International Airport (Bamako) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side provides a front-row seat to the most dramatic geographical shifts, including the transition from the Sahel to the Nile basin and a stunning approach past Mount Kenya and the Great Rift escarpments.
Sahelian Transition
Watch the landscape shift from the semi-arid Sahel of Mali and Niger into the greener savannahs of Central Africa.
The Sudd Wetlands
Over South Sudan, look for the vast, shimmering expanse of the Sudd, one of the world's largest freshwater wetlands.
Gregory Rift Escarpment
As you enter Kenyan airspace, the dramatic cliffs and floor of the Great Rift Valley become clearly visible.
Mount Kenya
On the final approach into Nairobi, the jagged, snow-dusted peaks of Africa's second-highest mountain dominate the horizon.
Nairobi Skyline
A clear view of the 'Green City in the Sun' as the aircraft maneuvers for landing at Jomo Kenyatta International.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For daytime flights, the northern sun will be on the right side for much of the journey, meaning the left side enjoys better lighting for photography without direct glare. Early morning arrivals offer the best chance to see Mount Kenya before clouds form around the peaks.
The Niger River
Early in the flight, see the mighty Niger River carving its path through the Malian landscape.
Adamawa Plateau
Rugged volcanic mountains and high plains stretching across the border of Nigeria and Cameroon.
Congo Basin Fringe
Witness the northern reaches of the world's second-largest rainforest, appearing as a dense, dark green carpet.
Lake Victoria
Depending on the approach path, the massive horizon-to-horizon blue of Africa's largest lake appears to the south.
Nairobi National Park
During the final descent into NBO, look down to spot wildlife in the plains of the park right next to the city.
The right side is excellent for viewing the expansive Lake Victoria during the descent. Be aware that the afternoon sun can be quite intense on this side when flying eastward. If your flight arrives in the late afternoon, keep your shades down until the descent to keep the cabin cool, then look south for a distant glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro's dome.
Distance: 5,186 km (3,222 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 6 min
Departure: BKO (12.5335, -7.94994)
Arrival: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Route Type: International
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