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LAD → LUO
Which side of the plane to sit from Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (Luanda) to Luena Airport (Luena)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of Angola's interior, including the massive monoliths of Pedras Negras and the lush river valleys of Malanje before descending into the Moxico wetlands.
Luanda Coastline
Panoramic views of the capital's expanding skyline and the Ilha de Luanda peninsula shortly after takeoff.
Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo
Massive, ancient black rock monoliths that rise dramatically from the savanna floor in Malanje province.
Lucala River Valley
The winding path of the Lucala river as it snakes through dense tropical vegetation towards the Kalandula region.
Kalandula Falls (Distance)
On clear days, the mist and surrounding greenery of one of Africa's largest waterfalls can be spotted to the north.
Moxico Forest Mosaic
A striking pattern of Miombo woodlands interspersed with narrow river channels as you approach Luena.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun, which will be to the south and east. Keep a close watch about 30-40 minutes into the flight for the Pedras Negras rock formations. The transition from the high plateau to the Moxico plains is most visible from this side.
Cuanza River Basin
Stunning views of Angola's longest river, appearing as a silver ribbon reflecting the sun to the south.
Bié Plateau Farms
The high central plateau featuring a patchwork of agricultural fields and traditional village settlements.
Serra do Banguelo
Distances views of the rugged mountain ridges that define the edge of the central Angolan highlands.
Benguela Railway Path
Occasional sightings of the historic railway line that connects the Atlantic coast to the eastern border.
Luena City Approach
A clear view of the expanding urban grid of Luena and the Lumeje river system during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for capturing the late afternoon sun illuminating the Cuanza River. During the rainy season (November to April), this side often provides dramatic views of towering cumulus clouds building over the central plateau. Look for the glint of the Benguela Railway tracks which run roughly parallel to the flight path.
Distance: 798 km (496 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min
Departure: LAD (-8.858369999999999, 13.2312)
Arrival: LUO (-11.768099784851074, 19.8976993560791)
Route Type: Domestic
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