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OUA destination photo
COO destination photo

OUACOO

Which side of the plane to sit from Ouagadougou Airport (Ouagadougou) to Cadjehoun Airport (Cotonou)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the diverse Beninese landscape, including the rugged Atakora mountains and the spectacular stilt villages of Lake Nokoué during the final approach into Cotonou.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏙️

Ouagadougou Departure

Aerial view of the Burkinabé capital, showing its unique grid layout and the contrast of red earth against urban development.

🐘

Pendjari Ecosystem

Views of the northern savanna plains near the renowned Pendjari National Park, a critical refuge for West African wildlife.

⛰️

Atakora Mountain Range

Dramatic views of the rugged quartzite cliffs and rolling hills that form the backbone of northern Benin and Togo.

🛶

Lake Nokoué & Ganvié

The 'Venice of Africa' is often visible on descent, featuring extensive stilt-house communities built directly on the water.

🚢

Cotonou Port

One of West Africa's busiest maritime hubs, visible as the plane aligns with the coastline for landing.

Sit on the left (Seat A) for a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the mountains. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes of the flight; the plane often banks over Lake Nokoué, offering a perfect view of the Ganvié stilt villages. Clear skies are more common from November to February during the Harmattan, though dust haze can occasionally reduce visibility.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌳

Transitional Savanna

Observe the gradual shift from the dry Sahelian landscape of Burkina Faso to the lush, tropical forests of southern Benin.

🌊

Mono River Valley

The winding path of the Mono River, which serves as a natural border between Togo and Benin, carving through the landscape.

🏖️

Ouidah Coastline

Glimpses of the historic coastal town of Ouidah and the 'Route des Pêcheurs' stretching along the Atlantic shore.

🌅

Gulf of Guinea Horizon

Expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean as the flight path converges with the Bight of Benin.

The right side (Seat F or K) is ideal for late afternoon flights, offering stunning sunset views over the Gulf of Guinea as you descend. It provides a better perspective of the changing vegetation zones. During the rainy season (May to October), this side often provides dramatic views of towering cumulus clouds forming over the West African coast.

Top Activities in Cotonou
Route Information

Distance: 792 km (492 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 19 min

Departure: OUA (12.3532, -1.51242)

Arrival: COO (6.357230186462402, 2.384350061416626)

Route Type: International

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