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GBE → HRE
Which side of the plane to sit from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaberone) to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic granite formations of the Matobo Hills and a clear view of Bulawayo, combined with better sun positioning for photography during typical daytime flight schedules.
Search flights from GBE to HRE
Limpopo River Basin
Cross the historic border waterway between Botswana and Zimbabwe, characterized by sandy banks and seasonal flow.
Matobo Hills
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring massive granite whalebacks and ancient balancing rock formations north of Bulawayo.
Bulawayo Cityscape
Excellent views of Zimbabwe's second-largest city, known for its wide avenues and colonial-era architecture.
Zimbabwean Plateau
Watch the landscape transition from dry Kalahari scrub to the fertile, green agricultural heartland of the central plateau.
Harare CBD
On the final approach, the left side typically offers a broad view of the capital's high-rise skyline and sprawling green suburbs.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to capture the Matobo Hills without engine heat distortion. Afternoon flights are ideal on this side as the sun is positioned to the north/northwest, illuminating the granite domes perfectly for photos. Look for the 'balancing rocks' distinctive to the region just after passing Bulawayo.
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Gaborone Dam
Visible shortly after takeoff from GBE, this large reservoir provides a stark blue contrast to the surrounding semi-arid terrain.
Tuli Block Edge
Observe the rugged wilderness area along the southeastern border, famous for its sandstone cliffs and wildlife corridors.
Midlands Savanna
Vast stretches of golden savanna and cattle ranching territory around the Gweru and Kwekwe regions.
Manyame River
The winding path of the Manyame River as it feeds into the reservoirs surrounding the capital city.
Lake Chivero
A scenic recreational dam and bird sanctuary located just southwest of Harare, serving as a primary landmark for landing.
Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff from Gaborone to catch the dam. On the final descent into Harare, this side offers the best perspective of Lake Chivero. During the dry season (May to October), look for the distinct 'burn scars' on the landscape used for agricultural clearing, which create unique geometric patterns from above.
Book Hotels in HarareDistance: 911 km (566 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: GBE (-24.555201, 25.9182)
Arrival: HRE (-17.931801, 31.0928)
Route Type: International
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