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FBM destination photo
JNB destination photo

FBMJNB

Our Recommendation
7.8

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side offers superior views of the dramatic Waterberg Plateau and the approaching Johannesburg skyline, including the iconic mining landscapes and urban sprawl.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🛶

Kafue River Meanders

Ornate winding river patterns through the Zambian wilderness early in the flight.

🐘

Zambezi Valley

Rugged escarpments and wild terrain where the Zambezi flows toward the Victoria Falls region.

⛰️

Waterberg Biosphere

Ancient sandstone mountains and plateaus that rise dramatically from the South African plains.

🛥️

Hartbeespoort Dam

A beautiful reservoir nestled in the Magaliesberg mountains, indicating you are close to landing.

🏙️

Johannesburg CBD

The towering skyscrapers of South Africa's largest city and the historic yellow mine dumps.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to capture the 'Golden Hour' over the Waterberg mountains. It provides a better vantage point for the Magaliesberg range and the Johannesburg city center during the standard approach into JNB. Watch for the stark contrast between the green bushveld and the gold-colored mine tailings around the city.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏭

Zambian Copperbelt

Witness the vast open-pit mines and industrial hubs near the DRC-Zambia border shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Lake Kariba

A massive man-made reservoir on the Zambezi River, often visible as a shimmering blue expanse to the southeast.

🐊

Limpopo River

The natural border between Zimbabwe and South Africa, snaking through dry bushveld terrain.

🏛️

Union Buildings

The seat of the South African government in Pretoria is often visible during the descent into Gauteng.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the western sun. This side is also excellent for spotting the turquoise waters of Lake Kariba if the flight path tracks slightly eastward. Keep an eye out for the distinct vegetation changes from tropical savanna to the semi-arid bushveld of the Limpopo province.

Top Activities in Johannesburg
Route Information

Distance: 1,619 km (1,006 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 10 min

Departure: FBM (-11.5913000107, 27.5308990479)

Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)

Route Type: International

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