Orienteering has its roots in the forests of Scandinavia, where orienteering events were held at the end of the 19th century as part of military training. Orienteering was subsequently formalized, and the sport, as defined by the International Orienteering Federation, was introduced into South Africa in 1981.

Orienteering is a sport in which the competitor, aided only by map and compass, locates a number of features, termed "controls", marked in the terrain and on the map. Participants compete against the clock.

Competitors usually take part on foot, though separate competitions may be organized for people with disabilities, or using modes of transport such as skis or bicycles. Competitors take part singly and independently, unless entered as pairs or groups in competitions that permit such entries.