Explore every published SA AIA article online, from practical safety guidance and technical skills to outdoor learning, professional practice and stories from across the industry.
Choose a category, then open or close a year. Each article has a complete live web version and links to related reading.
Safeguarding in outdoor and adventure environments goes far beyond physical safety. Samantha Pennells-Ingle of Divergent Consulting explores why every experiential learning organisation needs clear safeguarding policies, professional boundaries and reporting procedures to protect participants, facilitators and organisations.
Read article →
Learn why schools should ask better questions and request evidence when choosing outdoor learning providers for camps, excursions and adventure-based education.
Read article →
Discover how a pioneering Accessible Adventure pilot in South Africa is opening the outdoors to blind and visually impaired participants — and shaping a more inclusive future.
Read article →
Vehicle recovery skills are essential for safe 4x4 travel. Learn why getting stuck is inevitable, how driver error plays a role, and why calm decision-making matters.
Read article →
How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoe for You? It's the one that is the most comfortable and suits your hiking needs. Its subjective, but here are the facts!
Read article →
Driving on gravel roads requires the right techniques for safety and vehicle control. Learn essential tips on tyre pressure, 4WD use, speed management, steering, and daily checks to help you drive confidently on gravel roads during any overlanding adventure.
Read article →
Discover key takeaways from the Business of Guiding workshop — from adventure tourism trends to AI tools reshaping the future of guiding in South Africa.
Read article →
Discipline at school camps is changing under the BELA Act. Here’s what teachers, facilitators, and camp organisers need to know to stay compliant.
Read article →
Discover how Ceres Adventure Guides are raising the standard in South Africa’s adventure tourism industry. From world-class zipline experiences to professional training and registration, Ceres Zipline Adventures is setting the benchmark for safety, professionalism, and unforgettable outdoor thrills.
Read article →
Professionalising Adventure Guiding. What happens when there's no one watching the guides?
Read article →
Explore the importance of safety around water in school excursions. Learn how educators, parents, and facilitators share this responsibility.
Read article →
When setting up a roof-top system, it’s essential to do your research. Carefully plan and configure your setup before beginning the design, build, and installation—ideally through a reputable fitment centre.
Read article →
The Adventure Institute is transforming South Africa’s facilitation landscape—training emotionally intelligent, technically skilled leaders who make real impact through adventure-based learning. Their mission? Safe, intentional, and life-changing experiences that empower youth and elevate the profes
Read article →
“Journey of the Earth Walkers” - Member Spotlight: Adventure Hiking Guide, Mandla Sibanda of Hyqe Club
Read article →
SA AIA Member Spotlight: Willem Steenkamp of High Africa Adventures
Read article →
Meet Jennifer Eisele, a professional culture and adventure guide in the Western Cape, blending sea kayaking, hiking, and storytelling into unforgettable tours.
Read article →
Towing a Caravan or Trailer with Your 4x4: Key Considerations for the Tow Ball weight
Read article →
A group of passionate, driven professionals gathered through the LOTC Practitioner Chapter to discuss how to elevate Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) in South Africa.
Read article →
The future of the Adventure Guiding Chapter
Read article →
A profile of Samantha Pennells-Ingle and her work in outdoor education, facilitation and safeguarding.
Read article →
Explore Adventure Tourism Careers in South Africa! Learn about qualifications, industry standards, and career paths for guides & LOTC practitioners.
Read article →
Developing Resilient Youth through Outdoor Adventure
Read article →
Why practical photography and videography skills matter for clearer, more effective digital marketing.
Read article →
Embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery with adventure therapy. Break free from routine and find confidence and social skills in the wilderness.
Read article →
Why it's essential for Adventure Professionals to hold a Wilderness First Aid certification.
Read article →
The importance of environmental conservation and a policy of promoting "Leave No Trace" in adventure tourism is a fait accompli.
Read article →
In South Africa "Learning Outside the Classroom" is a relatively new concept or teminology. Although applied and practised in a myriad of ways, it was only in the last few years that it was clustered under the term "Learning Outside The Classroom" or LOTC. More familiar terms that can be categorised
Read article →
Embark on a legal adventure with our comprehensive guide to qualified and unqualified adventure guides. Learn about the legal framework and safety requirements.
Read article →
LOTC Practitioners
Read article →
Adventure Unleashed: Safely Crafting Your Thrilling Tale
Read article →
Basics of Water Safety - making sure to avoid mishaps use some of these tips and tricks.
Read article →
Get a better understanding of the benefits of Learning Outside the Classroom.
Read article →
“Because it’s there”. That was George Mallory’s famous answer when he was asked about why he wanted to climb Everest. It is true that there seems to be no other logical reason that people would want to expose themselves to mental hardship and physical risk to get to the top of a mountain. However, t
Read article →
There is simply nothing better for the body and soul than a day (or few) out on the trails. Those of us with a love of hiking jump at the opportunity to sling on a backpack and get as far away from the rat race as possible. But what do these experiences mean for children – for their health, developm
Read article →
The significance of women in adventure is multifaceted and encompasses various aspects, including social, cultural, and individual perspectives.
Read article →
Working together will lead to outcomes greater than the sum of the parts. Synergy!
Read article →
Explore trauma-informed practices in outdoor settings, empowering participants' well-being. Discover transformative adventures and upcoming training by the Adventure Institute. Elevate your facility and facilitators to a world-class level.
Read article →
An interview with Saray Khumalo, Executive Director of Summits with a Purpose and the first black African woman to summit Mount Everest.
Read article →
Adventure is a state of mind and an essential part of life. Outdoor and adventurous experiential learning develops crucial life skills, but poor programming can lead to trauma instead of learning. Sensitivity, appropriate activities, and safety are vital for optimal learning experiences in outdoor a
Read article →
There are several valuable benefits to spending significant time using initiative activities in your programme before moving on to the ‘next level’.
Read article →
The tragic death of two international tourists on a rafting trip down the Highveld Crocodile River at the weekend marks the first fatal incident in commercial rafting in South Africa for several years. The incident highlights some river safety rules that everyone should know and observe specifically
Read article →
He stood there trembling at the edge of a 230-metre canyon; the oversize harness feels unfriendly as rough edges of the leg loops scratch his tender skin. Things look different from here. When his friends told him about this spectacular swing over a canyon, he pictured something different. Perhaps h
Read article →
Do you market your business? Are you showing the public (your audience) who you are, what you offer and where you are?Marketing and social media are critical for the Adventure Industry in SA. They provide an effective and efficient way to reach potential customers and promote the unique experiences
Read article →
The argument if Outdoor Education should be positioned in education, tourism or elsewhere is as old as these industries themselves.
Read article →
Tourism is so much more than generating revenue. It is the movement of people with the express purpose of gratification. Not only is it a significant economic pillar but it's also a social unifier. Sport Tourism and cultural and heritage tourism are but a few examples. The 2010 FIFA World Cup, the O
Read article →
Clearly, government has a key role in supporting safety, quality and sustainability in the outdoor adventure sector. One great advantage that government has over industry associations is its capacity to establish safety practices to which it is compulsory to conform. Industry associations can create
Read article →
We are human animals, part of the ecosystem on planet earth.
Read article →
Recent devastating floods on the Vaal river - a prime tourism and adventure destination - have raised questions about sustainable land use. Investment in tourist facilities such as lodges and campsites, as well as trails, fishing and paddling, must take account of regular flooding. The Vaal has a lo
Read article →
The Science of Team Building. People will engage if they feel valued and know that their opinion is important. This process of empowerment c
Read article →
Article about the benefits of Outdoor Education and Adventure Tourism in South Africa.
Read article →
Article explaining team development in schools and companies.
Read article →
ATKV Drakensville Environmental Centre has been operating in the Northern Drakensberg for the past 30 years. We offer a variety of opportunities for schools, churches and teambuilding camps. We specialise in training of adventure and culture activities under licence of Adventure Qualifications Netwo
Read article →
We have reached that final stretch of the year where we are tired after a long year but also excited about Christmas with family and friends or even that beach holiday. For millions of South Africans, this means a time of travelling to our holiday destination or home, where our hearts are.Sadly, thi
Read article →
When we look at water safety, we need to look at it from 4 points of view. So, to keep it as straight forward as possible this article will look at it from the point of the General public, Paying customer/Activity participant, Venue and Tour operator as well as guides. There is unfortunately not eno
Read article →
Newly published data by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shines the light on a vibrant and expanding outdoor recreation industry growing three times faster than the U.S. economy at almost 19% per annum. This staggering $862 billion (2021) industry is responsible for 4.5 million direct jobs and 3
Read article →Articles share practical knowledge, professional perspectives and experiences from contributors across the sector. Views expressed by individual authors do not necessarily represent official SA AIA policy.