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JED β CPT
Which side of the plane to sit from King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) to Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer spectacular views of the African continent, the Right Side is the winner for its superior perspective during the iconic approach into Cape Town, where Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline are most visible.
Dahlak Archipelago
Clusters of beautiful coral islands and turquoise waters off the coast of Eritrea in the Red Sea.
Lake Victoria
The world's largest tropical lake provides a vast, sea-like horizon as you cross the equator.
Okavango Delta
The intricate green patterns and winding waterways of Botswana's world-famous inland delta.
Kalahari Desert
Vast stretches of orange-red sands and unique dune formations across the Southern African interior.
Table Mountain
The legendary flat-topped mountain and the Twelve Apostles range during the final descent into Cape Town.
The right side is essential for the scenic arrival into Cape Town; sitting here provides the best chance of seeing Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope if the plane lands from the north. On afternoon flights, the golden hour lighting makes the colors of the Kalahari Desert particularly vibrant. Look for the distinct change from the lush Okavango to the arid desert landscapes.
Hijaz Mountains
Dramatic views of Saudi Arabia's rugged coastal mountain range immediately after departure from Jeddah.
Ethiopian Highlands
Known as the Roof of Africa, these ancient plateaus and deep canyons offer some of the continent's most rugged scenery.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Depending on the specific airway, the snow-capped peak of Africa's tallest mountain is often visible to the east.
Lake Malawi
A massive, shimmering ribbon of blue visible as the flight traverses the southern end of the Great Rift Valley.
The Drakensberg
Stunning basalt escarpments and verdant valleys as the flight enters the final stages over South Africa.
On overnight flights departing Jeddah, the left side is treated to a magnificent sunrise over the East African landscape. Keep a close watch for Mount Kilimanjaro roughly 4 to 5 hours into the flight. During the Southern Hemisphere winter (June-August), look for rare snow on the high peaks of the Drakensberg range.
Distance: 6,559 km (4,076 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 43 min
Departure: JED (21.6796, 39.156502)
Arrival: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Route Type: International
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