Tandem paragliding in Cape Town
Everything you need to know before you fly, from our launch sites to the weather, and honest answers to what first-timers ask.
There is no better place on Earth to fly.
With dramatic mountains, ocean views and a sky that seems to go on forever, every flight over Cape Town feels like a postcard come to life.
We fly mainly from Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, two of the most iconic launch sites in South Africa. From there you will glide past the cliffs of Table Mountain, float above the sparkling Atlantic, and see the city unfold beneath you.
Cape Town is also surrounded by incredible flying spots like Sir Lowry’s Pass, Franschhoek and Hermanus, each with its own conditions and scenery. Our tandem flights are the perfect introduction to free flight. No experience needed, just bring your sense of adventure.
We have done it before. We are doing it again.
Our Fly South microlighting company won gold out of more than 1,000 different excursions in 2004. Years later the wind brought us to Cape Town, and we bring the same First Class service and standards to every single guest who flies with us.
Conditions and weather
Flying conditions in Cape Town
Cape Town’s geography, where mountain, ocean and open sky meet in one place, makes it one of the most reliable and scenic paragliding destinations in the world.
But just like surfing or sailing, the wind is everything. We monitor the weather closely so every flight is both safe and enjoyable, and when conditions are perfect we launch into smooth, stable air.
Weather and rescheduling
Because paragliding depends entirely on the weather, your booking may be rescheduled, and in rare cases we may not be able to fly at all. Trust us, that is just as frustrating for us as it is for you.
Flying is our passion and our profession, but safety always comes first. If conditions change we stay in touch and find another suitable time. When the moment is right, we make sure it is worth the wait.
The questions everyone asks.
Trying something as exciting as paragliding raises a few questions, and that is completely normal. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most.
I’m scared of heights. Can I still go?
Absolutely, and most of our guests say the exact same thing before their flight. What people call a fear of heights is usually a fear of falling, which is why standing on a cliff edge feels scary, your body senses nothing is holding you.
Paragliding is completely different. You are securely strapped into a comfortable harness, supported by your pilot and the glider above you. Once your feet leave the ground, that nervous feeling disappears, and many of our most nervous passengers end up coming back for another flight.
Is tandem paragliding dangerous?
With anything humans do, from driving to hiking, there is always a small element of risk, and paragliding is no different. That said, tandem paragliding is extremely safe when it is done with the right equipment, in good weather, and under experienced professionals.
Modern tandem gliders are very forgiving, our pilots are trained to stay calm and in control, and we only fly with airworthy, regularly inspected, certified equipment, launching only when conditions are right. Your pilot’s top priority is always safety, theirs and yours.
Are take-offs and landings difficult?
Take-offs and landings are where the skill really shows. In light winds you will run a few extra steps to help the glider lift smoothly, and your pilot guides you every second of the way, but the real secret is in how the pilot handles the wing.
Timing is everything: knowing when to pull the wing up, when to run, and keeping control until it is flying overhead. The same goes for landings, knowing when to speed up, dive and flare for a soft, stand-up landing. That precision only comes with experience, and that is exactly what Skywings pilots are known for.
Can anyone go paragliding?
Almost anyone can enjoy a tandem flight. We welcome guests from age 14 and up, as long as you feel healthy and ready for a little adventure. If you have any questions about your own situation, just get in touch before you book and we will talk it through.
Book your flight. Pay on the day.
No deposit, free reschedule if the weather turns, and the calmest way you will ever see Cape Town.