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CPT → WDH
Which side of the plane to sit from Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town) to Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline during departure, the winding Orange River border, and distant glimpses of the Namib Desert's edge and the Fish River Canyon complex.
Table Mountain & Coast
Unrivaled views of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the Atlantic seaboard immediately after takeoff from CPT.
Robben Island
The historic island is often clearly visible in Table Bay as the aircraft climbs and turns north.
West Coast Shoreline
Dramatic views of the rugged South African west coast and the turquoise waters of the Langebaan Lagoon.
Orange River
The green ribbon of the Orange River provides a sharp contrast to the surrounding arid landscapes at the border.
Fish River Canyon
On clear days, the vast, jagged outlines of the world's second-largest canyon are visible to the west.
Sit on the left for the iconic departure views of Cape Town. Morning flights are ideal as the sun is behind you, illuminating the coastline and the Namibian desert features. Keep an eye out about 45-60 minutes into the flight for the Orange River and the transition into Namibia's lunar-like southern terrain.
Boland & Cederberg
View the dramatic, Fold Mountain ranges of the Western Cape, including the rugged peaks of the Cederberg.
Namaqualand
Overfly the vast semi-desert plains that transform into a carpet of wild flowers during the spring season.
Great Karas Mountains
See the massive, flat-topped inselbergs of southern Namibia rising sharply from the scrubland.
Kalahari Fringe
The landscape shifts toward the red sands and pale grasses characteristic of the Kalahari basin's western edge.
Auas Mountains
The high-altitude ridges surrounding Windhoek provide a scenic backdrop during the final descent into WDH.
The right side is perfect for viewing the inland mountain ranges and the vastness of the Karoo. If flying in August or September, look for the subtle color shifts of the Namaqualand flower bloom. Afternoon flights on this side can experience significant glare from the sun, so morning departures are preferred for photography.
Distance: 1,282 km (797 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min
Departure: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Arrival: WDH (-22.4799, 17.4709)
Route Type: International
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