Top Paragliding Schools & Courses in Cape Town

Paragliding in Cape Town is more than just a thrill—it’s an incredible way to see the city from above, with Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the Atlantic coastline as your backdrop. If you’ve ever thought about learning how to fly, Cape Town offers some of the best training schools in South Africa.

Below are the top paragliding schools and courses worth considering, plus a few tips on choosing the right one.

Fly Cape Town Paragliding

This school is known for its tailored approach to training. Whether you’re just testing the waters with a two-day introduction course or starting your licensing journey, Fly Cape Town adjusts the pace to suit your learning style.

Highlights: Flexible courses, suitable for ages 16 and up, friendly instructor team.

Fly Cape Town

Birdmen Paragliding

Birdmen runs a full paragliding academy with options ranging from introductory tandem flights to full “Basic Pilot” licence training. They also offer crossover training for paramotoring, making them a versatile choice if you want to expand beyond paragliding later.

Highlights: Comprehensive academy, strong safety record, crossover training.

Birdmen Paragliding

Sky Safari Paragliding

Sky Safari takes training to the next level with a 12-day licence course that combines Cape Town with the Garden Route. This immersive program not only teaches you the skills to become an independent pilot but also doubles as a flying adventure through some of South Africa’s most scenic landscapes.

Highlights: Full licence course, travel component, excellent for adventure-minded students.

Sky Safari courses

Cloudbase Paragliding School

If your goal is to get certified and start flying solo, Cloudbase offers a SAHPA-approved Basic License Course. They emphasize both theory and practical skills so you can confidently handle your wing in different conditions.

Highlights: SAHPA accredited, strong focus on safe independent flying.

Cloudbase

Wallend Air

Based in Wilderness, a few hours outside Cape Town, Wallend Air is one of the oldest schools in South Africa. They’re known for their experienced instructors and strong training foundation. If you’re willing to travel a bit, this is a great option.

Highlights: Longstanding reputation, Wilderness training sites, highly experienced instructors.

Wallend Air

Square1 Paragliding

Perfect if you want to try paragliding before committing to a licence. Square1 offers an introductory course that gives you a taste of ground handling and short flights.

Highlights: Great for beginners, easy entry into the sport.

Square1

Other Accredited Schools

The South African Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association (SAHPA) also lists other approved schools in the Cape Town area, such as Cape Paragliding, Cape Hope Paragliding, Go Paragliding, and Icarus. Always check the SAHPA website for the most up-to-date list of accredited schools.

SAHPA schools

How to Choose the Right School

Before you book, here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Accreditation: Make sure the school is SAHPA and CAA approved.

• Instructor Experience: Look for schools with seasoned instructors who emphasize safety.

• Course Structure: A good mix of theory, ground handling, and supervised flights is essential.

• Equipment: Check if gear is provided in the course price.

• Flexibility: Since the weather dictates paragliding, a school that can reschedule is helpful.

• Reviews: Hearing from past students gives a real sense of what to expect.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to dip your toes in with a short introductory course or commit to becoming a licensed pilot, Cape Town offers a wide range of high-quality paragliding schools. The combination of professional instruction and some of the world’s most beautiful flying sites makes it one of the best places to learn.

So, are you ready to take off? Book your paragliding training today!