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MPM → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Maputo Airport (Maputo) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the southern Kruger National Park and the dramatic transition from the Lowveld to the Highveld over the Drakensberg escarpment.
Search flights from MPM to JNB
Southern Kruger Park
Views of the bushveld and the Crocodile River which marks the boundary of the world-famous reserve.
Drakensberg Escarpment
The sharp geographical rise near Waterval Boven where the plane climbs rapidly to reach the Highveld plateau.
Mbombela Stadium
Look for the distinctive giraffe-themed supports of the stadium as you pass near Nelspruit.
Energy Hub
Massive cooling towers and open-cast coal mines around Emalahleni (Witbank) as you approach Gauteng.
The right side is the best choice for morning flights to see the escarpment illuminated. Bring binoculars if possible; during low-altitude segments near the border, you can occasionally spot elephants or rhinos near the Crocodile River. Note that this route is short (under 60 minutes), so landmarks appear in quick succession.
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Maputo Bay
Aerial views of the Port of Maputo and the expansive Matola estuary immediately after takeoff.
Lebombo Mountains
The narrow mountain range that forms the natural border between Mozambique and South Africa.
Eswatini Highlands
Rolling green hills visible to the south toward the northern boundary of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Highveld Farmlands
The mosaic of commercial agriculture and grain silos characteristic of the Mpumalanga province.
On morning flights, the left side provides excellent soft lighting for photos of the Lebombo range. In the late afternoon, this side faces south away from the direct sun, making it more comfortable for viewing without glare. Watch for the large Nooitgedacht Dam near the halfway point.
Get eSIMs for Mozambique
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 433 km (269 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 43 min
Departure: MPM (-25.920799, 32.572601)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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