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DAR → ADD
Which side of the plane to sit from Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar Es Salaam) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the most iconic peaks in Africa and the dramatic geological rifts of the continent's interior.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The majestic snow-capped summit of Africa's highest peak is visible shortly after departure from Tanzania's coast.
Mount Meru
Kilimanjaro's dormant volcanic neighbor, located near Arusha, offers a striking symmetrical silhouette.
Lake Natron
The bright red and pink alkaline waters of this salt lake are a surreal sight from 35,000 feet.
Nairobi Skyline
As the flight heads north through Kenya, the capital city and its adjacent national park are often visible.
Mount Kenya
The jagged, glaciated spires of Africa's second-highest mountain appear as you cross the equator.
Great Rift Valley
The vast tectonic trench with its steep escarpments and string of soda lakes dominates the landscape.
Sit on the left for the best views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Most flights depart DAR in the morning; the left side will face west, away from the direct sun, which is perfect for photography. The best views of Kilimanjaro occur roughly 30 to 45 minutes into the flight.
Zanzibar Archipelago
During the initial climb out of Dar Es Salaam, you can often spot the turquoise waters surrounding Unguja island.
Usambara Mountains
Part of the ancient Eastern Arc range, these lush green mountains are visible as you head toward the Kenyan border.
Tsavo Ecosystem
The vast, reddish-brown plains of Tsavo East and West National Parks span the horizon in southern Kenya.
Ethiopian Highlands
The rugged 'Roof of Africa' features deep canyons and high plateaus that define the approach into Addis Ababa.
The right side is ideal for seeing the coastline and the islands of Zanzibar upon departure. On morning flights, be prepared for significant glare as the sun rises in the east. This side offers better views of the Bale Mountains and the eastern edge of the Ethiopian plateau during the final descent.
Distance: 1,764 km (1,096 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 21 min
Departure: DAR (-6.87811, 39.202599)
Arrival: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Route Type: International
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