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ZRH → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the spectacular African sunrise over the Sahara and early morning views of the Great Rift Valley as you approach Southern Africa.
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Swiss & Italian Alps
Aerial views of the snow-capped Glarus and Lepontine Alps shortly after takeoff from Zurich.
Mediterranean Crossing
Passing over the Tyrrhenian Sea with the lights of the Italian coast visible to the east.
Saharan Sunrise
Dramatic color shifts over the Libyan and Chadian desert landscapes at dawn.
Congo Basin
Expansive views of the dense tropical rainforests and winding river systems of Central Africa.
Great Rift Valley
Occasional views of the massive geological trenches and volcanic highlands of East Africa.
Johannesburg Skyline
On the standard approach to JNB, the Sandton financial district and city center are often visible.
Since most ZRH-JNB flights depart late at night (around 22:40), the first few hours are dark. Choose the left side to witness the sunrise over the African continent around 6-7 hours into the flight. Use a window shade to prevent glare during the morning descent as the sun will be directly on this side.
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Sardinia & Corsica
Bird's-eye view of the rugged coastlines of these major Mediterranean islands.
Hoggar Mountains
The dramatic volcanic peaks and high plateaus of the central Sahara in southern Algeria.
Congo River
The massive, winding artery of the African interior reflecting the morning light.
Kalahari Fringes
The transition from tropical green to the reddish semi-arid sands of the northern Kalahari.
Pretoria View
On the descent, you can often spot the administrative capital and the Union Buildings.
The right side is ideal for those who prefer indirect light in the morning, making it easier to take photos of the ground without sun glare. It provides better views of the western Sahara's unique rock formations and the vastness of the Kalahari basin during the final two hours of flight.
Book Hotels in JohannesburgDistance: 8,419 km (5,231 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 54 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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