Gariep Fly-In 2026
Thu Sep 24, 14:00 - Sun Sep 27, 14:00
Big Water Airport
ABOUT
The Inaugural Gariep Fly-In Weekend
Join us for our first-ever Annual Gariep Fly-In at Big Water Airport (FAGA) from Thursday, 24 September to Sunday, 27 September 2026.
This exciting aviation weekend will bring together pilots, aviators, families, and aviation enthusiasts for a memorable fly-in experience at Gariep Dam.
Tickets are available now, with a weekend program filled with flying activities, entertainment, food and great company.
Book now or register here and have one of our team members reach out and assist with your reservation process - Gariep Fly-In Registration 2026
Planned activities include Spot Landing, Air Navigation Rally, Paper Aircraft Fly-Off, Skydiving, and the Springboks vs Australia rugby match live on the hangar big screen.
Preliminary Weekend Agenda:
Thursday, 24 Sept 26
- Arrivals & Check-In
- Braai and Aviation Trivia Night
Friday, 25 Sept 26
- Late Arrivals & Check-In
- Spot Landing
- Paper Aircraft Fly-Off
- Karoo Queen Sunset Cruise
Saturday, 26 Sept 26
- Air Navigation Rally
- Barn Dance, Spit Braai and Prize Giving
Sunday, 27 Sept 26
- Springboks Rugby
- Farewell
Tickets
- For Aircraft and Occupants who wish to participate in the Fly-In Events
Select: Participants Entry - Per Aircraft
- For Aircraft and Occupants who do not wish to participate in the Fly-In Events, but still join the Fly-In
Select: Non-Participants Entry - Per Aircraft
These tickets do not Included camping and other services such as Skydiving, Glider Intro Flying, Paper Aircraft fly-off or any food vouchers. These will be charged separately and can be purchased beforehand or at the event as required.
General Day Visitors are welcomed and will incur a day visitor charge applicable on the day.
Visitors can also enjoy food stalls throughout the weekend, with pre-booked braai packs available.
Aircraft attendance is limited to a maximum of 50 aircraft, so early booking is recommended.
Limited on-site accommodation is available for participating pilots and passengers only. Facilities include showers and bathrooms, 15 deluxe glamping tents, and 25 general camping areas.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
For Sponsorship and Donations, please contact [email protected]
INFO GUIDE
BIG WATER AIRPORT
Gariep Dam, Free State, South Africa
Gariep Fly-In 2026
24 – 27 September 2026
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION & SPONSORSHIP GUIDE
ABOUT THE GARIEP FLY-IN
The Gariep Fly-In is hosted at Big Water Airport on the shores of Gariep Dam - South Africa's largest reservoir. Set against the sweeping Karoo landscape, the fly-in brings together pilots, aviation enthusiasts, families and corporate guests for four days of flight, competition, evening entertainment and warm South African hospitality.
The 2026 event runs from Thursday, 24 September to Sunday, 27 September. Activities cater for all levels and backgrounds - from seasoned competition pilots and ultra-light enthusiasts to first-time spectators, day visitors and corporate parties.
Event highlights
- Spot Landing Competition - precision landing challenge open to all aircraft classes
- Air Navigation Rally - cross-country navigation competition over the Karoo
- Paper Aircraft Competition - open to all ages.
- Skydiving solo and Tandem Jumping - thrilling aerial exhibitions over the airfield (free to watch or consider joining the jump, fees paid onsite)
- Glider and Tug Display – Tandem Intro Flights & Glider Displays
- Fun Run - morning airfield run, all paces welcome
- Karoo Queen Sunset Cruise - sunset and dinner cruise on Gariep Dam
- Quiz Night - aviation-themed trivia with prizes
- Barn Dance - music and entertainment on Saturday evening
- Prize giving - Saturday evening
- Springboks vs Australia - live rugby screening on Sunday
ON-SITE FACILITIES & SERVICES
Aviation fuel
- AVGAS (100LL)
- JETA-1
- MOGAS
Safety & security
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on site for the full duration of the event
- Security personnel present throughout the event
Food & beverage
- Food stalls open daily — light meals and snacks during the day
- Snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available throughout
- Breakfast available on-site — pre-purchased, limited tickets available onsite
- Dinner available on-site — pre-purchased, limited tickets available onsite
General facilities
- On-site ablution facilities for campers
- Shuttle service between Big Water Airport (BWA) and Gariep Dam Forever Resort – Purchased Onsite
Important: Card payments only — no cash is accepted anywhere on site. Please ensure you have a payment card available.
CORPORATE & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsoring the Gariep Fly-In 2026 gives your company direct, personal access to a passionate audience of pilots, aviation businesses, enthusiasts and their families. Your brand will feature prominently across a three-day event with built-in media moments, prize givings, evening entertainment, and digital coverage at one of South Africa's most scenic aviation venues.
Why sponsor the Gariep Fly-In?
- Reach a captive audience of pilots, aviation professionals, enthusiasts and families
- Brand presence at a premium Karoo venue on the shores of Gariep Dam
- Association with a growing, established community aviation event
- Networking with industry professionals and decision-makers in an informal setting
- Memorable brand moments at prize givings, evening events, and on-site signage
- Social media and video coverage extending reach beyond the event
Sponsorship tiers
Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
CONTACT & REGISTRATION
To register as a pilot or crew member, or to enquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the event team:
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Phone: +27 72 619 4030
Website: www.bigwater.aero
We look forward to welcoming you to the Gariep Fly-In 2026!