Loading map...
ZRH → NBO
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is slightly superior for this route as it offers the most dramatic views of the Sahara Desert under the afternoon sun and provides a better perspective of the Great Rift Valley lakes before nightfall.
Search flights from ZRH to NBO
Western Alps
Distant views of Mont Blanc and the French-Swiss border peaks shortly after leaving Zurich.
Grand Erg Oriental
Breathtaking views of the vast Saharan sand seas and longitudinal dunes in Libya.
Sahara Sunset
A spectacular golden hour as the sun sets over the desert horizon during the mid-portion of the flight.
Lake Turkana
Known as the Jade Sea, this massive desert lake is a striking landmark in Northern Kenya.
Great Rift Valley
The dramatic western escarpment and the chain of soda lakes like Lake Baringo and Lake Nakuru.
The right side is the 'sunset side' for this south-bound afternoon flight. You will get the best lighting for photography over the Sahara. Be sure to look out approximately 1 hour before landing for the distinct turquoise waters of Lake Turkana and the geological scars of the Rift Valley. Use a window map to identify the specific volcanic craters visible in Northern Kenya.
Book Hotels in NairobiSwiss Alps Panoramas
Immediately after takeoff, witness the Bernese Oberland and the Aletsch Glacier in stunning detail.
Italian Peninsula
Aerial views of the Italian interior and the coastline as you head toward the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean Crossing
The deep blue transition between Europe and the North African coast near Libya or Egypt.
Nubian Desert
The stark, arid landscapes of eastern Sudan with unique rock formations and sandy expanses.
Mount Kenya
On the descent into Nairobi, the snow-capped peaks of Africa's second-highest mountain often appear to the east.
Sit on the left if you want the best views of the Swiss Alps shortly after departure. This side also offers a chance to see Mount Kenya on your approach to NBO, provided the flight is on time and there is still ambient light. For nighttime arrivals, the city lights of Nairobi will be prominent on this side during the final turn.
Get eSIMs for Switzerland
Get eSIMs for KenyaDistance: 6,084 km (3,780 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 9 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: NBO (-1.31923997402, 36.9277992249)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.