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FIH destination photo
JNB destination photo

FIHJNB

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from the lush Congo Basin to the striking red dunes of the Kalahari Desert, often featuring spectacular sunsets on evening departures.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌳

Bas-Congo Forest

Extensive views of the dense tropical rainforest canopy during the initial climb from Kinshasa.

🏔️

Angolan Highlands

The rugged terrain and high plateaus of central Angola, offering unique geological textures.

🏜️

Kalahari Sands

The iconic orange and red hues of the Kalahari Desert sands stretching toward the Namibian border.

⛏️

Open-Pit Mines

Large-scale industrial mining operations visible as you enter South African airspace from the north.

⛰️

Magaliesberg Mountains

Fly over one of the world's oldest mountain ranges just before the aircraft turns for its final landing sequence.

The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to witness the spectacular African sunset over the desert. It provides the best perspective of the Bié Plateau and the Kalahari's unique fossil riverbeds. Keep your camera ready for the Magaliesberg mountains roughly 20 minutes before landing.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
💧

Congo River Meanders

Glimpse the massive Congo River and its tributaries snaking through the landscape shortly after takeoff.

🌿

Kwango River Valley

Aerial views of the lush river basin marking the transition between forest and savanna regions.

🐘

Northern Botswana Fringes

Distant views of the greener landscapes toward the Okavango Delta region on clear days.

🧂

Salt Pan Shimmer

The distant white glint of the Makgadikgadi Pans reflecting sunlight near the Botswana border.

🏙️

Sandton Skyline

A clear view of the high-rise buildings in Sandton, Africa's richest square mile, during the final approach.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh western sun and for the best views of the Johannesburg urban sprawl and Sandton skyscrapers during the descent into JNB. Watch for the dramatic color change from tropical green to arid brown as you cross into Southern Africa.

Top Activities in Johannesburg
Route Information

Distance: 2,776 km (1,725 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min

Departure: FIH (-4.38575, 15.4446)

Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)

Route Type: International

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