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PLZ → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Port Elizabeth Airport (Port Elizabeth) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of South Africa's largest inland water body, the Gariep Dam, and the distant, often snow-capped peaks of the Lesotho mountains.
Algoa Bay Coastline
Stunning views of the Port Elizabeth beachfront and the Indian Ocean immediately after takeoff.
Gariep Dam
A massive, deep-blue reservoir that serves as the most prominent landmark on this flight path.
Maloti-Drakensberg Range
The high-altitude peaks of Lesotho are visible on the eastern horizon, especially clear in winter.
Vaal Dam
The sprawling, finger-like branches of the Vaal Dam appearing just before the descent into Johannesburg.
Johannesburg Skyline
Panoramic views of the Sandton and CBD skyscrapers during the final approach to OR Tambo.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun is positioned behind the aircraft. Keep a lookout for the Gariep Dam about 30-40 minutes into the flight; it is the visual highlight of the journey.
Great Karoo Plains
The vast, semi-arid expanse of the Karoo featuring unique flat-topped mesas known as 'koppies'.
Camdeboo Mountains
The dramatic edges of the Sneeuberg range near Graaff-Reinet visible in the distance.
Orange River Crossing
Aerial view of South Africa's longest river as it winds through the dry interior landscape.
Bloemfontein
The capital of the Free State is often visible to the west during the mid-portion of the flight.
Highveld Agriculture
Intricate patterns of circular irrigation fields as the plane enters the fertile northern provinces.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Karoo. It is also the better side for viewing the distinctive geology of the interior plateau without the morning sun glare.
Distance: 908 km (564 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: PLZ (-33.984901428200004, 25.617300033600003)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: Domestic
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