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GRU destination photo
DOH destination photo

GRUDOH

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic landscapes of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including the Ethiopian Highlands and the iconic dunes of the Empty Quarter.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🌋

Mount Cameroon

Views of the massive active volcano rising above the clouds as the flight enters the African continent.

🌳

Congo Basin

The dense, deep-green canopy of one of the world's largest rainforests stretching to the horizon.

⛰️

Ethiopian Highlands

Dramatic rugged terrain, deep plateaus, and high peaks as the flight passes over the Horn of Africa.

🏖️

Red Sea Coast

The stark contrast between the turquoise waters and the vibrant coral reefs against the desert sands.

🏜️

Rub' al Khali

The majestic orange sand dunes of the 'Empty Quarter', the largest contiguous sand desert in the world.

🏙️

The Pearl-Qatar

Iconic views of Doha's man-made islands and the West Bay skyline during the landing descent.

The right side is the scenic winner for daylight segments over Africa. As you fly east, the sun rises on this side, making for spectacular dawn views over the Ethiopian mountains. Keep your camera ready for the Rub' al Khali desert dunes roughly 1-2 hours before landing in Doha. Check your flight time; most GRU-DOH routes cross the Atlantic at night, putting the best African scenery in the morning light.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🏖️

Brazilian Coastline

Aerial views of the Atlantic Forest and the beaches of the Sao Paulo state coastline shortly after takeoff.

🌊

South Atlantic Expanse

A long segment over the deep blue waters of the South Atlantic Ocean during the initial hours of flight.

🏜️

Saharan Fringe

The transition from the tropical forests of Central Africa to the arid landscapes of the Sahel.

💧

The Nile River

A spectacular crossing of the Nile as the flight traverses Sudan towards the Red Sea.

🌃

Riyadh City Lights

If the flight is at night, the massive illuminated grid of the Saudi capital is often visible to the north.

🛥️

Doha West Bay

A view of the northern artificial islands and the skyline of Lusail during the final approach.

The left side is preferable for night flights to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun when heading east. It offers better views of the Nile crossing and the northern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Look for the lights of major West African coastal cities if the flight path tracks closer to the equator.

Top Activities in Doha
Route Information

Distance: 11,858 km (7,368 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 13 hrs 57 min

Departure: GRU (-23.435556411743164, -46.47305679321289)

Arrival: DOH (25.273056, 51.608056)

Route Type: International

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