From North to South: The Extraordinary Paramotor Adventure Across South Africa

Imagine soaring gently above the earth, the landscape beneath you changing from lush green hills and rugged mountains to expansive desert plains and finally, breathtaking coastal vistas. For three adventurous paramotor pilots—Lawrence, Gary, and Jean-Pierre—this journey from the northernmost tip of South Africa to its southernmost point isn’t just a dream. It’s about to become their reality.

Set to kick off in May 2025, this daring expedition promises not only an adventure of endurance, skill, and mental grit but also a deeply personal journey filled with camaraderie, self-discovery, and the sheer joy of flying.

How It All Began

Both Lawrence and Jean-Pierre independently dreamed of a grand cross-country adventure. Lawrence was inspired by seeing other pilots’ remarkable achievements, including the Johannesburg-to-Cape Town flight undertaken by Jean-Pierre and Jaco, and most notably, an adventure some pilots undertook crossing Australia from east to west. Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre, fresh from completing his own memorable flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, was already looking towards the next big challenge after Jaco mentioned doing a North-To-South.

Fate played its hand when these two pilots crossed paths at Grasslands. Realizing their shared passion and vision, they eagerly joined forces along with Gary, another experienced paramotor pilot. With their supportive wives and Riaan Struwig providing crucial technical assistance, the stage was set for an extraordinary paramotoring expedition from tip to tip across South Africa.

Mapping the Journey

The meticulously planned route begins at the Limpopo River, South Africa’s northernmost boundary. Over seven days, the pilots will cover more than 2,200 kilometers, traversing iconic locations and landscapes:

Each landing site has been chosen meticulously for safety, logistical practicality, and ease of recovery by ground support, ensuring smooth transitions throughout the challenging itinerary.

Why Take on Such an Expedition?

For each participant, the motivation differs yet shares a common thread of seeking adventure, connection, and personal growth. Lawrence openly acknowledges his concerns about the psychological strain of the trip. Unlike the physical endurance of long-distance cycling—something he is familiar with—paramotoring requires intense mental focus in addition to physical fatigue, particularly when flying through turbulent air or challenging weather conditions.

For Jean-Pierre, the journey represents more than an extraordinary feat—it’s about pushing personal boundaries and savoring life’s extraordinary moments. Reflecting on past experiences, he emphasizes the invaluable life lessons and camaraderie gained from cross-country paramotoring. As he aptly notes, it’s about traveling far to truly discover oneself, and doing so together makes the journey deeply rewarding.

Challenges Along the Way

Every great adventure brings its own unique set of challenges. Lawrence candidly discusses his apprehension about fatigue, particularly given the strenuous demands of active flying, with continuous handling of brake toggles required to navigate variable wind conditions. “It’s different from anything I’m used to,” he admits, recognizing the immense mental stamina needed for day-after-day flight.

Weather, always the unpredictable wildcard, remains a prominent concern. While the group hopes for smooth flying conditions, they remain realistic. “If the weather turns dangerous, safety is our priority,” Lawrence emphasizes. Landing safely and waiting out unfavorable conditions is a plan embedded firmly within their strategy.

Traversing South Africa’s diverse geography also introduces other potential difficulties, notably the daunting mountain ranges. For Jean-Pierre, overcoming a deep-rooted fear of heights will be crucial in navigating these high-altitude crossings. Additionally, the uncertainty around preselected landing sites—painstakingly researched via Google Earth and Street View—introduces an element of unpredictability that the team must remain flexible enough to manage in real-time.

Beyond piloting challenges, Lawrence expresses heartfelt concern for his wife, who will be driving alone as the recovery and support vehicle. The mental strength required isn’t exclusive to pilots alone—support crews face their own tests of resilience and adaptability.

The Importance of Preparation and Unity

Meticulous planning is foundational to such an ambitious endeavor. The team has invested significant time researching landing sites, considering rotor turbulence, power lines, and tree cover. They’ve gathered extensive spare equipment to manage unforeseen mechanical issues. Yet, beyond logistical preparation, the bond between team members will prove invaluable. Their commitment to keeping the group small—limited to three pilots—ensures simplicity and cohesion, key elements to safely completing this demanding journey.

Discovering the Spirit of Adventure

At its heart, the North-to-South Tour embodies the essence of adventure flying—community, friendship, and the pursuit of personal dreams. It reminds all of us why we fly and why we seek adventures beyond our comfort zones. Paramotoring, as Jean-Pierre observes, revives the childlike wonder often dulled by the monotony of daily life.

Follow Their Journey

The paramotor community and the broader public can follow this exciting adventure closely on the SAHPA Facebook page. Regular updates, stories, and photographs will capture the highs, lows, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Ultimately, the North-to-South Tour isn’t just about flying—it’s about sharing the journey, inspiring others, and celebrating the indomitable spirit of adventure.

All the best to these adventurers and happy flying!