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NBO → FBM
Which side of the plane to sit from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) to Lubumbashi International Airport (Lubumashi)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the East African landscape, the right side provides a superior look at the Great Rift Valley's western arm, the vast Serengeti ecosystem, and the dramatic descent over the Congo's lush wetlands.
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Serengeti National Park
Aerial views of the iconic savanna ecosystem during the crossing from Kenya into Tanzania.
Lake Victoria Edge
The eastern shores of Africa's largest lake may be visible depending on the specific air traffic control routing.
Lake Tanganyika
The flight path often skirts the southern end of the world's longest freshwater lake, showing its deep blue waters.
Upemba Depression
A massive marshy area in the DRC featuring a network of lakes and lush river systems.
Copperbelt Mines
Large-scale open-pit mining operations become visible as you approach the industrial hub of Lubumbashi.
Lubumbashi Cityscape
The sprawling urban area and the iconic 'Terril' slag heap visible during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for capturing the diversity of the Rift Valley. Watch for the dramatic change from the dry Tanzanian plains to the dense, green river networks of the Congo. Use a polarizing filter if photographing through the window to cut through tropical haze.
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Mount Kilimanjaro
Visible in the distance to the south shortly after departure from Nairobi if the sky is clear.
Mount Meru
The prominent volcanic cone near Arusha, often visible standing tall above the clouds.
Maasai Steppe
Expansive arid plains of Northern Tanzania characterized by unique acacia-dotted landscapes.
Southern Highlands
The rugged terrain of the Mbeya region where the landscape becomes more mountainous.
Lake Rukwa
A striking alkaline lake situated in the Rukwa Valley between Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa.
Sit on the left for early-flight landmarks. The highlight is the potential view of Kilimanjaro; ensure you are looking south within the first 20 minutes of flight. Morning flights offer the best lighting for these peaks before afternoon clouds build up.
Get eSIMs for Kenya
Get eSIMs for Congo (Kinshasa)Distance: 1,543 km (959 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 3 min
Departure: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Arrival: FBM (-11.5913000107, 27.5308990479)
Route Type: International
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