Gliding in and near Port Elizabeth

EP Gliding Club

Gliding, also known as soaring, is a recreational activity and competitive sport where individuals fly un-powered aeroplanes known as gliders. Most gliders seat one person, while training gliders can accommodate two people. ... more

For experienced glider pilots, South Africa is one of, if not the best, gliding locations in the world. Soaring over the landscape in a glider is a truly unique way to experience the vastness of the terrain and the differences in the regions. Several clubs operate throughout the country and welcome overseas visitors.

The best gliding location in South Africa is at Gariep Dam where several world records in gliding have been set. You can choose between shipping your own glider to store at the location, or renting one of the several varieties at the facility.

Also worth a trip is Bloemfontein in the Free State where several glides of over 1000 km have been recorded. At this location, gliders are for hire and the flying area is vast. It stretches all the way to the border of Botswana to the Drakensberg mountains, depending on which way you would like to fly.

Worcester in the Western Cape has a gliding club that offers temporary membership to overseas visitors. They also offer beginner courses and introductory flights for those new to the sport.