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GMA destination photo
MDK destination photo

GMAMDK

Which side of the plane to sit from Gemena Airport (Gemena) to Mbandaka Airport (Mbandaka)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers spectacular views of the Ubangi River and the vast wetlands of the Congo Basin before showcasing the massive Congo River upon arrival in Mbandaka.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Ubangi River

The massive waterway that serves as the international border between the two Congos.

🐊

Floodplain Wetlands

Extensive marshlands and flooded forests that support a rich biodiversity of the region.

🚤

River Commerce

Small pirogues and larger barges transporting goods along the vital river arteries.

🌍

The Congo Confluence

The awe-inspiring sight where major tributaries merge with the mighty Congo River.

🚢

Mbandaka Waterfront

A bird's-eye view of the city's bustling port and the intersection of river life.

The right side is essential for river enthusiasts. For the best photography, choose a seat behind the wing to capture the scale of the Congo River as you descend. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting on the water surface, highlighting the river's immense width and current patterns.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🌳

Congo Basin Canopy

Witness the vast, unbroken expanse of one of the world's largest primary rainforests.

🏘️

Remote Clearings

Small, isolated villages and agricultural plots carved into the dense jungle.

💧

Tributary Meanders

Intricate, dark-water streams snaking through the forest floor toward the main rivers.

☁️

Equatorial Cloudscapes

Dramatic towering cumulus and anvil clouds typical of the humid tropical climate.

Best viewed during early morning flights when the mist rises from the forest floor, creating a prehistoric atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the subtle changes in vegetation density as the elevation drops toward the river basin.

Top Activities in Mbandaka
Route Information

Distance: 393 km (244 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 39 min

Departure: GMA (3.23536992073, 19.7712993622)

Arrival: MDK (0.0226000007242, 18.2887001038)

Route Type: Domestic

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