Loading map...

JED destination photo
CPT destination photo

JED β†’ CPT

Our Recommendation
9.1

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.

Right Side Highlights
9.1
🏝️

Dahlak Archipelago

Clusters of beautiful coral islands and turquoise waters off the coast of Eritrea in the Red Sea.

πŸ’§

Lake Victoria

The world's largest tropical lake provides a vast, sea-like horizon as you cross the equator.

πŸ¦“

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.

πŸ”οΈ

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¦

Hijaz Mountains

Dramatic views of Saudi Arabia's rugged coastal mountain range immediately after departure from Jeddah.

πŸ”οΈ

Ethiopian Highlands

Known as the Roof of Africa, these ancient plateaus and deep canyons offer some of the continent's most rugged scenery.

πŸ—»

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.

Top Activities in Cape Town
Route Information

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

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.