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HRE → BUQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more scenic approach into Bulawayo, providing views of the highveld granite formations and the dramatic Matobo Hills outliers as you descend.
Search flights from HRE to BUQ
Harare Suburbs
Aerial views of the sprawling residential areas of Epworth and Hatfield immediately after takeoff from HRE.
Midlands Agriculture
Expansive views of the productive farming belts and tobacco lands between Beatrice and Mvuma.
Gweru & Thornhill
The city of Gweru and the strategic Thornhill Air Base are frequently visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Granite Dwalas
Distinctive smooth-topped granite hills characteristic of the Zimbabwean plateau begin to appear near Shangani.
Matobo Foothills
On the final approach to BUQ, you can spot the unique 'balancing rocks' formations typical of the Matopos region.
Sit on the left (Side A) for afternoon flights to avoid the direct western sun. This side is superior for photography during the descent into Bulawayo as the sunlight highlights the texture of the granite outcrops. Look for the massive cattle ranches of the Midlands during the middle 20 minutes of the flight.
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Manyame River Basin
Glimpses of the river systems that feed the reservoirs west of the capital city during initial climb.
The Great Dyke
The edge of this 550km long mineral-rich geological feature can be seen running parallel to the flight path.
Kwekwe Industrial Hub
Spot the large-scale industrial plants and gold mining operations around the Kwekwe and Redcliff area.
National Railway Line
The main railway artery connecting Harare and Bulawayo often runs parallel to the flight path on this side.
Acacia Bushveld
Transitioning from the moist highveld to the drier, iconic umbrella-thorn acacia landscapes of Matabeleland.
The right side (Side F) is best for morning flights when the sun is behind you, illuminating the industrial landscapes of the Great Dyke. Watch for the 'Redcliff' iron ore deposits which are noticeably different in soil color. During the dry season (August-October), the right side offers better visibility of bushfire smoke patterns across the savanna.
Book Hotels in BulawayoDistance: 349 km (217 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 35 min
Departure: HRE (-17.931801, 31.0928)
Arrival: BUQ (-20.017401, 28.617901)
Route Type: Domestic
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