Loading map...
CDG → NBO
Which side of the plane to sit from Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, featuring the most iconic views of the Alps, the Mediterranean coastline, and a prime angle for spotting Mount Kenya during the descent.
The Swiss Alps
Breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers as the flight crosses southern Europe.
Corsica and Sardinia
Aerial perspectives of the rugged coastlines and turquoise waters of these Mediterranean islands.
Libyan Sahara
Expansive vistas of golden sand dunes and wind-sculpted rock formations in the deep desert.
The Nile River
The fertile green ribbon of the Nile winding through the arid landscapes of Sudan.
Mount Kenya
Kenya's highest peak is often visible jutting through the clouds during the final approach into Nairobi.
For the best experience on overnight flights, choose the left side to witness a stunning sunrise over the East African landscape. Ensure you are seated forward or aft of the wing to get clear shots of Mount Kenya, which usually appears about 20-30 minutes before landing. Seasonal dust from the Sahara can sometimes haze the view, so mid-winter flights often offer the clearest visibility of the desert floor.
Paris Skyline
Views of the city and the Eiffel Tower are possible if the aircraft departs towards the south.
Mediterranean Horizon
A vast blue expanse transitioning from the European coast toward the North African shoreline.
Great Rift Valley
Dramatic views of the Earth's crust pulling apart, visible as steep escarpments in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Mount Longonot
A striking dormant volcano with a perfectly preserved crater visible during the descent.
Nairobi National Park
During the final banking for landing, you can often see the open plains where wildlife roam right next to the city.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as it avoids the harshest direct sunlight when heading south, making it easier to take photos of the Great Rift Valley. Keep a close eye out during the last 15 minutes of the flight; if the pilot orbits before landing, you may get a rare top-down view of the Nairobi National Park's grasslands. Use a polarized filter for your camera to cut through the atmospheric haze typical of the tropical afternoon.
Distance: 6,495 km (4,036 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 38 min
Departure: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Arrival: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.