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NBO → SAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) to Sana'a International Airport (Sanaa)?
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.
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.
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.
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
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