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JNB → UTN
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Pierre Van Ryneveld Airport (Upington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic visual contrast, showcasing the lush green ribbon of the Orange River cutting through the arid Kalahari landscape during the final approach.
Search flights from JNB to UTN
Johannesburg CBD
View the dense urban skyline and the landmark Hillbrow Tower shortly after takeoff from OR Tambo.
Gold Mining Belt
Observe the vast mine dumps and headgears of the Carletonville area, home to some of the world's deepest mines.
Vaal River Meanders
Spot the winding blue waters of the Vaal River as it defines the border between provinces.
Orange River Vineyards
A spectacular sight of bright green agricultural belts and vineyards thriving in the middle of the desert.
Northern Karoo Transition
Watch the earth change from the golden Highveld grass to the scrubby, semi-desert plains of the Karoo.
Choose the left side for the approach into Upington; the contrast between the green vineyards and the red desert is the route's highlight. Afternoon flights are best to avoid direct glare and see the river valley in its best light. Have your camera ready about 15 minutes before landing for the best river views.
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Magaliesberg Range
Catch a distant glimpse of these ancient mountains to the north as the plane heads west.
Highveld Farmlands
Intricate patterns of circular irrigation and vast maize fields across the North West province.
Southern Kalahari Dunes
The characteristic iron-red sands and longitudinal dunes of the southern Kalahari Desert become visible.
Spitskop Nature Reserve
Look for the rugged terrain of this reserve just north of Upington during the initial descent.
Salt Pans
Spot the shimmering white surfaces of seasonal salt pans that dot the landscape in the Northern Cape.
The right side is ideal for capturing the unique red hues of the Kalahari sand. Morning flights provide excellent side-lighting that emphasizes the texture of the dunes and the depth of the pans. It is generally quieter visually but offers a great sense of the vastness of the South African interior.
Book Hotels in UpingtonDistance: 735 km (457 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 14 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: UTN (-28.39909935, 21.2602005005)
Route Type: Domestic
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