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NBO → MPM
Which side of the plane to sit from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) to Maputo Airport (Maputo)?
Right Side of the Plane
While the left side features an early glimpse of Kilimanjaro, the right side provides a superior and more continuous display of Africa's geological wonders, including the Great Rift Valley escarpments and the stunning, expansive shoreline of Lake Malawi.
Mount Meru
Kilimanjaro's volcanic neighbor offers a rugged, horseshoe-shaped crater view early in the journey.
Great Rift Valley
Witness the dramatic geological fault lines and steep escarpments that define the East African landscape.
Lake Malawi
The 'Lake of Stars' provides a spectacular, long-lasting view of crystal-clear turquoise waters and steep mountain shores.
Gorongosa National Park
A glimpse into the lush, recovering ecosystem of central Mozambique, featuring diverse floodplains and woodlands.
Limpopo River
The winding 'great grey-green, greasy' river marks the final stretch of the flight before reaching the capital.
The views of Lake Malawi are the highlight of this side; sit away from the wing to track the lake's shoreline for nearly 45 minutes. Afternoon flights are particularly scenic on the right side as the setting sun illuminates the Rift Valley escarpments with golden light.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa's highest peak is visible shortly after takeoff; look for its iconic snow-capped Kibo summit towering above the clouds.
Dodoma
The planned capital of Tanzania is visible as a sprawling urban center amidst the arid central Tanzanian plateau.
Selous Game Reserve
One of the largest faunal reserves in the world, appearing as a vast, untamed wilderness of savannah and riverine forests.
Zambezi River Delta
As the flight nears the Mozambican coast, the massive delta system of the Zambezi creates intricate patterns on the landscape.
Maputo Bay
During the final approach, the left side offers a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean meeting the bustling harbor of Maputo.
For the best view of Kilimanjaro, choose a seat near the front of the cabin to avoid wing obstruction. This view happens within the first 20-30 minutes of flight. Morning departures (7 AM - 10 AM) are critical as the mountain often becomes obscured by cloud cover by midday.
Distance: 2,775 km (1,724 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Arrival: MPM (-25.920799, 32.572601)
Route Type: International
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