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PLZ → ELS
Which side of the plane to sit from Port Elizabeth Airport (Port Elizabeth) to Ben Schoeman Airport (East London)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular front-row seat to the rugged Eastern Cape coastline, also known as the Sunshine Coast, featuring dramatic river mouths and pristine beaches.
Algoa Bay Islands
Immediately after takeoff, spot St Croix and Brenton Islands, home to large African Penguin colonies.
Port Alfred
A beautiful view of the Kowie River mouth, the iconic marina, and the small coastal town's beaches.
Kenton-on-Sea
The striking turquoise waters where the Kariega and Bushmans Rivers meet the ocean.
Great Fish River Mouth
Watch for the massive brown silt plumes pushing into the deep blue ocean after inland rains.
Whale Watching
During winter months (June to November), keep an eye out for Southern Right whales breaching near the shoreline.
The right side is the undisputed winner for coastal scenery. Choose a seat behind the wing to get clear photos of the numerous river mouths. Mid-morning flights provide the best lighting for the turquoise water colors near Kenton and Port Alfred.
Addo Elephant Park
Distant views of the vast conservation area and the dense bushveld of the Sunday's River Valley.
Zuurberg Mountains
The rolling fold mountains of the Cape providing a scenic backdrop to the inland plains.
Makhanda (Grahamstown)
On clear days, the historic 'City of Saints' is visible with its distinct cathedral spire.
Great Fish River Reserve
Large tracts of thicket biome and rugged terrain where the Great Fish River carves through the landscape.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun reflecting off the Indian Ocean. This side is better for spotting the transition from coastal belt to the Great Winterberg mountain ranges in the far distance.
Distance: 230 km (143 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 23 min
Departure: PLZ (-33.984901428200004, 25.617300033600003)
Arrival: ELS (-33.0355987549, 27.8258991241)
Route Type: Domestic
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