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PEK → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of diverse landscapes, from the distant Himalayan peaks and Southeast Asian river deltas to the dramatic entry into the African continent over the Mozambique coast.
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Himalayan Vistas
Distant but clear views of the eastern Himalayan range and the Tibetan Plateau during the early stages of flight.
Irrawaddy River
The winding river systems and lush tropical forests of Myanmar as the plane heads towards the ocean.
Mozambique Coastline
Stunning turquoise waters and white sand dunes of the Bazaruto Archipelago upon reaching Africa.
Drakensberg Escarpment
Dramatic mountain ridges and plateau edges as the flight enters South African airspace.
Gauteng Highveld
The distinctive golden grasslands and urban sprawl of the Witwatersrand on final approach to JNB.
The right side is the 'land side' for the final leg. It provides the best view of the African mainland arrival. In the winter months (June-August), the Highveld landscape is very dry and golden, offering great contrast. For the best photography of the Mozambique coast, ensure you have a clear window about 2 hours before landing.
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Beijing Cityscape
Aerial views of the sprawling Chinese capital and the Central Business District immediately after takeoff.
Yangtze River Delta
Visual of the massive Yangtze River as the flight traverses south through central China.
Andaman Islands
Small clusters of emerald islands visible during the transit across the Bay of Bengal.
Central Madagascar
The unique red soil and rugged highland topography of central and eastern Madagascar.
Indian Ocean Sunrise
A stunning maritime sunrise typically occurs over the open ocean before reaching the African coast.
The left side is ideal for catching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean. If the flight departs PEK in the late evening, you will witness the dawn breaking over the water as you approach the southern hemisphere. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to avoid the intense tropical glare.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 11,708 km (7,275 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 13 hrs 46 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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