Paragliding Porterville

Leeuwenkop is a highly frequented paragliding site in Western Cape, South Africa, known for its consistent long-distance flights and excellent thermal soaring conditions. It is considered one of the best spots in Western South Africa for cross-country (XC) flying, especially between October and March. The site record here is an impressive 174.1 km. Leeuwenkop serves as an alternative to Dasklip Pass, offering a higher launch point that faces more directly into the prevailing southwest wind. This makes it a safer and more reliable option for XC pilots. The thermals are strong, allowing for quick takeoffs, and there is a significant ridge close to the launch area. **Weather Conditions:** - Best wind directions: West (W) to South-Southwest (SSW) - Thermic conditions: South-East (SE) days - Live wind readings available at: [iWeathar](https://iweathar.co.za/display?s_id=109) **Airspace:** - Ceiling at 2900m above sea level (asl) - FAR45 military zone 5km west in the valley (requires phone-in clearance) **Launch:** - Main launch area is from the carpark if the wind is straight. - Alternative launch from a wide ledge with netting below, suitable for experienced pilots but challenging for beginners. - Good run-off area for hang gliders. - Toplanding is possible. **Landing:** - Primary landing field is directly below the launch, to the right of a square forest (Grootelsbos). - Land on either side of the gravel road coming in from Porterville, using the ladder or gate. **Cautionary Notes:** - Experienced guidance is recommended in summer due to strong midday thermals. - Avoid fiddling with your harness near the launch site to maintain good glider control. - Use an assistant for launch timing in strong thermic conditions. **Directions:** - Continue past Dasklip takeoff around the back. After approximately 3 km, turn right (uphill). The road climbs out to the front of the ridge. **Contact/Guides:** - Patrice: WhatsApp/Phone +33766347974, PatriceCHartmann@gmail.com - [XC Paragliding South Africa](https://www.facebook.com/xcparaglidingsouthafrica) - [Birdmen Paragliding](http://www.birdmen.co.za) **Additional Information:** - There is an honesty box at the site: R35-00 per day. - Check with local pilots before using the site. For more detailed information, visit the [SAHPA site guide](https://www.sahpa.co.za/site-guide/sites/leeuwenkop/). Porterville is another premier XC site in Cape Town, known for its hardy scrub-covered mountains and excellent thermal activity. The site offers a good start for big cross-country flights, with the Cedarberg Range providing additional exploration opportunities. The best flying conditions are between November and March, with an average of four good flying days per week. **Landing:** - Turkey patch is directly below takeoff, around the Y junction at the base of the pass. - Fields on the west and southeast of the junction belong to Mr. Du Bois, a friendly farmer. - Close all gates and avoid livestock. **Permission:** - Site fee payable to landowner Rob Manzoni (082 788 4398). **Accommodation:** - Mountain View: Upmarket accommodation for 20 people, with a pool (082 320 8510). - Flyers' Lodge: Pool, bunk beds, and lots of space (082 788 4398). - Pampoenfontein: 3 charming cottages near takeoff, better in cross-wind conditions (Contact Gemma Carlsson, 082 564 5500, gemmac@mweb.co.za). - Rockhaven: (083 630 8217). - Laatson: Cool retreat in the valley, 4 or 6 beds chalets (022 931 2468). - Beaver Lac: Rock pools and pine trees (022 931 2945). For more information, visit [Porterville Paragliding](https://stpxml.sourceforge.net/Sites/Porterville/Porterville.html).

Located in Porterville, South Africa, this paragliding site offers a takeoff elevation of 691 meters with a height difference of 265 meters. The site features a hang glider takeoff ramp and provides good opportunities for cross-country flying. For more information, you can contact the Cape Albatross Hang Gliding Club (CAHG) through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cahgc/?locale=bs_BA

Height: 616 meters, Height Difference: 338 meters This site is frequently used and offers good thermalling conditions, making it suitable for cross-country (XC) flights, even over flatland. It is particularly utilized when the wind is coming from the east at Porterville. Located in the Western Cape, South Africa, this site has a record flight distance of 178.4 km. Another nearby site in the same region has a record of 10.7 km. For XC guides, you can contact Patrice via WhatsApp/Phone at +27846066700 or email at PatriceCHartmann@gmail.com. More information can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/xcparaglidingsouthafrica and their website: http://vollibreafriquedusud.weebly.com. Additional guides can be found at www.birdmen.co.za and https://www.facebook.com/people/Paragliding-and-Mountain-Adventures-around-SA/100064244641129/. Cautions: Be aware that an easterly wind can be a 'berg wind,' which may bring gusts, turbulence, and dust-devils. Do not underestimate the wind speed, as it can be very strong at higher altitudes. If the wind is southerly, the gully in front of the launch area can produce turbulence. Directions: Take the N1 towards Paarl, turn left onto the N7, and drive to Piketberg. Enter the town via the first turning and drive north through town. About 1 km out of town, turn left to 'Versveld Pass.' Park on the cutaway to the left just after the last right hairpin turn. Caretaker: Dirk (082 954 7043 | 022 913 3444) Take-off: Walk uphill from the cars, over the fence, and about 50 meters up through the bush to find a small cleared area. For more information, visit: [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).

Dasklip Pass, located in Porterville, Western Cape, South Africa, is renowned for its consistent long-distance flights and excellent thermal soaring conditions. This site is highly frequented and is considered one of the best spots in western South Africa for paragliding. The launch site is situated at the top of Dasklip Pass, oriented southwest to west. It is owned by Rob Manzoni, and site fees must be paid at the Flyers Lodge in Porterville. Ensure you get a thorough briefing and pay the site fee proactively. The site is optimal with light to medium winds, ideally less than 25 km/h. In lee conditions, very light southeast winds combined with prevailing thermals are preferable. Porterville averages at least four good flying days a week between November and March. If you are proficient in thermaling, achieving a 20 km cross-country flight is quite feasible. The airspace ceiling is at 2900 meters above sea level, and there is a military airspace (FAR45) 5 km west in the valley, which requires phone-in clearance. The launch area features a hang glider ramp and a shaded netting-covered area just above the road. The primary landing zone, known as Turkey Patch, is directly below the takeoff, around the Y junction at the base of the pass. The fields to the west and southeast of the junction belong to Mr. Du Bois, a friendly local farmer. Ensure you close all gates, avoid damaging fences, and steer clear of livestock. In summer, experienced guidance is highly recommended. Check the wind direction around the back of the mountain, as the takeoff site can sometimes be in the lee of a strong southeast wind. By afternoon, the wind usually shifts to a southerly direction, creating a strong rotor off the spine to the left of the takeoff. The gully to the right of the takeoff can cause a strong venturi effect, so avoid venturing deeply into it with a slow glider in a strong southwest wind. Directions to Dasklip Pass: From Cape Town, take the N1, then turn left onto the N7 and drive for 100 km to Piketberg. At Piketberg, turn right towards Porterville. Turn right at the T-junction and drive into town. Manzoni’s B&B is the third house on the right. When ready to fly, head out of Porterville, passing the T-junction and continuing north. The first right turn is signposted ‘Cardouw / Dasklip Pass’. Follow this gravel road for 10 km to reach the base of the tarred pass. Park your vehicle well off the road to avoid obstructing traffic. For accommodation, options include Mountain View, Flyers' Lodge, Pampoenfontein, Rockhaven, and Laatson. Each offers various amenities to suit different preferences. For more information, visit [SAHPA Dasklip Pass](https://www.sahpa.co.za/site-guide/sites/dasklip-pass/) and [Birdmen Paragliding](http://www.birdmen.co.za). Contact XC guide Patrice via WhatsApp/Phone at +33766347974 or email PatriceCHartmann@gmail.com. Additional details can be found at [Volli Brafrique du Sud](http://vollibrafriquedusud.weebly.com). Remember, no tandem flights are allowed from Dasklip without a valid card, and all pilots must first visit the Lodge to collect a visitor's card for the day.

Koringberg, located in the Western Cape of South Africa, is a popular site for paragliding enthusiasts. This site features a 300m high hill that overlooks flatlands, offering launches in three different directions. The site is regularly used for thermalling, and cross-country (XC) flights are possible. The site record for distance is 89.8 km. The take-off area is situated at 480m above sea level (approximately 300m above ground level). The best XC route is in the flatland direction towards Porterville Kardosie via Pieketberg, then along the ridge there. The site is accessible by driving on the N7 past Moorreesburg, turning left at Koringberg, and then following the directions to Goedgelee farm. The road to the launch site is rough and suitable only for high-clearance vehicles. After reaching the farm complex, you will need to park and ask for permission to go up. The final stretch involves walking from the Cellphone Mast to the launch area. Wind directions suitable for flying at Koringberg include S, SW, W, SE, and E. The site is managed by Bernie Kelly, and site fees apply. For permission and accommodation, you can contact the owners, Bregda and Teubes, at 022 423 8153 or mobile 083 597 0091. For more detailed information, you can visit [Eternity Press Site Guide](http://www.eternitypress/siteguide.htm).

Koringberg is a small ridge located in the Western Cape, South Africa, often used for cross-country flatland flying. The site offers multiple take-off directions, making it versatile for various wind conditions, including S, SW, W, SE, and E. The launch altitude is approximately 480 meters above sea level, with a height difference of around 300 meters from the base. The site record for Koringberg is 60.3 km, achieved in the Porterville flats. The best cross-country route is from Porterville Kardosie via Pieketberg, then along the ridge. Access to the site requires a high-clearance vehicle due to the rough road conditions. Directions to the site involve driving on the N7 past Moorreesburg, turning left at Koringberg, and following the route to Goedgelee farm. Permission to access the site must be obtained from the farm owners, Bregda and Teubes, who can also provide accommodation at Die Ark Campsite. For more detailed information, you can visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com). Caretaker: Bernie Kelly (082 650 9691) Owners: Bregda and Teubes (022 423 8153) Mobile: 083 597 0091

This paragliding site offers a takeoff height of 637 meters with a height difference of 385 meters. It is primarily known for its scenic flights and is suitable for hike-and-fly adventures. While there is potential for cross-country (XC) flights, it is not a highly frequented location.