Microlighting
Microlighting is a safe, controlled method of seeing the bush or zooming up over the spectacular Blyde Canyon. Unlike balloon safaris, where your launch and land sites are determined by prevailing winds, a microlight enables you to see exactly what you want.
Hoedspruit town is home to the Leading Edge Flight School. "Town" is the right description as the Bantams and Raptor trikes buzz the Spar supermarket as they take off and land from the adjacent grass runway!
Introductory flights are offered by the School to allow you to experience flying in a microlight for pleasure, to view the Big Five from above. Flips of 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes are available. You have the option to sit, experience the flight and view the game or you can have hands-on experience from the first flight should you so wish to start your formal training to fly.
Please mention this fantastic experience when you enquire if you would like to include it in your Safari.
The school is registered with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (ATO No. CAA/0141) and the Microlight Association of South Africa (MISASA). They operate two types of microlight: Bantam 3-axis microlights (a sturdy craft resembling a small fixed-wing plane) and Raptor weight-shift trikes (the real thing!).
Two pilots/instructors are available, seven days a week. Mornings or evenings are preferred for flips, particularly on the lighter aircraft (before/after the winds get up).
Pilot licences on these two types of microlight are offered by the school on a full and part time basis. Full-time qualification will take you between 14 and 21 days. A minimum of 20 hours must be flown, 5 of which must be dual and 15 solo. However, it normally takes at least 10 hours to go solo. The minimum age requirement is 17 years.
You will be required to get a radio licence and a flying medical, both of which can be obtained in Hoedspruit.
READ MORE
- Microlighting is an option on our African Adrenalin Safari, and can be added to many of the other organised tours
- Check out our African Hot Air Balloon Safari!
- Our "Royal Indulgence" and "Of Kings and Beasts" itineraries both include a helicopter-powered picnic with glorious views of the Escarpment on either side
