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JNB → FBM
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Lubumbashi International Airport (Lubumashi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the vast African wilderness, the expansive western reaches of Lake Kariba, and the most dramatic perspectives of the massive open-pit copper mines near the DRC border.
Soweto and Sandton
Aerial views of Johannesburg's urban density, from the historic townships to the glass skyscrapers of the financial district.
Waterberg Biosphere
Rugged mountainous terrain and ancient plateaus of South Africa's northern provinces.
Lake Kariba (West)
The massive, shimmering expanse of one of the world's largest man-made lakes, often dotted with small islands.
Kafue Floodplains
The winding Kafue River and its surrounding lush wetlands as you traverse through Zambia.
Katanga Copperbelt
Incredible views of deep, terraced open-pit mines that glow with orange and turquoise hues on the approach to Lubumbashi.
For morning flights, the left side is shielded from direct sunlight, making it ideal for viewing the turquoise waters of Lake Kariba and the deep excavations of the mines. During the dry season (May to October), look for smoke plumes from seasonal bushfires which create dramatic atmospheric lighting.
Pretoria Skyline
Clear views of South Africa's administrative capital, including the iconic Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument.
Limpopo Valley
The agricultural patchwork and riverine landscape marking the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Kariba Dam Wall
On clear days, the massive concrete arch of the Kariba Dam and the rushing Zambezi River below it are visible.
Lusaka City
The urban sprawl and growing skyline of the Zambian capital as the flight tracks north.
Lubumbashi Suburbs
The dense residential areas and colonial-era grid patterns of the DRC's second-largest city during final descent.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as it catches the golden hour glow on the Zambian plateau. This side also provides the best view of the Kariba Dam wall, though it is further east of the flight path. Keep an eye out for the vast agricultural estates in central Zambia.
Distance: 1,619 km (1,006 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 10 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: FBM (-11.5913000107, 27.5308990479)
Route Type: International
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