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ORY → DKR
Which side of the plane to sit from Paris-Orly Airport (Paris) to Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (Dakar)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the dramatic meeting point between the golden Sahara Desert and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean for several hours.
Bay of Biscay
The transition from the French coastline to the vast Atlantic as the plane bypasses the Iberian Peninsula's west.
Gibraltar Strait
The narrow passage where Europe almost touches Africa, visible as you cross from Spain into Moroccan airspace.
Canary Islands
Distant but clear sightings of volcanic islands like Fuerteventura and Lanzarote shimmering in the Atlantic.
Western Sahara Coastline
Breathtaking white sand dunes dropping directly into the turquoise ocean, a highlight of this specific route.
Cap Vert Peninsula
The final approach over the Atlantic waters into the westernmost point of Africa before landing in Dakar.
The right side is the 'photographer's choice' for the stunning contrast between the desert and the sea. Aim for a flight departing Orly mid-morning to ensure the sun is high or behind the plane, preventing glare on the windows while over the Sahara. Sit behind the wing to avoid engine heat distortion when photographing the coastline.
Massif Central
Aerial views of the ancient volcanic peaks and green valleys of central France shortly after departure.
The Pyrenees
Spectacular crossing of the snow-capped mountain range marking the border between France and Spain.
High Atlas Mountains
Deep interior views of Morocco's highest peaks, including Mount Toubkal, showing rugged, arid terrain.
Mauritanian Adrar
The deep orange sands and vast plateau formations of the inner Sahara desert as you head south.
Choose the left side if you prefer high-altitude mountain scenery. Early morning flights provide excellent side-lighting on the Atlas Mountains, emphasizing their craggy textures. Keep an eye out for the distinct circular 'Richat Structure' (Eye of the Sahara) if the flight path tracks slightly inland over Mauritania.
Distance: 4,192 km (2,605 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 56 min
Departure: ORY (48.7233333, 2.3794444)
Arrival: DKR (14.739700317382812, -17.49020004272461)
Route Type: International
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