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MQP β DUR
Which side of the plane to sit from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Mpumalanga) to King Shaka International Airport (Durban)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a spectacular approach along the Indian Ocean coastline, featuring the luxury skyline of Umhlanga and the turquoise waters of the Natal coast.
Kruger Edge
Aerial views of the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park and the dense bushveld of Mpumalanga.
Eswatini Horizons
Distant views of the Lubombo Mountains and the lush, green landscapes of eastern Eswatini.
Indian Ocean Coast
As the flight descends, the vast blue expanse of the Indian Ocean comes into view alongside the white sandy beaches.
Umhlanga Skyline
A close-up view of the high-rise hotels and iconic red-and-white lighthouse of Umhlanga Rocks on final approach.
Durban Anchorage
Large cargo vessels and tankers waiting in the outer anchorage area to enter the Port of Durban.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh western sun and to enjoy the glittering reflections off the ocean. During descent, look for the 'Whalebone' pier at Umhlanga, which is a major landmark for pilots heading into DUR.
Drakensberg Escarpment
Dramatic views of the great escarpment where the Highveld plateau drops off into the Lowveld.
Pongolapoort Dam
The massive Jozini Dam reservoir, often visible as a shimmering blue patch amidst the rugged northern KZN terrain.
Zululand Farmlands
A patchwork of sugar cane plantations and forestry estates typical of the KwaZulu-Natal interior.
Valley of a Thousand Hills
Undulating green hills and deep valleys that characterize the terrain just west of the Durban metropolitan area.
Cornubia Development
The massive industrial and residential expansion areas that signal the approach to the airport's inland side.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to capture the 'Golden Hour' light hitting the Drakensberg mountains. Keep an eye out for the distinct Lebombo mountain range shortly after departure from MQP.
Distance: 470 km (292 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 47 min
Departure: MQP (-25.3831996918, 31.1056003571)
Arrival: DUR (-29.6144444444, 31.119722222199997)
Route Type: Domestic
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