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CPT → MQP
Which side of the plane to sit from Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town) to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Mpumalanga)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the Cape Fold Mountains shortly after takeoff and provides the most dramatic perspective of the Mpumalanga escarpment as you descend into the Lowveld.
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False Bay
Spectacular views of the Cape coastline and the deep blue waters of the bay immediately after departure.
Cape Fold Mountains
Detailed views of the Hottentots Holland and Drakenstein mountain ranges with their dramatic jagged ridges.
Maloti-Drakensberg
On clear days, the high-altitude peaks of the Lesotho highlands are visible on the horizon to the east.
The Escarpment
The dramatic drop-off from the Highveld plateau to the Lowveld, signaling your arrival in Mpumalanga.
Lowveld Savannah
Thick bushveld terrain and winding rivers typical of the region surrounding the Kruger National Park.
The right side is the 'scenic side' for mountain lovers. Try to secure a seat behind the wing to see the Cape Fold Mountains without obstruction. During winter (June-August), keep an eye out for snow on the peaks of the distant Maloti Mountains. The descent into MQP on this side offers the most rugged terrain views.
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Table Mountain
A distant but iconic view of the flat-topped massif if the aircraft performs a standard northerly departure.
Great Karoo Interior
Expansive views of the semi-desert landscape characterized by flat-topped mesas and ancient geological formations.
Gariep Dam
South Africa's largest reservoir, appearing as a massive blue oasis in the middle of the arid central plains.
Bloemfontein
The 'City of Roses' is often visible as a sprawling urban grid during the mid-flight cruise phase.
Mbombela Stadium
The distinctive giraffe-themed stadium is frequently visible on the left during the final approach into MQP.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is excellent for seeing the sheer scale of the South African interior and the Gariep Dam. Watch for the distinctive architecture of the 2010 World Cup stadium when descending into Nelspruit.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 1,537 km (955 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 3 min
Departure: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Arrival: MQP (-25.3831996918, 31.1056003571)
Route Type: Domestic
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