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KGL → ADD
Which side of the plane to sit from Kigali International Airport (Kigali) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic views of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment, the volcanic peaks of Mount Elgon, and the vibrant, contrasting colors of the southern Ethiopian lakes during the descent.
Lake Victoria Shoreline
Panoramic views of the northern shores and lush islands of Africa's largest lake shortly after departure.
Mount Elgon
A massive extinct shield volcano on the Uganda-Kenya border featuring one of the world's largest intact calderas.
Omo Valley
The winding Omo River and the rugged, culturally rich landscapes of southern Ethiopia come into focus.
Lake Abaya and Chamo
A stunning pair of Rift Valley lakes separated by the 'Bridge of God' ridge, known for their reddish and blue waters.
Ethiopian Highlands
The dramatic ascent over the central plateau, characterized by deep gorges and high-altitude plateaus.
Choose a window seat in the front or rear of the wing for unobstructed views of the volcanic landscape. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, highlighting the vivid colors of the Rift Valley lakes without glare. Watch closely as you cross into Ethiopia for the sudden transition into high-altitude terrain.
Eastern Lake Victoria
Expansive views of the vast freshwater sea extending toward the Kenyan horizon.
Great Rift Valley Trench
A clear view of the geological fault line that defines the East African landscape.
Lake Turkana
On exceptionally clear days, the distant turquoise waters of the 'Jade Sea' are visible to the north.
Distant Nairobi
Depending on the specific airway used, the capital of Kenya may be visible far to the southeast.
Lake Langano
The copper-colored waters of this popular recreational lake are visible during the final approach phase.
A right-side seat is perfect for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the East African horizon. During the descent into Addis Ababa, keep an eye out for the distinct transition from the dry southern lowlands to the verdant, eucalyptus-covered hills surrounding the capital city.
Distance: 1,550 km (963 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min
Departure: KGL (-1.96863, 30.1395)
Arrival: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Route Type: International
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