ABOUT US
Sonja & Hano Otto
Trisport is an inspirational South African company that specializes in designing and organizing multi-day Events and small Boutique Tours.
Founded over 20 years ago by a dynamic husband and wife duo, Hano and Sonja Otto, Trisport combines their sporting passion with the ability to create exciting ventures. Having competed internationally for many years as professional endurance athletes, both Sonja and Hano know exactly how to design and run incredible Adventure and Activity Holidays in spectacularly scenic regions of South Africa.
They have a team of experts who will always welcome you with a great smile, a warm heart, and you will leave with a host of new friends. Trisport’s boutique tours are not limited to South Africa; they also go to Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, Egypt, and Reunion. Their Hiking, MTB and Running Tours and events in South Africa are in Pondoland – Transkei, Nieu Bethesda, Kalahari on the Red Dune Route, Namakwa, Gardenroute, Limpopo.
Contact Sonja on sonja@trisport.co.za to experience the most incredible adventure of your life!
Sonja Otto
Trisport was founded by the exceptional and accomplished Sonja Terblanche-Otto, a native of the Eden District. She graduated from Point High School in Mossel Bay and holds academic qualifications from some of the most prestigious universities in South Africa, including the University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town, and the University of Pretoria. Sonja is a highly qualified individual with four degrees, including BSc in Nature Conservation, BSc (Hons) in Zoology, BSc (Hons) in Exercise Science, and MSc in Exercise Science. She is also a PADI Open Water Instructor, with a passion for marine life, scuba diving, and teaching others to explore the fascinating underwater world.
Sonja is a world-class athlete and a proud recipient of South African national colours in triathlon and duathlon. Between 1997 and 2005, she competed at the highest level as an Elite/Professional athlete for South Africa. She was twice recognised as the South African Long Distance Triathlon Champion, in 1998 and 1999, and has competed in six international Ironman races across the globe, including South Africa, Hawaii, Lanzarote, Germany, and Canada. Additionally, she has raced globally in numerous Half Ironman and Long distance triathlon races in California, Japan, Germany, Hawaii, Sweden, France, New Zealand, and the UK. Sonja’s best time in the Ironman (Germany) was a remarkable 10hr 50min, and her best time for a Half Ironman (California) was an astounding 4hr 35min.
After semi-retiring from professional racing in 2005, Sonja worked tirelessly with her husband Hano to organise numerous sport and adventure racing events. She was the co-founder of the South African Ironman Event in Gordon’s Bay in 2000 and 2001. Sonja’s passion for helping people achieve their personal goals, combined with her experience as a professional athlete and academic qualifications, ensures that Trisport’s events and tours are based on the latest and most updated sport scientific research.
Hano Otto
Hano has been a sports enthusiast since he was young, excelling in various disciplines such as rugby and athletics, with a focus on cross country. His passion for sports led him to serve in the special forces of the army and pursue a degree in law at the university.
Hano started his professional career as a personal assistant for a judge in the High Court, where he achieved numerous milestones in road running. He has completed 12 Comrades Marathons, secured the 2nd position in Rhodes Mountain Marathon, and finished 9th in the Karoo 80km Marathon in less than 6 hours.
In 1999, Hano entered the world of adventure racing and quickly became a force to be reckoned with. He participated in his first race, the Cederberg 500km, and has never quit a race since then. His remarkable skill and endurance led him to compete with the only South African team in the Borneo Eco Challenge, where they finished in the top half of the field.
After 11 years of practicing law as a State Prosecutor in the Drug Court, Hano recognized the opportunity to start his own sport business in 2001, together with his partner Sonja. Their passion for adventure and sports led them to organize numerous adventure races, both nationally and internationally. They organized the Bull of Africa Adventure race event, which was part of the World Adventure Racing series for three years in South Africa. Hano is highly skilled in corporate team building, training, and personal development, with a passion for developing personal skills in young leaders.
In 2010, Hano and Sonja moved to Mozambique, where Hano managed the Ponta Malongane dive resort. After returning to South Africa, they started TriSport, an organization that aims to change people’s way of living forever through their events. Hano has obtained various qualifications, including High Ropes Director (Ropes Course Development – UK), Abseil Supervisor, Rope Skills Instructor, River Guide, Skipper (40 nautical miles), Advanced Scuba Diver (PADI), Sailing – Competent Crew (8000+ nautical miles), and various Facilitation courses. He is a confident and skilled individual, with a passion for adventure and a commitment to excellence.
