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KGL → LBV
Which side of the plane to sit from Kigali International Airport (Kigali) to Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport (Libreville)?
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.
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.
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.
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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