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KOO destination photo
FMI destination photo

KOOFMI

Which side of the plane to sit from Kongolo Airport (Kongolo) to Kalemie Airport (Kalemie)?

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior perspective of the Lukuga River valley, which uniquely drains Lake Tanganyika into the Lualaba, and provides a more dramatic angle of the rugged southern highlands during the descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🐍

Lukuga River Path

Track the rare westward-flowing outlet of Lake Tanganyika as it carves through the mountains toward the Lualaba.

🏔️

Niemba Highlands

Rugged, mountainous terrain and deep valleys located south of the flight path, offering dramatic shadows in the morning.

🚢

Port of Kalemie

Get a clear view of the historic Belgian-era port infrastructure and the rail terminus connecting the lake to the interior.

🏖️

Tanganyika Shoreline

Scenic views of the sandy beaches and rocky coves south of the city as the plane turns for its final approach.

🏘️

Kalemie Urban Center

A bird's-eye view of the city's layout, showing the transition from the lakeside commerce to the inland residential areas.

The right side is ideal for geography enthusiasts wanting to see the Lukuga River. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the southern mountains. During the rainy season (October-May), watch for impressive cloud formations building over the lake in the late afternoon.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Lualaba River Bend

Visible immediately after takeoff, see the upper reaches of the mighty Congo River winding through the tropical landscape.

🌳

Equatorial Savannah

A patchwork of dense gallery forests and open grasslands typical of the Tanganyika province interior.

🌅

Lake Tanganyika Northern Vista

As you approach Kalemie, the vast, ocean-like horizon of the world's longest freshwater lake opens up to the north.

⛰️

Albertine Rift Edge

Distant views of the rising terrain that defines the western branch of the East African Rift system.

Choose the left side for wide-angle views of the lake's northern expanse. Afternoon flights may experience glare from the sun reflecting off the water, so morning departures are generally preferred for photography.

Top Activities in Kalemie
Route Information

Distance: 256 km (159 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 26 min

Departure: KOO (-5.39444, 26.99)

Arrival: FMI (-5.8755598068237305, 29.25)

Route Type: Domestic

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