Zip line or aerial park
Consider design and installation, the applicable code of practice, competent inspection, operating and rescue systems, and ongoing maintenance.
Read the zip-line starting point →Home / Knowledge base / Start an Adventure Park
For people researching a new venture
How to start an adventure park in South Africa
Start by defining the activities and participants, checking the proposed site with the relevant authorities, and planning equipment, competent staff, inspections and emergency procedures. This SA AIA guide brings those first steps together for zip-line, aerial and multi-activity adventure parks in South Africa.
01 / Define the idea
Which activities will your adventure park offer?
The answers change which permissions, specialists, standards and training are relevant. Describe the activity and the customer experience before you buy equipment or commit to a site.
Adventure park or centre
List every activity separately. A climbing wall, trail, water activity and vehicle route can each bring different risks and requirements.
Explore activity skills →School groups visiting your park
If schools or groups will attend, include safeguarding, programme design, supervision and the provider information they will need to review.
Explore school-trip safety →
What this guide is—and is not.
This is a research starting point, not an approval, legal opinion or exhaustive compliance checklist. SA AIA does not certify a proposed park or centre through this page. Requirements depend on the site, municipality, activities and operating model; confirm them with the responsible authorities and suitably qualified advisers.
02 / Before committing to a site
What site permissions should you check?
Landowner permission does not automatically mean that the proposed use is permitted. Ask the municipality what applies to the actual property and each proposed use.
- Confirm zoning, permitted or consent uses, and whether a land-use application is needed.
- Ask about building plans, structures, access, fire and public-safety requirements.
- Confirm landowner or lease permissions, including rights to install and operate equipment.
- Check whether environmental, water, protected-area or other site-specific approvals apply.
- Determine the business structure and registrations appropriate to the venture.
Start with your municipality's planning office. For an example of how zoning and building applications fit together, see the City of Cape Town's land-use guidance. Company-registration information is available from CIPC.
03 / Build around each activity
Design, equipment and inspections are not one-off purchases.
Ask the designer, supplier or installer to explain the applicable standards, intended use, limits, handover documentation, inspection arrangements, maintenance schedule and replacement criteria. Confirm who is competent to perform each specialist task.
A specific starting point
Commercial zip lines & aerial adventure parks
South Africa has a government-incorporated code of practice for commercial zip lines and aerial adventure parks. Read it early, including later notices or corrections, and obtain specialist advice on how it applies to the proposed installation and operation. Do not assume that a generic adventure checklist is sufficient.
Ask for a complete handover
Document specifications, operating limits, user restrictions, manufacturer guidance, inspection and maintenance instructions, and what to do when equipment is damaged or reaches the end of its service life.
Match skills to the activity
The SA AIA Technical Competency Framework brings activity-specific skills guidance together. It helps frame conversations with trainers and assessors; it is not a venue licence.
Browse technical competencies →
04 / Staff and responsibilities
What training will adventure park staff need?
Plan for activity instruction or facilitation, equipment checks, participant briefings, supervision, rescue, first aid and management. Keep evidence of competence current and relevant to the scope of work.
Adventure tourist guiding
A venue operator and a tourist guide are not the same role. If a person's paid duties meet the legal definition of tourist guiding, check the qualification, first-aid and provincial-registration route for that person.
Understand guide registration →ABL, LOTC and outdoor education
Outdoor-learning practitioners do not automatically need tourist-guide training. Their preparation may include activity-specific training, facilitation, safeguarding, first aid and employer or association programmes, according to their duties.
Explore ABL/LOTC training →The Department of Tourism explains the tourist-guiding framework; the official register can be used to check a registered guide.
05 / Day-to-day operation
Plan for the ordinary day—and the difficult one.
Think beyond opening day. A safe operation needs people, procedures, records and a way to review what is working.
Safety systems
Document activity risk assessments, participant screening and briefings, operating limits, weather decisions, supervision, emergency response, rescue and incident learning.
Safety-management resource →Inspection & maintenance
Set a documented programme for routine checks, periodic specialist inspections, maintenance, defects, repairs and taking unsafe equipment or areas out of service.
Activity SOP template →Insurance & contracts
Speak to a broker who understands the exact activities, participants and property. Ask about public liability, employee-related cover, professional advice, equipment, exclusions and what evidence insurers require. Have contracts and waivers reviewed by an appropriate adviser; they are not a substitute for safe practice.
Employers also have duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Department of Labour's employer guidance explains the role of risk assessment.
06 / Common questions
Planning an adventure park: common questions
Where should I start before buying equipment?
Define your proposed activities, site and intended participants. Discuss land use and structures with the municipality, then ask activity specialists about design, installation, inspections, staff competence and emergency arrangements. Use the site and permissions checklist before committing to a property or installation.
Does a zip-line park have its own code of practice?
South Africa has a code of practice for commercial zip lines and aerial adventure parks. The code and linked government correction are starting points for discussions with a competent designer, inspector and the relevant authority about your installation.
Can SA AIA approve my proposed adventure park?
This guide and an SA AIA referral do not approve or certify a park. SA AIA can help you find sector resources and possible specialist contacts. Confirm the permissions and requirements for your actual site and activities with the responsible authorities.
What should I include when asking SA AIA for help?
Send your province and proposed site, the activities you want to offer, intended participants and your current stage: research, property selection, building or preparing to open. Contact SA AIA with those details so the office can direct your enquiry.
07 / Find the right people
You do not have to map the sector alone.
SA AIA can help you identify the kinds of people and organisations to speak with—equipment suppliers and retailers, designers and inspectors, activity trainers, safety specialists and other experienced operators.
Tell us what you are planning.
Include your province and proposed site, planned activities, intended participants, and whether you are researching, choosing a property, building or preparing to open. We can then point you toward relevant resources and possible contacts.
Email SA AIAYou do not need to be a member to read this guide or ask an initial question. A referral is not an endorsement, approval or substitute for your own due diligence.