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NBO → BKO
Which side of the plane to sit from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) to Modibo Keita International Airport (Bamako)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a superior view of the diverse landscapes transitioning from the East African Highlands, across the northern shores of Lake Victoria, and finally the spectacular winding path of the Niger River as you approach Bamako.
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Nairobi National Park
Immediate views of the wildlife sanctuary and the city skyline shortly after takeoff from NBO.
Mount Elgon
An ancient, massive extinct shield volcano on the border between Kenya and Uganda.
Lake Kyoga Wetlands
A complex system of fingers-like lakes and papyrus swamps in central Uganda.
Jos Plateau
Dramatic granite monoliths and high-altitude grasslands rising above the Nigerian plains.
The Niger River
The lifeblood of West Africa, visible as a silver ribbon winding through the Sahelian landscape toward Bamako.
The right side is highly recommended for the descent into Bamako, as the Niger River often comes into full view. To capture the best colors of the Sahel and the river, choose a flight that arrives in the late afternoon when the 'golden hour' light highlights the contrast between the water and the dry earth. Use a polarized filter for photos to cut through the Harmattan haze if traveling between November and March.
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Lake Victoria (South)
Expansive views of the world's largest tropical lake, often dotted with traditional fishing vessels.
Virunga Mountains
On clear days, the distant peaks of the volcanic range along the DRC border are visible to the south.
Congo Basin Canopy
An endless emerald sea of dense tropical rainforest stretching across Central Africa.
Adamawa Highlands
Rugged terrain and plateaus marking the border regions of Cameroon and Nigeria.
Ouagadougou Suburbs
The distinctive red-earth architecture and urban sprawl of the Burkinabe capital as you traverse West Africa.
Sit on the left if you want to witness the vastness of the equatorial rainforest. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the convective cloud buildup that typically obscures the ground in the afternoon over the Congo Basin. Keep an eye out for the distinct change from deep green forests to the savannah mosaics of West Africa.
Get eSIMs for Kenya
Get eSIMs for MaliDistance: 5,186 km (3,222 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 6 min
Departure: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Arrival: BKO (12.5335, -7.94994)
Route Type: International
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