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CPT → DUR
Which side of the plane to sit from Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town) to King Shaka International Airport (Durban)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular front-row seat to the diverse South African coastline, featuring the Garden Route's turquoise waters and the rugged cliffs of the Wild Coast.
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Overberg Coastline
Spot the whale-watching capital, Hermanus, and the winding coastal roads along the cliffs.
Knysna Lagoon
A clear view of the iconic Knysna Heads and the expansive estuary where the river meets the Indian Ocean.
Algoa Bay
Fly over the port city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and the expansive blue of the bay.
The Wild Coast
Dramatic views of untouched beaches, rural Xhosa villages, and steep cliffs characteristic of the Transkei region.
Durban Shoreline
During the final descent, enjoy views of the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Golden Mile beachfront.
Choose the right side for the most consistent scenic value. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting as the sun illuminates the coastline from the west. Keep an eye out for white-water breakers along the Wild Coast, which are particularly visible from cruise altitudes. Window seats away from the wing are essential for seeing the river mouths.
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Boland Mountains
Immediately after takeoff, view the dramatic peaks of the Hottentots Holland and Drakenstein ranges.
Cape Winelands
Aerial perspectives of the historic vineyards and estates surrounding Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Little Karoo
Observe the unique, arid landscape of the semi-desert with its fascinating geological fold mountains.
Drakensberg Escarpment
As you approach KwaZulu-Natal, the distant peaks of the Southern Drakensberg may be visible on the horizon.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy the sharp shadows highlighting the mountain ridges. This side is superior for those interested in the dramatic inland topography and the vastness of the Karoo. Look out for the snow-capped peaks in winter.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 1,277 km (793 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Arrival: DUR (-29.6144444444, 31.119722222199997)
Route Type: Domestic
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