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Skydiving in South Africa

2 Days Garden Route Experience

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Cape town: Tandem Skydiving
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Skydiving in South Africa: Soar Above Diverse Landscapes for the Ultimate Rush
Skydiving is the ultimate expression of freedom - an electrifying rush that pushes your limits while allowing you to see the panoramic views. If you are someone looking for a bold and untamed skydiving experience, South Africa offers the thrill that you want.
Skydiving in South Africa offers diverse and dramatic drop zones, which allow you to see everything from the coastline of Cape Town to the game-rich plains of Johannesburg. Just imagine yourself free-falling over Table Mountain, the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, or even near wildlife reserves; this is a skydiving adventure that connects you with nature in the most exhilarating way.
Skydiving centres in South Africa are operated by highly skilled instructors who offer tandem jumps and courses for all experience levels. Most operators follow the global safety guidelines to ensure not just thrilling but also a safe diving experience.
Whether you're a seasoned thrill-seeker or trying skydiving for the very first time, skydiving in South Africa allows you to fly beyond boundaries!
Why Skydive in South Africa?
Skydiving in South Africa is packed with adrenaline and visually diverse landscapes that include iconic coastlines, mountain ranges, and vast savannahs. This is an experience that you won't have anywhere else.
Just imagine yourself diving above Cape Town while seeing the breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the dramatic Garden Route coastline, and even wildlife, making it one of the few places in the world where you can combine skydiving with safari-style scenery.
Most operators in South Africa feature highly experienced instructors certified by international bodies who guide you for a freefall year-round while handling everything from jump to landing. This is the best place for skydiving in South Africa for both first-timers and experienced jumpers.
Best Time to Go Skydiving in South Africa
South Africa is a year-round skydiving destination, thanks to its varied climate zones. However, the best skydiving in South Africa is from March to May and September to November, as it offers mild temperatures, lower chances of rain, and clear skies across major drop zones.
Cape Town may get windy from December to February, while June to August may bring rain, particularly in coastal areas. The inland zones, like Johannesburg or Oudtshoorn, offer more stable conditions year-round.
- Ideal seasons: March-May and September–November
- Height of the fall: Approx. 9,000 to 13,000 feet
- Skydiving in South Africa Price: From ZAR 2,500 to ZAR 4,500
Types of Skydiving Experiences
- Tandem Skydiving: It is an ideal option for first-timers, where participants are harnessed to a certified instructor and experience the panoramic views of the beaches, mountains, and savannahs.
- Indoor Skydiving: It is an emerging activity in South Africa that is conducted in a vertical wind tunnel. This is a skydiving-like sensation in a controlled, safe environment—great for training or overcoming initial fear.
- Solo Skydiving: Only open for licensed skydivers with a recognised certification. South Africa has various drop zones for solo skydiving, offering high-altitude jumps, gear rentals, and supportive skydiving communities.
- Static Line Jump: Used primarily for training purposes, static line jump allows beginners to jump solo from a lower altitude (usually around 3,000 feet), with the parachute deploying automatically via a static line attached to the aircraft.
- Accelerated Free Fall (AFF): This is a fast-track skydiving course where you start with instructor-assisted freefalls and progress to independent jumps. South Africa has various drop zones offering AFF training certified by international standards.
- Group Formation: Only for experienced and licensed skydivers, it involves creating shapes and formations mid-air while free-falling.
- Wingsuiting Skydiving: An advanced discipline where experienced jumpers wear a special suit with fabric between the limbs to glide horizontally through the air. It is available only for experienced skydivers under strict regulations monitored by centres.
Top Skydiving Centres in South Africa
Skydive Tandem Johannesburg
Location: Around 45 minutes from Johannesburg city centre
Highlights: Great for beginners with beautiful land views and experienced instructors.
Skydive Cape Town
Location: 40 minutes from Cape Town, near Melkbosstrand
Highlights: Jump with stunning views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the sea.
Skydive Mossel Bay
Location: Garden Route, between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth
Highlights: Enjoy skydives with ocean views and the option for high jumps up to 14,000 feet.
Safety and Requirements
- Minimum Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years old for skydiving in South Africa. Additionally, some operators may also allow 16-year-olds to do a tandem jump as per written parental or guardian consent.
- Medical Disclosure and Waivers: You’ll need to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks and confirm that you’re physically fit to skydive. This is standard practice across all PASA-affiliated centres.
- Certified Instructor and Equipment: Only trained and PASA-certified instructors are allowed to conduct tandem or solo skydives. All equipment is regularly inspected and maintained according to international standards (PASA, USPA, or BPA).
- Weather Monitoring: South African drop zones are highly cautious with weather. Jumps may be delayed or rescheduled due to strong winds, low cloud cover, or rain, especially near coastal areas like Cape Town or Mossel Bay.
- Weight Limit: For tandem jumps, the general weight limit is 100 kg. Some operators may allow heavier individuals by charging extra fees or conducting case-by-case assessments for safety.
- Insurance and Liability: Basic insurance is typically included in the jump cost. However, it’s recommended to check whether your travel insurance covers extreme sports, especially for AFF or solo jumps.
- Attend the Briefing Seriously: Pay close attention to the briefing during pre-jump training to properly learn posture, signals, and landing. It will keep you relaxed and safe.
- Bring Only Essentials: You should only carry your ID, water, sunscreen, and minimal valuables because you may not get a private locker before your jump. So, avoid taking your wallet and other costly items.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Apart from offering a once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience, South Africa is a dream destination for adventurers and nature lovers. From wildlife safaris to coastal beauty and vibrant cities, we've mentioned several things that you can explore here.
- Cape Town: As you land on the ground, you should take a cable car up Table Mountain to witness panoramic views. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Moreover, you can also enjoy local cuisine and shopping at the V&A Waterfront.
- Mossel Bay: Experience shark cage diving, whale watching (in season), or lounging on the beach. In addition, adventure seekers can also try sandboarding on the dunes.
- Johannesburg: After your South Africa skydiving experience, you can visit the Apartheid Museum or take a guided tour of Soweto to explore the history of South Africa. If you are an animal lover, you can enjoy the Lion and Safari Park to see wildlife animals like giraffes, cheetahs, and lions.
Tips for Skydiving
Skydiving in South Africa takes place according to strict global standards to ensure safety. Here, we have mentioned everything you should know.
- Check Altitude Before Booking: Drop zone altitude in South Africa varies widely, from coastal jumps in Cape Town to higher altitudes inland. Make sure to ask your provider about the altitude, offering the best views and longest freefall time.
- Prepare for Cooler Weather at High Altitude: Temperatures may significantly drop even in warmer months. So, you should dress in layers and wear snug-fitting clothes under the jumpsuit.
- Avoid Safari or Long Drives Right After the Jump: You must give your body enough time to adjust after skydiving before going for a long road trip or safari, particularly if you're skydiving for the first time.
- Respect Local Wildlife and Safety Zones: In South Africa, drop zones are often near protected lands. Follow instructions carefully to avoid disturbing nearby wildlife or entering off-limit areas.
- Carry Valid ID or Passport: Many operators require participants to carry a government-issued ID and passport for check-in, especially if you are a foreign tourist.
- Ask About Group Discounts or Packages: You may get some good deals and discounts when you are travelling in a group or looking to pair skydiving with other activities like shark cage diving or wine tours.
Travel Tips
Getting There:
- South Africa has several major international airports, with Cape Town International (CPT), OR Tambo International in Johannesburg (JNB), and George Airport near Mossel Bay being the most relevant for skydiving travellers.
- Skydive Cape Town: About 40 to 50 minutes by road from Cape Town city centre. You can use airport taxis, private transfers, or ride-hailing services like Uber.
- Skydive Tandem Johannesburg: Roughly an hour’s drive west of the city. Renting a car is common, though some skydiving centres offer transport upon booking.
- Skydive Mossel Bay: Located along the scenic Garden Route, it’s best accessed via George Airport (about 30 minutes away). Car rentals are the most convenient way to explore the area.
Where to Stay:
- Near Cape Town Drop Zone: Stay in Table View, Bloubergstrand, or central Cape Town for easy access. These areas offer everything from backpacker lodges to boutique hotels with ocean views.
- Near Johannesburg Drop Zone: Accommodations range from urban hotels in the city to countryside guest houses closer to the drop zone, ideal for those seeking a more laid-back environment.
- Near Mossel Bay Drop Zone: Choose from oceanfront guesthouses, beach resorts, or cosy farm stays. The Garden Route is dotted with charming options, making it a perfect place for adventure and relaxation.