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Ride the Karoo thermals
Paragliding in De Aar
De Aar is a popular paragliding destination.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
De Aar means 'the artery' in Dutch, so named for its arterial-looking underground spring.
De Aar is one of the major towns of the upper Karoo region of the Northern Cape. It's recognised as the home of cross-country paragliding in South Africa, and is the venue where numerous international and national paragliding records have been set in recent years.
De Aar's paragliding conditions, particularly in the summer months, favour long distance flights with the De Aar Aerodrome recording more 200- and 300km flights than any other site on earth. It's equally as popular for cross-country hang gliding, with flights of up to 450kms recorded.
The chief paragliding operator is Fly De Aar, which has 4 runways of between 1.5 and 2km long where paragliders are launched by a winch attached to a moving vehicle. There are dozens of landing options in and around the town, which extends across the semi-desert landscape.
Fly De Aar offers various paragliding packages at its Northern Cape base along with fully inclusive tours that include coastal, flatland and mountain flying along the Garden Route of the Western Cape. Registered instructors are on hand to provide training for all levels of pilots.
The De Aar Aerodrome currently holds 5 world records: 2 solo distance records; 2 declared goal records; and a tandem open distance record. Experienced paragliding pilots will enjoy testing their skills here as they soar above this beautiful region. The additional option of a mountain launch site is also available.
There are a number of activities available in the area that can be added onto your paragliding safari, including San rock art tours, a visit to the Olive Schreiner House Museum, and the Garden of Remembrance, honouring British soldiers killed in the South African War.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
From Johannesburg take the N12 to Britstown, and then the N10 to De Aar. Johannesburg is 730kms from De Aar. From Durban take the N2 to Grahamstown and then the N10 to De Aar. Durban is 680kms from De Aar.
Around the area
The Olive Schreiner House Museum; Garden of Remembrance; De Aar weather station.
Tours to do
San rock art tours are conducted on several farms in the area.
What will it cost
Visit the Fly De Aar website for a detailed breakdown of costs.
Length of stay
At least one weekend.
What to pack
Always pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat, no matter what the season. Warm clothes are recommended for your flights.
Where to stay
De Aar has a number of B&Bs and guest lodges. Fly De Aar also runs their own guest house.
What to eat
Expect plenty of delicious South African country fare, including succulent Karoo lamb.
What's happening
See the Fly De Aar website for updates on paragliding and hang-gliding events in the town.