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NBO → JRO
Which side of the plane to sit from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Kilimanjaro)?
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.
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.
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.
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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