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NBO destination photo
JRO destination photo

NBOJRO

Our Recommendation
9.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled, close-up view of the snow-capped Kibo summit and the jagged Mawenzi peak as the plane descends into Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Left Side Highlights
9.8
🏙️

Athi Plains

Vast savanna landscapes immediately south of Nairobi, often dotted with local wildlife and pastoralist settlements.

🐘

Amboseli Ecosystem

Aerial views of the marshes and dry lake beds of Amboseli National Park near the Kenya-Tanzania border.

🏔️

Mawenzi Peak

The dramatic, craggy eastern peak of the Kilimanjaro massif, showcasing its volcanic origins.

❄️

Kibo Summit

The iconic snow-capped dome of Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak, visible at eye-level during the descent.

🌋

Shira Plateau

The oldest and flattest of the three volcanic cones of Mount Kilimanjaro stretching westward.

Book an early morning flight (before 10:00 AM) for the best chance of clear skies; the mountain frequently attracts heavy cloud cover by midday. Choose a window seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't obstruct your view of the glaciers. Have your camera ready within 20 minutes of takeoff, as this is a very short flight.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
⛰️

Ngong Hills

The iconic ridgeline overlooking the Great Rift Valley, visible shortly after departing NBO.

🌋

Mount Meru

Tanzania's second-highest mountain and a spectacular stratovolcano located near Arusha.

🌍

The Maasai Steppe

Expansive, semi-arid plains characterized by traditional bomas and acacia trees.

🌲

Arusha National Park

Lush highland forests and craters surrounding the base of Mount Meru.

While the left side has the big mountain, the right side offers excellent views of Mount Meru, which is often less clouded than its taller neighbor. During the dry season (June to October), look for the distinct colors of the soda lakes in the distance. This side is also better if you want to avoid the direct morning sun glare when flying south.

Top Activities in Kilimanjaro
Route Information

Distance: 235 km (146 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 24 min

Departure: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)

Arrival: JRO (-3.42940998077, 37.0745010376)

Route Type: International

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