Name: South African Adventure Industry Association
Address: 5 Diep in Die Berg, Pretoria, GT, 0084, ZA
Telephone: +27 76 601 4997

WELCOME TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

FEATURED ARTICLES

Breaking Barriers: SA AIA Supports Groundbreaking Accessible Adventure Pilot in Gauteng

On 31 January 2026, a pioneering pilot hike in Gauteng opened the outdoors to blind and partially sighted adventurers. Supported by professional guides and driven by trust, connection, and thoughtful planning, this experience marked the beginning of a new chapter for inclusive adventure in South Africa.

The Importance of Vehicle Recovery Skills Part 1

Getting stuck is an inevitable part of off-road driving, regardless of experience or vehicle capability. In Part 1 of this series, we explore why recovery situations happen, how driver behaviour and decision-making play a role, and why staying calm and following a structured approach is essential for safe and effective vehicle recovery.

How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoe for You

Probably the most commonly asked question among hikers is "which hiking shoe is best?" This is a hotly debated topic; everyone swears by their favourite brands. A glance at social media hiking groups with this question will show you dozens, if not hundreds, of opinions. It is such a subjective topic and opinions are not facts. Is there a way to look at this objectively? Well... yes, and no. Let's give it a try. The number one thing: One thing that almost everyone does agree o

Driving on Gravel Roads: Essential Tips for 4x4 Off-Roaders and Overlanders

Gravel roads, with their varied soil compositions—ranging from sandy and gravelly to clayey, loamy, or rocky—are a common and often unavoidable part of overlanding and off-roading adventures.

SA AIA is committed to establishing itself as a SAQA-recognised professional body, with work already underway to meet all requirements.

SA AIA represents two distinct sectors within its membership: Individuals – students and those who are qualified and who operate within the Adventure Based Learning (ABL), as well as the Adventure Tourist guiding industry – and businesses – that provide training, products, and services within the ABL and Adventure Tourist guiding industries. As such, it facilitates bringing together two of the main entities that play a role in developing regulatory frameworks namely individuals and businesses.

SA AIA is a member driven professional body for the Adventure Based Learning Industry and the Adventure Tourist Guiding industry. Our mission is to collaborate with likeminded individuals and organizations to unlock the economic, human, and environmental potential of the Southern African Adventure Industry through a process of professionalization.

Become a Member

Become an Outdoor Adventure Leader.

An "Outdoor Adventure Leader", which we use here as a generic term for an Adventure Tourist Guide or an Adventure-Based Learning Facilitator, instructs and guides individuals and groups undertaking adventure activities in a variety of outdoor locations. Activities may include outdoor education and recreation, bicycle touring, bushwalking, canoeing, caving, cross-country skiing, horse trekking, rafting, rock climbing and sailing.

Personal Requirements & Expectation

Adventure Tourist Guide

Adventure-based Learning Practitioner

Outdoor Education & School Trip Safety

Outdoor education and school trips offer powerful learning experiences — from nature exploration to team building, problem solving and personal growth. But they also involve activities with real risks and responsibilities.

Outdoor education programmes often include activities where technical competency matters — such as hiking, river activities, ropes courses, cycling, environmental learning and more. SA AIA’s role is to help define what good looks like for training, risk management, and professional practice in these settings.

SA AIA supports safer outdoor education, school trips and school camps through professional standards, guidance, and verification

Find out More