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MPM → NBO
Which side of the plane to sit from Maputo Airport (Maputo) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft is the clear winner for this route, offering a spectacular sequence of the Indian Ocean's turquoise archipelagos and the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro during the descent into Nairobi.
Maputo Bay
Immediately after departure, enjoy a panoramic view of the Mozambican capital and its sprawling harbor and new suspension bridge.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Stunning white sand bars and shallow turquoise waters surrounding the islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra.
Selous Game Reserve
Fly over one of the largest faunal reserves in the world, characterized by the Rufiji River and vast undisturbed wilderness.
Zanzibar Archipelago
On clear days, the white sands of Unguja (Zanzibar) and the historic Stone Town can be spotted along the Tanzanian coastline.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The highlight of the trip. The world's highest free-standing mountain typically appears on the right side about 30-40 minutes before landing in Nairobi.
Athie River Plains
Final approach into NBO provides views of the savanna landscape just south of the city, often dotted with acacia trees.
The right side is essential for seeing Mount Kilimanjaro. To ensure the best view, sit behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Kilimanjaro is best viewed on morning flights (before 10:00 AM) before the peak is obscured by daily cloud build-up. Additionally, midday sun provides the best light to see the vibrant coral colors of the coastal islands.
Limpopo River Basin
Shortly after takeoff, view the winding path of the Limpopo River as it snakes through the Mozambican plains toward the coast.
Gorongosa National Park
Peer down at the diverse ecosystems of central Mozambique, ranging from savanna to rainforests, known for its incredible wildlife recovery.
Zambezi River Delta
A massive geographical landmark where Africa's fourth-longest river meets the sea in a complex network of silted channels.
Udzungwa Mountains
Part of the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania, these ancient peaks are shrouded in mist and harbor unique biodiversity.
Mount Meru
The 'little brother' of Kilimanjaro, this sharp volcanic cone is often visible just as the plane begins its final descent into Kenya.
Amboseli National Park
As you cross into Kenya, the flat dusty plains of Amboseli are often visible, occasionally revealing herds of elephants from high altitude.
The left side offers a superior view of the African interior. For the best photography of the Zambezi Delta, choose a morning flight to avoid the glare from the eastern sun. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain from the lush Mozambican coast to the high-altitude plateaus of the Tanzanian interior.
Distance: 2,775 km (1,724 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: MPM (-25.920799, 32.572601)
Arrival: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Route Type: International
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