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CDG → BKO
Which side of the plane to sit from Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris) to Modibo Keita International Airport (Bamako)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the rugged Pyrenees, the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas in Morocco, and the most expansive views of the Sahara's shifting sand dunes.
Paris Cityscape
Upon departure from CDG, catch glimpses of the southeastern Paris suburbs and the winding Seine River.
The Pyrenees
Dramatic views of the high peaks and glacial valleys forming the natural border between France and Spain.
High Atlas Mountains
Spectacular views of North Africa's highest range, often featuring snow-capped summits like Toubkal.
Sahara Erg Chech
A vast sea of orange and red longitudinal sand dunes stretching across the Algerian and Mauritanian borders.
Ancient Adrar
The rugged stone plateaus and deep canyons of central Mauritania, including unique geological formations.
The Niger River
The lifeblood of Mali, appearing as a shimmering silver ribbon against the arid landscape during descent into Bamako.
For day flights, the left side avoids the harsh western sun glare in the afternoon. Watch for the transition from the Mediterranean climate of Morocco to the hyper-arid Sahara roughly 3 hours into the flight. If flying in winter, the contrast of snow on the Atlas Mountains against the desert floor is a highlight.
Atlantic Coastline
Views of the French silver coast and the rugged western shores of the Iberian Peninsula.
Strait of Gibraltar
The narrow gateway between Europe and Africa, with visibility of the Moroccan coast and Tangier.
Banc d'Arguin
The turquoise waters and shallow sandbanks of the UNESCO-listed Mauritanian coast where the desert meets the sea.
Sahelian Savanna
The gradual transition from desert to the bushland of southern Mauritania and western Mali.
Western Bamako
Views of the expanding western districts of the Malian capital and the surrounding Manding Mountains.
Choose the right side for sunset flights to witness the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. This side is excellent for spotting the unique 'Richat Structure' (Eye of the Sahara) if the flight path tracks slightly further west than usual over Mauritania.
Distance: 4,170 km (2,591 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 54 min
Departure: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Arrival: BKO (12.5335, -7.94994)
Route Type: International
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