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JNB destination photo
WVB destination photo

JNBWVB

Our Recommendation
8.8

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏙️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌾

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.

Top Activities in Walvis Bay
Route Information

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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