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DXB → KGL
Which side of the plane to sit from Dubai International Airport (Dubai) to Kigali International Airport (Kigali)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of dramatic landscapes, including the highest peaks of the Ethiopian Highlands, the winding path of the White Nile tributaries, and a spectacular approach into Kigali featuring the Virunga volcanic range.
Burj Khalifa & Downtown
An unbeatable view of the world's tallest building and the Dubai Mall complex immediately after takeoff from DXB.
Ethiopian Highlands
Rugged terrain and high-altitude plateaus often referred to as the 'Roof of Africa,' featuring deep gorges and green valleys.
Omo Valley
The culturally rich and geographically diverse landscapes of Southern Ethiopia near the Kenyan border.
Northern Uganda Savanna
Lush green landscapes and the proximity to the Kidepo Valley region as the flight moves toward the equator.
Virunga Mountains
On the descent into Kigali, you can often spot the chain of massive volcanoes that straddle the border of Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to enjoy the golden hour lighting over the Ethiopian mountains. Ensure your window is clean for the approach into Kigali, as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' is best appreciated from this side during the final 20 minutes of flight.
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Aerial views of Dubai's man-made islands and the dense cluster of skyscrapers in the Marina district during initial ascent.
The Empty Quarter
Stunning longitudinal sand dunes of the Rub' al Khali, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, stretching across Saudi Arabia.
Gulf of Aden
The transition from the Arabian Peninsula to the Horn of Africa over the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Main Ethiopian Rift
A series of tectonic lakes including Lake Langano and Lake Abijatta nestled within the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Victoria
Views across the vast eastern horizon of Africa's largest lake as the flight enters East African airspace.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography of the Arabian desert. On the approach to Kigali, keep an eye out for the reflective surfaces of the numerous smaller lakes in eastern Rwanda.
Distance: 4,067 km (2,527 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 47 min
Departure: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Arrival: KGL (-1.96863, 30.1395)
Route Type: International
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