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NBO → NSI
Which side of the plane to sit from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) to Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (Yaounde)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side features the most dramatic geographical transitions, from the volcanic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley to the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Great Rift Valley
Spectacular aerial views of the rift floor, steep escarpments, and dormant volcanic craters near Naivasha.
Rwenzori Mountains
The fabled 'Mountains of the Moon,' featuring high-altitude glaciers on the border of Uganda and the DRC.
Nairobi National Park
Visible immediately after takeoff from NBO, offering a chance to spot wildlife against the urban skyline.
Lake Nakuru
A shimmering soda lake known for its distinct color and surrounding national park area in the rift.
Kampala Skyline
The sprawling hills of the Ugandan capital are often visible as the flight traverses the northern shore of Lake Victoria.
The right side is essential for seeing the Rift Valley's dramatic drop-off. For the best chance to see the elusive Rwenzori peaks, which are often clouded over by midday, book a flight that passes over western Uganda before 10:00 AM. Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff for the best views of the rift escarpments.
Lake Victoria
The vast southern horizon is dominated by the world's largest tropical lake shortly after departure from Nairobi.
Congo Rainforest
A continuous, dense green carpet representing the heart of the African continent's primary jungle.
Sangha River
Deep brown river meanders cutting through the jungle near the tri-point border region of CAR, Congo, and Cameroon.
Yaoundé Outskirts
The rolling green hills and red-earth settlements visible as the plane descends into Nsimalen.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you while viewing the massive expanse of Lake Victoria. During the rainy season (March to May), cloud cover is heavier over the basin, so early morning departures offer the clearest views of the forest floor and river systems.
Distance: 2,875 km (1,786 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 50 min
Departure: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Arrival: NSI (3.722559928894043, 11.553299903869627)
Route Type: International
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