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CPT → ELS
Which side of the plane to sit from Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town) to Ben Schoeman Airport (East London)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an exceptional vantage point of the iconic Garden Route coastline, featuring dramatic cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and the meeting of the mountains and the Indian Ocean.
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False Bay
Expansive views of the bay, Muizenberg beach, and the dramatic curve of the Cape Peninsula.
Hermanus Coastline
The whale-watching capital of the world; look for the distinct blue waters of Walker Bay.
Knysna Heads
The two massive sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the Knysna lagoon are clearly visible from cruising altitude.
Robberg Nature Reserve
The distinct peninsula at Plettenberg Bay stretching out into the Indian Ocean.
Storms River Mouth
The rugged, deep-cut river gorges of the Tsitsikamma National Park where the forest meets the sea.
The right side is the definitive choice for scenic enthusiasts. Book a morning flight to avoid the glare of the afternoon sun reflecting off the ocean. Between June and November, watch the coastline near Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay carefully for Southern Right Whales. Ensure you have a window seat away from the wing for the best view of the Knysna Heads.
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Hottentots Holland
Dramatic mountain ranges and steep passes visible immediately after departing the Cape Town basin.
Cape Winelands
Aerial views of the lush, rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek tucked between granite peaks.
Outeniqua Mountains
A continuous chain of ancient folded mountains that run parallel to the coast, often shrouded in mist.
The Overberg
A patchwork quilt of wheat and canola fields that change color drastically between seasons.
Sit on the left if you enjoy rugged mountain terrain and inland topography. For morning flights, this side will have the best lighting on the mountain faces without sun glare. During winter (June-August), keep an eye out for snow on the high peaks of the Swartberg range further north.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 861 km (535 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Arrival: ELS (-33.0355987549, 27.8258991241)
Route Type: Domestic
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