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JNB → PHW
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Hendrik Van Eck Airport (Phalaborwa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular view of the Great Escarpment's transition from the Highveld plateau to the Lowveld, providing early glimpses of the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon region.
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Sandton District
A clear view of the 'richest square mile in Africa' and its modern skyscrapers shortly after departure.
Mpumalanga Power Stations
The massive cooling towers of the Highveld power grid, a feat of industrial engineering.
The Great Escarpment
The most dramatic part of the flight where the ground drops away 1,000 meters toward the Lowveld.
Blyde River Canyon
Distant but majestic views of the world's third largest canyon and its unique rock formations.
Kruger National Park
The vast expanse of the world-famous wildlife reserve becomes visible during the final descent.
The right side is superior for geological drama. Keep your camera ready about 30 minutes into the flight for the Escarpment drop-off. In the late afternoon, this side receives beautiful golden-hour light on the mountains. On the final approach into Phalaborwa, look closely for elephant herds or buffalo near the park boundaries.
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Pretoria Skyline
Distant views of the Union Buildings and the administrative capital shortly after takeoff.
Loskop Dam
A significant reservoir on the Olifants River surrounded by a nature reserve.
Steenkampsberg Mountains
High-altitude terrain near Dullstroom, known for its mist and trout fishing dams.
Olifants River Valley
The winding path of the Olifants River as it cuts through the northern mountains.
Bushveld Transition
Watch the vegetation change from open grassland to dense subtropical bushveld.
Sit on the left if you prefer soft morning light on the northern mountains. This side is typically better for viewing the industrial heartland and the sprawling suburbs of Gauteng before entering the more rural mountain regions. Use a polarized lens for photos to cut through the Highveld haze often present in winter.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 382 km (237 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 38 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: PHW (-23.9372005463, 31.1553993225)
Route Type: Domestic
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