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LHR → NBO
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is favored for the dramatic sunrise over the East African plateau and the rare opportunity to see Mount Kenya's glaciers from the air during the final descent.
European Alps
Glimpse the western fringes of the Alps during the transit over continental Europe.
Mediterranean Crossing
Deep blue waters transition to the rugged North African coastline near the Nile Delta.
Sahara Sunrise
Breathtaking views as the sun rises over the Egyptian and Sudanese deserts on overnight flights.
Ethiopian Highlands
High-altitude views of the 'Roof of Africa' with its jagged peaks and deep volcanic valleys.
Mount Kenya
The massive volcanic silhouette of Kenya's highest mountain, often poking through the morning clouds.
Nairobi Cityscape
A view of the central business district and the adjacent Nairobi National Park during final approach.
For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to ensure unobstructed views of the ground. On the standard overnight LHR-NBO service, the sunrise occurs over the Sudan/Ethiopia border; wake up 3 hours before landing to witness the Ethiopian Highlands. Mount Kenya is typically visible 30 to 45 minutes before touchdown.
London Departure
Excellent views of the Thames estuary and London landmarks depending on takeoff direction.
Mediterranean Isles
Look out for the Balearic Islands or Sardinia as the flight path crosses towards North Africa.
Great Sand Sea
Endless waves of golden dunes and rocky outcrops in the heart of the Libyan Sahara.
Lake Turkana
The striking turquoise waters of the 'Jade Sea' in the arid desert of northern Kenya.
Great Rift Valley
The geological scar of the Rift Valley escarpment visible during the southern descent into the highlands.
The right side avoids direct sunlight for most of the southbound journey, significantly reducing window glare for photography. It offers the most consistent views of the Great Rift Valley's western walls. Note that seasonal dust storms in the Sahara (Harmattan) may obscure desert views between December and March.
Distance: 6,841 km (4,251 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 3 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Route Type: International
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