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LBV destination photo
JNB destination photo

LBVJNB

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft is superior for this route as it parallels the African coastline for the first half of the journey, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean meeting the continent and the dramatic transition from tropical rainforests to the Namib and Kalahari deserts.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Atlantic Coastline

Stunning views of the Gulf of Guinea and the white sandy beaches of the West African coast.

🚢

Congo River Mouth

The massive sediment plume where the world's second-largest river flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

🏙️

Luanda Bay

The sprawling urban center and modern skyline of Angola's capital city perched on the coast.

🏜️

Namib Desert Edges

Dramatic views of the high orange sand dunes of the Namib meeting the Atlantic shore.

🕳️

Open Pit Mines

Large-scale mining operations visible in the Northern Cape and North West provinces of South Africa.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Atlantic. The highlight is the Congo River mouth near Soyo; look for the distinct brown water mixing with the blue ocean. As you enter South African airspace, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and mountainous—perfect for photography in the golden hour.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌳

Ogooué River Basin

Vast stretches of untouched Gabonese rainforest and winding river systems immediately after takeoff.

⛰️

Mayombe Mountains

Low-lying, mist-shrouded mountain ranges stretching across the borders of Congo and DRC.

💧

Upper Cuanza River

Aerial views of the massive hydroelectric dams and rugged valleys in the Angolan interior.

🦓

Kalahari Basin

The vast, flat expanse of eastern Botswana characterized by red sands and seasonal salt pans.

🏙️

Pretoria Cityscape

Clear views of the South African capital's grid layout and the Union Buildings during the final descent.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side offers a more consistent view of the deep green interior of Central Africa. Keep an eye out for the rapid change in vegetation as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn, where the landscape shifts from lush forest to arid savanna.

Top Activities in Johannesburg
Route Information

Distance: 3,581 km (2,225 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 13 min

Departure: LBV (0.458600014448, 9.4122800827)

Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)

Route Type: International

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