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WIL destination photo
LAU destination photo

WILLAU

Which side of the plane to sit from Nairobi Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Manda Airstrip (Lamu)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is the premier choice for this route, offering immediate bird's-eye views of Nairobi National Park wildlife and the chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🦒

Nairobi National Park

Immediately after takeoff, enjoy a safari from the air with clear views of the park's savanna, dams, and potentially giraffes or rhinos.

🏔️

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa's tallest peak is frequently visible to the south, rising majestically above the clouds during the middle of the flight.

🐘

Tsavo Wilderness

Fly over the vast, red-earthed landscapes of Tsavo East and West, characterized by volcanic hills and dense scrubland.

🌊

Indian Ocean Shoreline

Catch the first glimpse of the turquoise coast and coral reefs as the plane crosses over from the mainland toward the archipelago.

The right side is highly recommended for morning flights when the air is clearest, maximizing your chances of seeing Kilimanjaro before afternoon clouds gather. Have your camera ready within the first 60 seconds of takeoff for the best wildlife spotting opportunities in Nairobi National Park.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Nairobi Cityscape

A panoramic view of the Upper Hill and CBD skyscrapers as the aircraft climbs away from Wilson Airport.

🏔️

Mount Kenya

On exceptionally clear days, look north to see the snow-dusted jagged peaks of Kenya's highest mountain.

🐍

Tana River Meanders

Observe the complex, winding patterns of Kenya's longest river as it snakes through the arid eastern landscape.

🏝️

Lamu Archipelago

A beautiful aerial perspective of the northern islands and the narrow channels of the Indian Ocean during the final descent.

Choose the left side if you are flying in the late afternoon to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It also provides a superior view of the mangrove forests and the Manda Bay area as the pilot performs the final banking maneuver toward the runway.

Top Activities in Lamu
Route Information

Distance: 467 km (290 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 47 min

Departure: WIL (-1.321720004081726, 36.81480026245117)

Arrival: LAU (-2.252419948577881, 40.91310119628906)

Route Type: Domestic

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