SOFT LANDINGS AND BIG VIEWS: Where to try Paragliding in South Africa

If you’ve ever dreamed of floating on the breeze with sea cliffs, mountains, and shimmering water below you — South Africa is where you can make it happen. With its dramatic coastlines, big skies, and expert tandem pilots, this country offers some of the most beautiful and accessible paragliding in the world. And even when the wind takes a break, there’s always plenty more adventure to be had.



Cape Town — Signal Hill & Lion’s Head
If paragliding had headquarters, this would be it. Where else can you fly above a city so beautiful. Taking off from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head, you’ll drift effortlessly past Table Mountain with panoramic views of the city, ocean, and Robben Island. The flights end with a soft landing on Sea Point’s grassy promenade — right by the beach cafés. When the air’s not flyable, hike up Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, take a sunset stroll along the Atlantic Seaboard, or explore the vineyards of Constantia.



Porteville — The Cederberg Gateway
For a more rugged, mountain-flanked experience, head inland to Porteville near the Cederberg. Flights launch from the famous Dasklip Pass, gliding over red sandstone cliffs and quiet farmlands. It’s peaceful, vast, and deeply scenic. On grounded days, swap your harness for hiking boots. You can explore ancient San rock art, hike to hidden pools, or road-trip to the wild beaches and fishing villages of the West Coast.



Overberg — Hermanus, Kleinmond & Betty’s Bay
This stunning coastal stretch offers the perfect blend of ocean, cliffs, and fynbos covered veld. Soar above the surf with whales (in season!) in Hermanus, or enjoy smooth ridge lifts at Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay. The scenery is immense — turquoise waters, white beaches, and rolling fynbos hills. If the wind naps, there’s world-class wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, penguin watching at Stony Point Penguin Colony, a stroll along sea-sprayed cliff paths, or a walk on the wild-side at the fynbos spectacular Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.



Garden Route — Wilderness & Sedgefield
Few places are as forgiving — or as photogenic — as the Garden Route. Wilderness and Sedgefield are known for their smooth sea breezes, golden sandy beaches, and green-fringed lagoons below. It’s perfect for first-timers, with experienced tandem pilots and gentle take-offs. When you’re grounded, paddle the Touws River, hike to waterfalls, or explore local markets and cafés under ancient milkwood trees.


Bulwer — Drakensberg Magic
Bulwer, tucked in the green foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, feels worlds away. Flights here are calm and scenic, offering endless mountain views. When it’s too breezy, enjoy the area’s hiking trails, trout streams, or simply linger in a country inn watching clouds drift over the peaks.



Barberton — Big Views in the Lowveld
In Mpumalanga’s Barberton Valley, paragliding comes with warm air, dramatic ridges, and sweeping African views. It’s a relaxed, welcoming spot for tandem flights, with plenty to do nearby — from scenic drives to waterfalls and game reserves.



De Aar — The Karoo’s Wide Open Skies
For those craving open horizons, De Aar offers soaring views over the Karoo’s vast plains. It’s a place of silence, starry nights, and red-earth beauty — ideal for travellers who like their adventure with a touch of solitude.

Wherever you launch in South Africa, you’ll find that the flying is only half the adventure — the rest happens on the ground, between the wind shifts and the stories shared at sunset.