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NSI → NBO
Which side of the plane to sit from Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (Yaounde) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, including expansive views of Lake Victoria, the dramatic Great Rift Valley floor, and the iconic Nairobi National Park during the final descent, often accompanied by a distant view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lake Victoria
Spectacular views of the world's largest tropical lake, including its scattered islands and fishing fleets.
Great Rift Valley
The dramatic escarpment and volcanic craters like Mount Suswa visible during the transition from the highlands to the valley floor.
Mount Kilimanjaro
On clear days, Africa's highest peak is visible on the southern horizon as the aircraft approaches Nairobi.
Nairobi National Park
Unrivaled views of the park's plains and potential wildlife sightings just moments before touching down at Jomo Kenyatta.
Upper Hill Skyline
The modern skyscrapers of Nairobi's financial district provide a striking backdrop against the savanna during the final turn.
The right side is unbeatable for the final 15 minutes of the flight. For the best chance to see Kilimanjaro, look south (right) about 40 miles out from Nairobi. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for photography of the Rift Valley escarpment and the wildlife in Nairobi National Park.
Yaoundé Skyline
Panoramic views of the 'City of Seven Hills' and the lush Sanaga region immediately after takeoff from NSI.
Congo Basin Canopy
A vast, unbroken carpet of deep green tropical rainforest spanning across southern CAR and northern DRC.
Ubangi River
The massive, meandering river that defines the border between the Central African Republic and the DRC.
Albertine Rift Mountains
The rugged, mist-covered peaks of the Western Rift Valley as you transition into East African airspace.
Mount Kenya
Africa's second-highest peak is often visible to the north during the descent into the Nairobi area.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct equatorial sun glare. This side is prime for spotting Mount Kenya, which is best viewed 20-30 minutes before landing. Ensure a window seat forward of the wing to keep the vast Congo Basin forest in clear view without engine heat distortion.
Distance: 2,875 km (1,786 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 50 min
Departure: NSI (3.722559928894043, 11.553299903869627)
Arrival: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Route Type: International
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