Loading map...

NBO destination photo
SAH destination photo

NBOSAH

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side offers superior views of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpments, the sprawling Ethiopian Highlands, and the dramatic transition from the African continent into the Red Sea.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌋

Great Rift Valley

Aerial views of the iconic escarpments and the series of lakes stretching northward from Kenya into Ethiopia.

⛰️

Ethiopian Highlands

Extensive views of the rugged, high-altitude plateaus and deep river gorges that define central Ethiopia.

🏙️

Addis Ababa

A potential view of Ethiopia's capital city, situated at over 2,300 meters above sea level.

🌊

Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

The strategic 'Gate of Tears' waterway separating the African continent from the Arabian Peninsula.

🏜️

Yemeni Coastal Plains

The stark, sandy Tihamah region that transitions quickly into the steep mountains leading to Sana'a.

Choose a window seat on the left for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight while capturing the sunset over the Rift Valley. Keep a close eye out approximately 45-60 minutes into the flight for the best views of the Ethiopian interior. Visuals of the Red Sea crossing are most vibrant during midday when the sun is high.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏔️

Mount Kenya

Shortly after takeoff, look for Africa's second-highest peak rising above the clouds to the northeast.

💧

Lake Turkana

The shimmering 'Jade Sea' located in Kenya's remote northern desert, visible depending on the exact flight corridor.

🏜️

Ogaden Plateau

The vast, arid landscapes of eastern Ethiopia leading toward the Horn of Africa.

⚓

Djibouti Coastline

Views of the Gulf of Tadjoura and the volcanic landscapes surrounding the city of Djibouti.

⛰️

Sarawat Mountains

The massive, terraced mountain ranges of Yemen that provide a dramatic backdrop for the approach into Sana'a.

Morning flights are ideal for the right side to catch the sunrise illuminating Mount Kenya. This side is better for seeing the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aden. Ensure you have your camera ready during the final 20 minutes of the descent for the unique stone architecture of the Yemeni highlands.

Top Activities in Sanaa
Route Information

Distance: 2,032 km (1,263 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 43 min

Departure: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)

Arrival: SAH (15.476300239562988, 44.21969985961914)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.