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DUR destination photo
MQP destination photo

DUR β†’ MQP

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a more dramatic perspective of South Africa's interior topography, including the rolling Valley of a Thousand Hills and the transition over the Great Escarpment towards the Lowveld.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏞️

Valley of a Thousand Hills

Lush, undulating green terrain and deep valleys visible shortly after departing Durban.

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Albert Falls Dam

A large, expansive reservoir often visible if the flight path tracks slightly inland over the KZN Midlands.

⛰️

Northern KZN Highlands

Rugged high-altitude grasslands that offer a stark contrast to the tropical coast.

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Pongola Nature Reserve

Vast stretches of wild bushveld and the waters of Lake Jozini glinting in the distance.

🌳

Mpumalanga Escarpment

The dramatic drop-off from the high plateau into the humid, tree-filled Lowveld as you approach MQP.

Book an early morning flight to capture the soft light hitting the mist-filled valleys of KwaZulu-Natal. This side is particularly scenic during the summer months (November to March) when the landscape is vibrant green. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes before landing for the descent into the escarpment.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Dolphin Coast

Immediate views of the Indian Ocean and the upscale coastal developments of Umhlanga and Ballito.

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Lebombo Mountains

The long, narrow mountain range that forms the border between South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique.

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Eswatini Landscapes

Views into the mountainous terrain of the Kingdom of Eswatini during the mid-portion of the flight.

🐊

Crocodile River

The winding river that serves as the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park, visible on final descent.

🐘

Southern Kruger Border

Dense bushveld areas where lucky passengers might spot elephants or large herds near water sources.

Sit on this side for the best departure views of the Durban coastline. For afternoon flights, the sun will be on the opposite side, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Lebombo Mountains. During the dry season (June to September), watch the riverbeds closely for wildlife congregating near the water.

Top Activities in Mpumalanga
Route Information

Distance: 470 km (292 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 47 min

Departure: DUR (-29.6144444444, 31.119722222199997)

Arrival: MQP (-25.3831996918, 31.1056003571)

Route Type: Domestic

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