Africa may not be an obvious choice when it comes to paragliding but the scenery is spectacular and the contrast of your high tech wing and the unspoilt surroundings heightens the feeling of adventure. There are probably thousands of undiscovered greats on the African continent, but I have mostly been paragliding in Central Tanzania around the Rift Valley where there are some satisfying tropical thermals to ride. The cloudbase here is around 25000 metres so it's pretty spectacular flying if you can imagine views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kamakia Waterfall, Ol Doinyo Lengai, surprised elephant herds, the Rift Valley and the like. Don't be too worried about landing spots. That was one of my main concerns but it's doubtful you're going to go out here without a guide of sorts and you're bound to get good advice, there aren't many people doing it yet and you need to be quite an organised operation, with sound camping gear and good off road vehicles to offer it.

This is probably not a suitable adventure for inexperienced pilots and you need to be pretty fit and comfortable sleeping in a tent. It's not like anything else though, totally worth the effort and the mosquito bites for the view and the isolation. One word, Peace.

Written by  Kirk Browne.

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Howzit Kirk, I am a Professional Hunter and planning to hunt in Tanzania in the 2010 season but to take my glider with to explore in my off time. Eny sugestions??

 

Comment posted 16th August 2009 by Tinus van der Mescht.

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