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NBO destination photo
GBE destination photo

NBOGBE

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a premier view of Mount Kilimanjaro shortly after departure, followed by the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Rift Valley and the Great Lakes region.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa's highest peak and its iconic snow-capped Kibo summit are visible shortly after takeoff from Nairobi.

🌋

Mount Meru

The sharp volcanic silhouette of Tanzania's second-highest mountain near Arusha.

🌊

Lake Malawi

The northern reaches of the third largest lake in Africa, often shimmering on the horizon.

🏙️

Harare Skyline

The capital of Zimbabwe often appears as a dense urban grid during the mid-flight segment.

🏞️

Luangwa Valley

A vast, lush wilderness area in Zambia known for its high concentration of wildlife.

Secure a window seat on the left for a morning departure to see Kilimanjaro before the clouds build up. The first 20-30 minutes of the flight are the most scenic for this side. Use a high shutter speed to capture the mountain peaks through the cabin window without blur.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🧂

Lake Natron

A caustic soda lake known for its striking red and pink colors due to salt-loving microorganisms.

⭕

Ngorongoro Crater

The world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, appearing as a massive green bowl from altitude.

💧

Victoria Falls

The massive spray cloud from the falls, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, can be spotted if the flight path tracks slightly west.

⬜

Makgadikgadi Pans

Vast, white salt crusts in the Botswana desert that create a surreal, lunar-like landscape.

🏜️

Kalahari Basin

The transition into the red sands and sparse vegetation of the Kalahari as you approach Gaborone.

The right side is best for seeing the unique geology of the Rift Valley lakes early in the flight. During the descent into GBE, the Makgadikgadi Pans are a highlight; look for the stark contrast between the white salt and the surrounding ochre desert. Afternoon flights on this side may experience significant sun glare.

Top Activities in Gaberone
Route Information

Distance: 2,842 km (1,766 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 47 min

Departure: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)

Arrival: GBE (-24.555201, 25.9182)

Route Type: International

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