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BZV → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic meeting of the two closest capital cities in the world, followed by the lush, intricate waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Kinshasa Skyline
Immediately after takeoff, see the massive urban sprawl of Kinshasa across the Congo River from Brazzaville.
Okavango Delta
View the world's largest inland delta in Botswana, a maze of lagoons and channels visible as vibrant green veins in the arid landscape.
Makgadikgadi Pans
Stunning white salt flats that create a stark, shimmering contrast against the surrounding savannah.
Limpopo River
The natural border between Botswana and South Africa, characterized by its winding path and lush banks.
Sandton & Johannesburg
On approach to JNB, catch views of the Sandton financial district's modern skyscrapers and the city's vast urban forest.
Choose the left side (Seat A/K depending on aircraft) to avoid the direct glare of the afternoon sun on this southbound route. This side provides the best view of Kinshasa upon departure from BZV. During the Botswana transit, look down approximately 2.5 hours into the flight for the Okavango Delta. In the rainy season (Nov-Mar), the wetlands are significantly more vibrant.
Kalahari Desert
Expansive views of the rust-red longitudinal dunes and sparse vegetation of the eastern Kalahari.
Pilanesberg Crater
A rare alkaline ring complex formed by ancient volcanic activity, visible as a distinct circular mountain range near the flight path.
Mining Operations
Deep open-cast diamond and gold mines in Botswana and the North West Province of South Africa.
Atlantic Horizon
On clear days during sunset flights, the horizon glows with intense oranges over the distant Atlantic coast.
Witwatersrand Ridges
The rocky ridges that define the geography of the Johannesburg area and the historic gold-bearing reef.
The right side is spectacular for evening flights as the sun sets over the desert. However, beware of heat haze and glare during midday flights which can obscure ground details. Keep an eye out for the perfectly circular geological formation of the Pilanesberg about 20 minutes before landing in Johannesburg.
Distance: 2,800 km (1,740 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min
Departure: BZV (-4.251699924468993, 15.253000259399414)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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