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IST → JRO
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Kilimanjaro)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the definitive 'money shot' of Mount Kilimanjaro during the final descent, alongside superior views of the East African peaks and the Red Sea coastline.
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Red Sea Coastline
Stunning views of the turquoise coral reefs and the jagged desert mountains of Egypt and Sudan meeting the sea.
Ethiopian Highlands
Dramatic views of the 'Roof of Africa,' featuring deep gorges and the high-altitude plateaus of the Simien range.
Lake Turkana
Known as the Jade Sea, this world's largest permanent desert lake appears as a brilliant green jewel in northern Kenya.
Mount Kenya
Africa's second-highest peak is often visible jutting through the clouds as you cross the equator.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The star attraction; the left side provides a direct, close-up view of the snow-capped Kibo peak during the approach to JRO.
For the best experience, book a window seat on the left side (typically 'A' seats). Most flights from Istanbul arrive in the early morning; the left side benefits from the rising sun illuminating the glaciers of Kilimanjaro. Ensure your window is clean for photography as the descent over the Tanzanian border provides rare, unobstructed views of the mountain's northern face.
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Istanbul Bosphorus
On departure, catch a final glimpse of the bridge connecting Europe and Asia and the historic peninsula.
Nubian Desert
Vast stretches of orange and gold sand dunes in Sudan, offering a stark and beautiful geometric landscape.
The Nile River
A thin green ribbon of life carving through the desert, occasionally visible depending on the specific air corridor.
Great Rift Valley
The massive geological trench is clearly visible over Kenya, featuring extinct volcanic cones and escarpments.
Mount Meru
Often overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is a spectacular stratovolcano visible on the right during final approach.
The right side (typically 'K' seats) is excellent for observing the vastness of the Sahara and Nubian deserts during the first half of the journey. If the flight arrives after sunrise, the right side will be away from the direct sun, making it easier to take glare-free photos of the Great Rift Valley lakes and Mount Meru just before landing.
Book Hotels in KilimanjaroDistance: 5,042 km (3,133 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 56 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: JRO (-3.42940998077, 37.0745010376)
Route Type: International
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