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NYK destination photo
WIL destination photo

NYKWIL

Which side of the plane to sit from Nanyuki Airport (Nanyuki) to Nairobi Wilson Airport (Nairobi)?

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the majestic peaks of Mount Kenya immediately after takeoff, providing one of the most iconic aerial views in East Africa.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Mount Kenya Peaks

Unrivaled views of Batian, Nelion, and Lenana peaks, often visible above the clouds shortly after departing Nanyuki.

🌊

Tana River Headwaters

The winding path of the Sagana River as it flows from the highlands into the lower valleys of the Tana basin.

🍍

Thika Estate Mosaics

Vast, geometrically aligned pineapple and coffee plantations creating a patchwork quilt effect on the landscape.

🏙️

Nairobi City Skyline

A clear perspective of the Central Business District skyscrapers and Upper Hill as you descend into Wilson Airport.

Sit on the left and book the earliest flight possible (usually before 10:00 AM) because Mount Kenya typically gathers cloud cover by mid-morning. The mountain is extremely close to the flight path at the start of the journey, so have your camera ready the moment the wheels leave the tarmac.

Right Side Highlights
8.4
🌲

Aberdare Range

The rugged, forested ridges of the Aberdare National Park, home to dense montane vegetation and hidden waterfalls.

🦓

Laikipia Conservancies

Sprawling private ranches and wildlife corridors where you can often spot large herds of elephants on the plains below.

🍵

Limuru Tea Zones

The strikingly vibrant green, rolling hills of the tea-growing regions near the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment.

🦁

Nairobi National Park

During the final approach, the right side often looks out over the open grasslands of the park where giraffes and rhinos are visible.

The right side is ideal for travelers interested in the diverse topography of the Aberdares and the tea highlands. As you approach Nairobi Wilson, stay alert during the final three minutes of the flight; if the plane approaches from the west, you will get a fantastic view of the wildlife in Nairobi National Park.

Top Activities in Nairobi
Route Information

Distance: 142 km (88 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 14 min

Departure: NYK (-0.062398899346590035, 37.04100799560547)

Arrival: WIL (-1.321720004081726, 36.81480026245117)

Route Type: Domestic

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