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VFA → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Victoria Falls International Airport (Victoria Falls) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the initial takeoff views of the Zambezi River and the rising spray from Victoria Falls, followed by a scenic transition through the Zimbabwean bushveld and the Waterberg mountains.
Victoria Falls Spray
Shortly after takeoff, look back to see the massive column of mist rising from the gorge, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya.
Hwange National Park
The flight path skirts the eastern edge of this massive reserve, where you can spot seasonal pans and vast teak forests.
Limpopo River Border
A clear view of the winding river that serves as the natural border between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Waterberg Biosphere
Dramatic views of the ancient, rugged sandstone mountains and plateaus as you enter South African airspace.
East Rand Suburbs
On final approach, get a bird's-eye view of the sprawling residential and industrial areas surrounding Kempton Park.
Choose the left side for the best chance of seeing the 'smoke' of the Falls during the climb out of VFA. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you or to the side, providing excellent lighting for photography of the Limpopo landscape. During the wet season (February-May), the spray from the falls is most prominent.
Upper Zambezi River
Views of the wide, island-studded river upstream from the falls before the aircraft banks southward.
Makgadikgadi Pans Edge
On exceptionally clear days, the shimmering white horizons of the Botswana salt pans are visible to the far west.
Tuli Block
The landscape of eastern Botswana features unique rocky outcrops and massive baobab trees visible from altitude.
Pretoria Skyline
During the descent into JNB, the Union Buildings and the city's urban grid are often visible to the west.
Witwatersrand Mine Dumps
The iconic yellow-tinted tailings dams of the gold mining industry become visible as you enter the Gauteng province.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the golden hour over the South African highveld, though be prepared for direct sun glare. It offers the best views of the Pretoria/Tshwane skyline during typical landing patterns into OR Tambo from the north.
Distance: 928 km (577 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: VFA (-18.09589958190918, 25.839000701904297)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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