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WIL destination photo
UKA destination photo

WILUKA

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

Our Recommendation
9.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers the iconic, breathtaking view of Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak and a superior perspective of the turquoise coastline during the descent into Diani.

Right Side Highlights
9.8
🗻

Mount Kilimanjaro

The star of the route; Africa's highest peak usually towers above the clouds to the south of the flight path.

🌋

Chyulu Hills

Ancient volcanic cones and verdant rolling hills that served as the inspiration for 'Green Hills of Africa'.

🐘

Tsavo West Terrain

More mountainous and rugged than its eastern counterpart, featuring the Shetani lava flows.

🌳

Shimba Hills

Lush tropical rainforest ridges that represent one of the last coastal rainforests in East Africa.

🏖️

Diani Beach Shoreline

A stunning low-altitude view of the white sands, coral reefs, and turquoise Indian Ocean waters on final approach.

To see Mount Kilimanjaro, book the earliest morning flight possible (usually 07:00 to 09:00 AM) before the midday cloud cover obscures the peak. As the plane descends into Ukunda, the right side provides the most dramatic transition from the green hills to the bright white coastline of Diani Beach.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🦓

Athi-Kapiti Plains

Expansive grasslands immediately south of Nairobi often dotted with local livestock and occasional wildlife.

🏜️

Tsavo East National Park

View the vast, flat landscape of the 'Theatre of the Wild' characterized by its distinct red dust soil.

🐍

Galana River

The winding lifeline of the semi-arid eastern plains carving a green vein through the wilderness.

🚢

Mombasa Distant Skyline

On clear days, the northern horizon reveals the bustling port city and the Kilindini Harbour.

The left side is preferable on afternoon flights as the sun will be behind the aircraft, providing better lighting for photography of the Tsavo plains without cockpit glare. Keep an eye out for the Yatta Plateau, the world's longest lava flow, visible in the distance.

Top Activities in Ukunda
Route Information

Distance: 450 km (280 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 45 min

Departure: WIL (-1.321720004081726, 36.81480026245117)

Arrival: UKA (-4.29333, 39.571098)

Route Type: Domestic

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