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CDG → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the prime choice for overnight flights from Paris to Johannesburg, offering a spectacular sunrise over the heart of Africa and superior views of the Mediterranean islands and the Eastern Sahara's unique rock formations.
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Mediterranean Islands
Bird's-eye views of Corsica and Sardinia shortly after leaving European airspace.
Tassili n'Ajjer
Dramatic sandstone 'forests of rock' and deep canyons in the Algerian Sahara.
African Sunrise
A breathtaking dawn over the Sahel and the lush greenery of the Central African region.
Lake Chad
The vast, shallow endorheic lake that marks the transition from desert to savannah.
South African Highveld
The high-altitude plateau with its distinctive rolling hills and gold-mining geography.
Most CDG-JNB flights depart in the evening and arrive early morning. Book a window seat on the left to witness the sun rising over the continent. Use the flight map to time your view of the Sahara around 3-4 hours into the flight. During the descent, the morning light provides excellent contrast for the rugged terrain of northern South Africa.
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Parisian Departure
Views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine if the flight departs to the south-west.
Grand Erg Occidental
Massive, rolling orange sand dunes of the Western Sahara illuminated by the sunset.
Aïr Mountains
Stark volcanic peaks and plateaus rising out of the Nigerien desert landscape.
Congo River Basin
The winding tributaries and dense canopy of the world's second-largest rainforest.
Johannesburg Skyline
Excellent views of the Sandton CBD and the sprawling 'City of Gold' during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunset over the Mediterranean or the Algerian desert shortly after departure. During the southern hemisphere winter, the air over the Kalahari and Gauteng is very dry and clear, offering sharp views of the landscape. On the final approach into OR Tambo, this side typically offers the best view of the Johannesburg urban sprawl.
Book Hotels in JohannesburgDistance: 8,738 km (5,430 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 17 min
Departure: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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