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KGL destination photo
LBV destination photo

KGLLBV

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior perspective of the Virunga volcanic range shortly after takeoff and follows the northern arc of the mighty Congo River for much of the cruise.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌋

Virunga Volcanoes

Dramatic silhouettes of the active volcanic range, including Mount Nyiragongo, visible to the north shortly after takeoff.

🌀

Congo River Mainstream

Observation of the massive, winding power of the main Congo River channel as it arcs toward the Equator.

🏘️

Mbandaka River Port

An aerial view of the significant river port city located precisely on the Equator line.

🌊

Gabon Estuary

A stunning view of the Atlantic coastline and the wide estuary as the plane prepares for landing in Libreville.

Secure a window seat on the right for the most iconic landmarks. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain from the jagged peaks of the Albertine Rift to the flat, endless green of the Congo Basin. The descent into Libreville usually approaches from the east, making the right side the best for spotting the coastline and the Gabon River's meeting with the sea. Use a polarising filter if photographing to cut through the tropical haze.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏔️

Lake Kivu Shoreline

Aerial views of the southern banks and the emerald islands of the scenic rift valley lake.

🌳

Maiko National Park

Expansive views of one of the DRC's most remote and dense primary rainforest regions.

💧

Kasai River Network

Intricate brown and blue ribbons of water winding through the dark green forest canopy.

For morning flights, the left side is preferable to avoid direct sun glare while looking south. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes after departure for the transition from the Rwandan highlands to the Congolese lowlands. Cloud cover is common over the basin, so early morning departures offer the clearest views before convective clouds build up.

Top Activities in Libreville
Route Information

Distance: 2,320 km (1,442 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 6 min

Departure: KGL (-1.96863, 30.1395)

Arrival: LBV (0.458600014448, 9.4122800827)

Route Type: International

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