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JNB → WVB
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Walvis Bay Airport (Walvis Bay)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the most iconic Namibian landscapes, including the red dunes of the Kalahari and the breathtaking sight of the Namib Desert meeting the Atlantic Ocean at Sandwich Harbour.
Johannesburg Skyline
Catch the sprawl of South Africa's largest city and its unique mine dumps during the initial ascent.
Orange River Meanders
View the lifegiving green artery of the Orange River as it carves through the brown desert terrain.
Kalahari Sands
Stunning views of the linear red dunes that characterize the southern part of the Kalahari basin.
Naukluft Mountains
The rugged peaks of the Naukluft range mark the edge of the great African plateau before the desert descent.
Sandwich Harbour
The most scenic highlight where giant coastal dunes meet the Atlantic surf just south of the airport.
Choose a window seat on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. The final 20 minutes are the most scenic as the plane descends over the Namib Sand Sea. Look for the contrast between the white salt pans and orange dunes.
Transvaal Highveld
Vast agricultural landscapes and industrial heartlands visible shortly after leaving OR Tambo.
Kuiseb River Canyon
A massive geological rift that stops the northern migration of the Namib sand dunes like a natural wall.
Moon Landscape
Eerie, ancient rock formations and eroded valleys that look exactly like the surface of the moon.
Swakopmund Coastal View
Spot the distinct architecture and pier of the coastal town of Swakopmund during the approach.
Walvis Bay Lagoon
View the busy port and the pink waters of the salt works as the plane turns for its final landing.
The right side is superior for seeing the Kuiseb Canyon and the town of Swakopmund. In the afternoon, the lighting on the rocky Moon Landscape is particularly dramatic due to the long shadows cast by the canyon walls.
Distance: 1,419 km (882 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 54 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: WVB (-22.9799, 14.6453)
Route Type: International
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