Last Verified: September 25, 2024

Paragliding in South Africa

The Flying Experience

Get ready for the ultimate paragliding adventure in the wilderness of South Africa! Picture yourself soaring through the skies above stunning mountain ranges and coastal ridges in warm and sunny weather, landing on the beach for an ice-cream. Whether you're a newbie eager for airtime or a seasoned pilot, South Africa offers an exhilarating playground with beautiful long summer days that allows for plenty of airtime.

Take flight over Cape Town, along Table Mountain, Lions Head, and fly with the view of the surrounding beaches. Go on cross-country escapades in Porterville, a world class thermic destination. Or, practice your skills and boost your confidence at the Garden Route in Wilderness, where you can enjoy laid-back coastal flights with plenty of reliable wind and breathtaking views.

The best time of the year for paragliding in South-Africa is between October and May, excellent as a winter get away, so come and experience the wildlife, cultures and history that makes South Africa one of the most diverse and interesting countries to visit.

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Long mountain ranges such as Outeniqua, Swartberg, Rooiberg, and Hottentots Hollands range offer world class flying, while endless wheat fields create the perfect flatland flying experience. For consistent soaring go to a coastal flying site, for any skill level, even if you have not flown for a while, and land on the beach for an ice-cream or a swim between flights.

In South Africa you get to enjoy over 300 flyable days a year, generally with warm summer weather. It is both fantastic for a winter flying destination and for off-season flying.

Need a break? Explore some of the most incredible national parks and reserves to view the big-5 on Safari.

Know before you go

All South African sites require you to have the equivalent of IPPI 3 to IPPI 5 to fly them.

Everyone paragliding in South Africa needs to be a SAHPA member to legally fly in the country. Discounted temporary membership (two or six months) is available for foreign visitors and includes third-party insurance. The Glen Club welcomes short-term visitors free of charge (come to one of our meetings); longer-term pilots are encouraged to become paying members.

There are some tricky flying sites (including Lion’s Head in Cape Town which require a formal sign-off for the first few flights, where a senior pilot signs off that the pilot was given a full briefing and flew their first flight under supervision.

Other sites (like Signal Hill) only allow pilots with IPPI Level 5 (Sports licences) to get a sign-off and legally fly.

Weather and Climate

What is the Climate like?

The best time of the year to go flying is between October and May, when conditions vary from the mellow soaring winds by the coast up to strong thermic conditions inland.

Where to fly?

Looking to go paragliding in South Africa? Join us here:

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Paragliding in South-Africa

The Travel Experience

How do pilots get around?

In South Africa, commutes are a symphony of bustling metropolises and scenic landscapes. Dazzling minibus taxis, adorned with eye-catching colors, navigate urban sprawls, infusing the daily grind with a lively spirit. The iconic vuvuzela horn sets the tone for adventure, while modern, sleek Gautrain train lines zip through Johannesburg, marrying efficiency with style. Alongside this, the iconic "bakkies" (pickup trucks) carry a piece of the rugged outdoors into urban life.

Adventurous pilots may opt for renting 4wd cars with rooftents and fitted kitchens to explore the landscape and wildlife. Safe travels!

  • Check our interactive map for some useful transportation points of interest.
  • Wondering how to get to the flying bases? Click on the flying base you would like to visit and check the transportation details there.

Is it safe to travel in ?

Popular tourist destinations like Cape Town and Kruger National Park, including our Paragliding regions are generally considered safe. However certain urban centers, such as Johannesburg and Durban, may have higher crime rates, especially at night. Use reputable transportation and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas.

Disclaimer: Travelers are solely responsible for conducting thorough research on local safety conditions before embarking on any journey.

What is the local currency?

The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Having rand on hand is essential for exploring local markets, and indulging in delicacies like braai and bunny chow. It’s never a bad idea to have some Rand on you for landing fees and rides you will receive from the locals. It’s a nice gesture.

Money can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, or authorized hotels, and ATMs are readily available in larger towns but may be limited in rural regions, so plan accordingly for a more remote flying trip. With the exchange rate being favourable to most foreign currency you can receive pretty good value for money.

What to do on your day off?

South Africa is an endless outdoor playground. From skydiving to walking safaris, hot air ballooning to windsurfing, treetop zip lining to river rafting – there’s no shortage of raw adventures and adrenaline-pumping moments.

Every day in scenic South Africa ends with a horizon to look out on. No matter where you are, you’re always right around the corner from something breathtaking.

It is more than just the place where the cool Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans meet. It’s 2500km of pure wanderlust. With golden beaches and unspoiled nature, this sun-soaked country is always ready for adventures or lazy days. With world-renowned nature reserves, such as Kruger, and preservation areas in every province, there’s no shortage of places to explore.

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Welcome to the Rainbow Nation! Let's embark on an adventure through the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of South Africa, where wildlife roams freely, stunning coastlines beckon, and history unfolds at every turn!

South Africa is a land of contrasts, from the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains to the endless savannahs of Kruger National Park. Whether you're spotting the Big Five on safari, exploring the vibrant streets of Cape Town, or sipping wine in the picturesque vineyards of Stellenbosch, every moment in South Africa is an unforgettable experience.

So, pack your safari gear, your sense of adventure, and your camera, and get ready to discover the magic of South Africa. Whether you're cage-diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai, hiking to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views, or immersing yourself in the cultural melting pot of Johannesburg, South Africa promises an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking scenery, thrilling wildlife encounters, and warm hospitality!

Paragliding in South-Africa

Cultural Highlights

Ethnicity and religion

South Africa is a melting pot of cultures. The population is a rich blend of indigenous groups, European settlers, and people of Asian descent. The majority of South Africans practice Christianity, with a significant portion identifying as either Protestant, Catholic, or belonging to various African Independent Churches. Additionally, there is a substantial Muslim community, as well as followers of Hinduism and traditional African religions.

The country's history is marked by the legacy of apartheid, a system that significantly impacted the socio-cultural dynamics. The post-apartheid era has seen efforts to promote inclusivity and unity among South Africans.

Geographically, Urban areas boast modern infrastructure, while rural regions may feature traditional thatched-roof huts. This diversity reflects the multifaceted nature of South Africa's people and their coexistence within the nation.

Local language

South Africa is a linguistically diverse nation with no less than 11 official languages! These languages include Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English. English is commonly used in administration and business, while indigenous languages play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage.

What to eat when you are hungry?

Let's chat about South African grub – it's a tasty adventure with a bit of everything! So, imagine this: you're at a braai, where meat's the VIP, all seasoned up and sizzling on the grill. It's like a backyard BBQ but with a South African flair.

Ever heard of bobotie? It's like a spicy meat masterpiece with an egg topping, thanks to the cool Cape Malay crew. And then there's biltong – the local jerky that's basically a snack superstar.

But wait, there's more! Chakalaka is the spicy veggie sidekick, and boerewors, the sausage sensation, always brings the flavor. And don't sleep on bunny chow – it's curry in a bread bowl, a Durban classic that's a must-try.

For the sweet tooth crew, malva pudding is like a warm hug on a plate, and koeksisters are twisted pastries swimming in syrup – a sweet ending to your food adventure.

South African eats are like a mixtape of flavors, blending traditions and telling stories on every plate. From the backyard braai to the dessert scene, it's a tasty journey through the rainbow nation. Cheers to good food and good vibes!

  • Check our interactive map to find out where hungry pilots get the best food near the flying sites.

What to read while you are on the road?

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Pilots in South Africa

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