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JNB → PZB
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Pietermaritzburg Airport (Pietermaritzburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers spectacular views of the Drakensberg mountain range and the rugged escarpment as the flight descends from the Highveld into the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
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Johannesburg Skyline
Excellent views of the Sandton and CBD skyscrapers in the distance as the plane turns south-east.
Drakensberg Escarpment
Breathtaking views of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site peaks to the west.
Sterkfontein Dam
Deep turquoise waters situated at the very edge of the escarpment near the Drakensberg.
Valley of a Thousand Hills
Rough, undulating terrain and deep valleys as the aircraft approaches the Pietermaritzburg basin.
Historic Pietermaritzburg
Clear views of the red-brick Victorian architecture and the City Hall during the final approach.
The right side is the clear winner for scenic value, particularly in the late afternoon when the sun highlights the sandstone cliffs of the Drakensberg. Ensure you have a window seat forward of the wing for an unobstructed view of the mountains. Look out for the 'Amphitheatre' feature in the distance when the flight reaches cruising altitude.
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Mining Landmarks
Aerial views of the iconic yellow mine dumps and industrial infrastructure of the East Rand shortly after takeoff.
Vaal Dam
Glimpses of South Africa's second-largest reservoir by volume, providing water to the Gauteng powerhouse.
Highveld Farmlands
Expansive, geometric patterns of maize and sunflower fields stretching across the Free State border.
Timber Plantations
Large-scale commercial pine and eucalyptus forests that define the landscape approaching the Midlands.
Midlands Meander
The patchwork of boutique farms and tourist estates near Nottingham Road during the descent.
The left side is preferable for early morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the rising sun. It provides a better perspective of the Vaal River system and the industrial heartland of Gauteng during the initial climb. In summer, watch for towering afternoon thunderstorms that often build up over the interior.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 444 km (276 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 44 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: PZB (-29.6490001678, 30.3987007141)
Route Type: Domestic
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