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CPT → DOH
Which side of the plane to sit from Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town) to Hamad International Airport (Doha)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more diverse range of geological features, including the dramatic Ethiopian Highlands, the deep blue rifts of Lake Tanganyika, and a spectacular view of the Cape Peninsula upon departure.
Cape Peninsula
Unmatched views of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the rugged Atlantic coastline immediately following takeoff from CPT.
Kalahari Basin
The vast, red-tinted sands and sparse vegetation of the Northern Cape and Botswana interior.
Lake Tanganyika
The world's longest freshwater lake appears as a massive, deep blue ribbon cutting through the African Rift Valley.
Ethiopian Highlands
Dramatic, jagged peaks and high-altitude plateaus often referred to as the Roof of Africa.
Red Sea Coastline
The stark contrast between the turquoise coral reefs of the Red Sea and the golden deserts of Saudi Arabia.
Sit on the left for the most iconic views of Cape Town during departure. This flight often departs in the morning or evening; for evening flights, the left side captures the sunset over the African continent. Keep your window shade open over Ethiopia to see the high-altitude cloud formations and dramatic terrain.
Garden Route Coast
Aerial views of the South African eastern coastline and the Agulhas Bank where the oceans meet.
Lake Malawi
The shimmering expanse of Lake Nyasa, bordered by the steep mountains of Mozambique and Malawi.
Mount Kilimanjaro
On clear days, the distant snow-capped peak of Africa's highest mountain can be spotted to the east.
Empty Quarter
The mesmerizing, rolling orange sand dunes of the Rub' al Khali desert as you cross into the Arabian Peninsula.
Doha Skyline
A brilliant view of the West Bay skyscrapers and The Pearl-Qatar during the descent into Hamad International.
The right side is ideal for morning arrivals into Doha, as the rising sun illuminates the city's futuristic architecture. It also provides the best chance to spot the Empty Quarter's massive dune patterns. If you are flying during the day, the glare can be intense on this side, so high-quality sunglasses are recommended.
Distance: 7,452 km (4,630 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 46 min
Departure: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Arrival: DOH (25.273056, 51.608056)
Route Type: International
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