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Visiting South Africa

Where to find out how flying works in South Africa, who helps visiting pilots on the ground, and who runs tours here. The sources hold the details, so it's worth checking with them before you fly.

Sites on the map

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Sites in South Africa on a map

Before you fly

National body: South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) (opens in a new tab)

  • All pilots, including visitors, must be SAHPA members. A 3- or 6-month Foreign Pilot Membership includes third-party liability insurance.
  • Visitors need an IPPI 4 card or higher; IPPI 3 or below must fly under an approved school.

A short summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the current requirements with South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) before you fly. Summary checked 13 Oct 2026.

South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA): current rules for visiting pilots (opens in a new tab)

Finding local knowledge

  • Visiting pilots need SAHPA foreign temporary membership (3 or 6 months, with third-party insurance) and an IPPI 4 card; IPPI 3 or below must fly under an approved school's supervision.

Checked 13 Oct 2026. Sources: source 1 (opens in a new tab) · source 2 (opens in a new tab) · source 3 (opens in a new tab)

Help on the ground

Businesses whose own websites say they help visiting pilots. It's worth contacting them before you go. These lists are indicative, not complete. We add more as we find them, so there are likely others not listed here.

On offer here: Guiding (3) · Gear hire (1) · Accommodation (3) · Courses (3)

Flying tours here

Organised trips for qualified pilots, as each operator describes them. These lists are indicative, not complete. We add more as we find them, so there are likely others not listed here.

Sites and contacts

Information only. Forecast direction is compared with each site's published wind range; speeds are shown but not judged. Always check the official site guide, the administering club and conditions on the day. You are responsible for your decision to fly.