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JNB destination photo
CAI destination photo

JNBCAI

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the iconic peaks of East Africa and the dramatic transition from the Great Rift Valley to the Red Sea coast.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Mount Kilimanjaro

The snow-capped 'Roof of Africa' is the crown jewel of this route, typically visible 3-4 hours into the flight.

🇰🇪

Mount Kenya

Africa's second-highest peak, featuring jagged volcanic spires often poking through the clouds.

🌵

Lake Turkana

Known as the Jade Sea, its unique turquoise waters stand out against the arid Kenyan landscape.

🇪🇹

Ethiopian Highlands

A rugged landscape of deep gorges and high-altitude plateaus, often referred to as the African Alps.

🌊

The Red Sea Coast

Stunning coral reefs and turquoise coastlines visible as the flight path approaches Egyptian airspace.

For the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro, choose an overnight or early morning departure from JNB so you pass the peak in the early morning light when clouds are less likely to obscure the summit. Ensure you sit clear of the wing for the best photography of the mountain ranges.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Johannesburg Highveld

Urban sprawl and golden mine dumps of South Africa's economic heartland shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Lake Victoria

The world's largest tropical lake, providing a shimmering blue expanse on the western horizon.

🏜️

The Sahara Desert

Infinite stretches of rolling sand dunes and rocky plateaus across Sudan and southern Egypt.

🏛️

Luxor and The Nile

The fertile green ribbon of the Nile valley and ancient archaeological sites visible during descent.

💧

Lake Nasser

The massive reservoir behind the Aswan High Dam, standing out as a deep blue oasis in the desert.

The left side is ideal for morning flights to minimize direct sun glare. Watch for the sharp contrast where the lush green vegetation of the Nile Valley abruptly ends and the harsh Sahara begins. During winter months, the desert air is often clearer for long-distance visibility.

Top Activities in Cairo
Route Information

Distance: 6,265 km (3,893 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 22 min

Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)

Arrival: CAI (30.12190055847168, 31.40559959411621)

Route Type: International

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