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PHW → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Hendrik Van Eck Airport (Phalaborwa) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Drakensberg Escarpment and the world-renowned Blyde River Canyon shortly after departure.
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Blyde River Canyon
Breathtaking views of the third-largest canyon in the world with its lush green cliffs.
Drakensberg Escarpment
The massive geographical wall that separates the Highveld plateau from the Lowveld below.
Three Rondavels
Iconic geological formations shaped like traditional huts visible near the canyon edge.
Coal Mining Belt
Extensive open-cast coal mines and massive power stations around Witbank and Middelburg.
For the best experience, choose a morning flight so the sun illuminates the escarpment faces from the east. Ensure your window is clean, as the contrast between the canyon shadows and rock faces is perfect for photography.
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Kruger Bushveld
Immediate views of the dense savanna bordering the Kruger National Park after takeoff.
Olifants River
The winding path of one of South Africa's most significant rivers as it flows east.
Highveld Agriculture
The transition into the patchwork patterns of maize and sunflower fields in the Mpumalanga province.
East Rand Industry
The dense industrial and logistics hubs of Boksburg and Benoni during the final descent.
Sit on this side for early morning flights to see the sunrise reflecting off the Lowveld rivers. It is also the side that usually sees the terminal buildings first upon arrival at OR Tambo.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 382 km (237 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 38 min
Departure: PHW (-23.9372005463, 31.1553993225)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: Domestic
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