African Celebrations And Festivals

1. Mombasa Carnival – November, Kenya

The Ministry of Tourism in Kenya organises the country’s biggest yearly festival, which is a veritable merriment of floats, costumes, music and dance that exemplifies the rich cultural diversity of the region.

On one hand, you’ll hear both traditional and modern music, while on the other, you’ll see vendors selling fresh coconut milk and a brewed beverage called Mnazi, created from coconut sap.

People wear traditional Kikoy and Kanga costumes during these African celebrations. The parade ends at Fort Jesus beach, where there is a boat regatta!

Other things to do in Kenya

• Hike Mount Kenya
• Masai Mara safari
• Relax on Diani Beach
• See gorgeous views at Watamu
• UNESCO World Heritage City of Lamu
• Lake Nakuru National Park (Rhino spotting)\
• See beautiful elephants at Amboseli National Park
• Visit the town of Kilifi
• Hells Gate National Park
• Stay at one of the most unique hotels in the world; the Giraffe Manor.

2. Festival of the Dhow Countries – July, Zanzibar

The Zanzibar International Film Festival, also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, is a legendary event that is sometimes hailed as the biggest cultural gathering in East Africa.

Various East African nations, together with those of Pakistan, Iran, the Gulf States, and India and Pakistani art and culture are merged in it.

Although the film competition takes centre stage, the festival also features a wide array of musical performances, theatrical productions, workshops, seminars, and conferences.

The festival takes place at a number of picturesque and historically significant locations close to Stone Town’s waterfront, and a Village panorama carries the festivities all the way to the surrounding rural areas.

By complete chance, I discovered an outdoor film screening during my initial festival visit to Stone Town. What made the evening even more unforgettable was when, after seeing it with some locals, one girl insisted on showing me the greatest street-food stand to get fresh Zanzibar pizza.

One of the top things to do on a trip to Zanzibar is to attend this one-of-a-kind event.

Other things to do in Zanzibar

• Visit Zanzibar’s Old Town; Stone Town
• Shop at Darajani Market
• Try or watch Capoeira; often found on the beach in the evenings
• Relax on one of the gorgeous beaches
• Try snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll
• Eat at The Rock
• See the turtles on Prison Island

3. National Arts Festival – June to July, Grahamstown, South Africa

The normally peaceful streets of Grahamstown are turned into a whirlwind of vibrant activity during this yearly spectacular, which is known as Africa’s biggest cultural festival and African celebrations. It draws both local and worldwide celebrities.

With over 600 unique acts ranging from musical theatre to stand-up comedy, every spare room transforms into a stage, and any open area becomes a flea market.

Other things to do in Grahamstown

• Cathedral of St Michael and St George
• International Library of African Music
• Provost military prison
• 1820 Settlers National Monument
• Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
• Kwantu Private Game Reserve

4. Hermanus Whale Festival – late September, South Africa

Although this South African event is billed as a “Enviro-Arts” festival, the migratory Southern Right Whales are the true attractions.

When it comes to whale watching from shore, Hermanus is unrivalled. The picturesque seaside village welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually, many of whom come to see the whales.

Indulge in some mouthwatering cuisine while listening to lively music and enjoying a joyous environment! Remember to use one of these several methods to say “hello” when you meet someone in South Africa.

The Marine ECO Village, street parades, live performances, films, music, local arts and crafts, and a classic car exhibition called Whales and Wheels make this event perfect for families.

Other things to do in Hermanus

• Hermanus Cliff Path Walk
• Fernkloof Nature Reserve
• Hermanus Wine Tours
• The whale museum
• Old Harbour Market Square

5. Maitisong Festival – April, Gaborone, Botswana

This yearly festival is one of the best in Africa, and it’s been going strong for 30 years, so it’s definitely a hit with both residents and tourists.

Gospel, kwaito, and Afro-pop are among the many musical types that are on display, making it one of the most popular attractions.

Everybody gets a shot at the action because the event offers both free and paid events!

Other things to do in Botswana

• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• The San Bushmen
• The Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Makgadikgadi Pans

6. Abu Simbel Festival – February and October, Egypt

Two times a year, in October and on February 22nd, there is a suggestion for an African celebration and festival that fans of Ancient Egypt will love.

At these two points in the year, the sun rises just over the entrance to the Abu Simbel temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, illuminating two of the three statues within while casting Ptah, the deity of the underworld, into darkness. This precise alignment is the key to the festival’s mystique.

Curiously, the entire temple had to be relocated in the 20th century when the Egyptian government planned to construct Lake Nasser. The monumental structure was dismantled into enormous 30-ton chunks for transportation.

Getting the temples to line up like they always have required some meticulous arithmetic, but it did necessitate moving the ceremony up a day.

At first, the alignment was supposed to take place on October 21st and February 21st.

Classical Nubian dances, live music, and an abundance of street food are all part of today’s festival celebrations, which may be the most unique aspect of an Egyptian event!

Other things to do in Abu Simbel

• Explore the many temples
• Lake Nasser
• Tombs of the Nobles
• The Nile river

7. The Gerewol Festival – late September, Chad

This must be one of the most fascinating cultural experiences a tourist may have, along with distinctive African celebrations, if they are prepared to have their views on marriage and gender roles severely tested.

According to some, the most competitive male beauty contest in the world takes place every year in the final week of September, when the rainy season ends, among the nomadic Wodaabe tribes.

Tribesmen go on foot, camel, or donkey for seven days to celebrate with music, feasting, and, most significantly, the pursuit of love.

The males, who are always accompanied by a little pocket mirror, spend countless hours getting ready for the Yakke dancing, when three female judges choose a champion who will be celebrated and immortalised for years to come.

The women of the Wodaabe community typically play the role of leader in polygamous relationships.

By tapping her husband on the shoulder, a woman who wants to be “stolen” from him by a more beautiful partner can signal her decision during the dance.

It is well worth the time and effort for tourists to make a point of attending the Gerewol festival so they may experience a unique cultural event.

Other things to do in Chad

• Visit the capital; N’Djamena.
• Aouk National Park
• Musee National N’Djamena
• Zakouma National Park
• Tibesti Mountains
• Unwind on the Chari River, Douguia

8. Zimbabwe’s Harare International Festival of the Arts

The festival highlights the indomitable spirit, resourcefulness, and ingenuity of the Zimbabwean people. The event, which happens every April, has more than a thousand musical acts.

The HIDA is a major international arts festival in Africa that has been going strong since 1999. This annual event takes place in the latter half of April or the beginning of May and features a weeklong celebration of poetry, dance, visual art, theatre, and music.

Other things to do in Harare:

• Mukuviski Woodlands
• Champing Sculpture Park
• Wild Is Life & Zen
• Balancing rocks
• National Heroes’ Acre
• Shona Sculpture Gallery
• Haha camp Game Park

9. Morocco’s Fez Festival

At this holy music festival, you can hear music from all around the globe, including Sufism from Africa, Balinese dance, Renaissance music from Italy, and Moroccan ballads.

This event has been going strong for 10 days in the beginning of June since its inception in 1994. Countless concerts, discussions, and musical performances by artists from around the globe are scheduled to take place throughout this period.

Initiated with the intention of bringing together Western and North African writers and thinkers, the event aims to emphasise Islam’s civilisational essence.

Enjoy some of the top attractions in Morocco while listening to live music, dining on foreign cuisine, and viewing breathtaking art exhibits.

I encountered a party of tourists who had been coming to Jnan Sbil Gardens annually for more than ten years at the gate. A hush fell over the garden as the sun dipped below the horizon and the sound of a choir filled the air. “This festival is why I still travel,” murmured one of the elder women.” I grasped her meaning well.

Other things to do in Fez:

• Bab Boujloud
• Al Attarine Madrasa
• Marinade toMBS
• Bou Inania Madrasa
• Medina de Fes
• Fes El Bali
• Burj Nord Museum
• The Royal Palace in Fex
• Chouara Tannery
• Dar Batha Museum

10. Chana’s Afrochella – Ghana

Thousands of music enthusiasts travel from far and wide to attend this event, which showcases African musical talents. Despite its relative youth, the Ghana Festival is quickly rising to prominence as one of the continent’s most anticipated holiday events, taking place in the final week of December.

At one of our favourite African celebrations, you can totally immerse yourself in the Afrocentric festivals with live music, dance performances, and art installations.

Discover a one-of-a-kind festival that celebrates the rich heritage and dynamic creativity of African entrepreneurs and creatives. At the festival, you can enjoy African art, music, and cuisine.

Other things to do in Ghana

• Cape Coast Castle
• Kakum National Park
• Elmina Castle
• Mole National Park
• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
• Boo Beach
• Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls

11. Knysna Oyster Festival in South Africa

During their annual Oyster Festival, South Africans celebrate the delicious seafood delicacy with a half marathon, cycle race, swimming, scuba diving, and canoeing affair.

This lively festival is perfect for families, sports fans, and foodies. Everything from bungee jumping and adventure racing to golfing and culinary contests to wine and whisky tastings and live music is on the menu.

While there is something for everyone at this 10-day celebration, oysters take centre stage. Not only can you eat and shuck oysters, but you can also visit oyster farms, compete in oyster cooking contests, and have meals themed around oysters.

Other things to do in Knysna:

• Featherbed Nature Reserve
• Knysna Waterfront
• Knysna Elephant Park
• The Motorcycle Room
• The Heads
• Wild oats Community Farmers’ Market
• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Brenton-on-Sea

12. Ouidah Voodoo Festival

Benin celebrates its traditional religion and related cults with a national holiday in January.

As one of the many African festivals centred on faith, this one is often observed as a national holiday.

When you visit Benin, you will be able to partake in a huge feast, as well as rituals, sacrifices, music, and dance. Unparalleled by anything I had ever encountered, the ambiance was pulsating with drumming and whirling colours.

People of African descent from all over the globe, including the Americas, Brazil, and the Caribbean, have been attending the event for years, and it has only become bigger.

Other things to do in Benin:

• Pythons Temple
• Dantokpa Market
• Pendjari National Park
• Ouidah Museum of History
• Fidrosse Beach
• Bab’s Dock
• Cotonou
• Lake Nokoue
• Porto-Novo
• The Museum of the Zinsou Foundation

13. Festival of the Dancing Masks in Burkina Faso

People from more than forty different villages gather for this event, when they dance, sing, and tell stories while dressed in elaborate costumes.

Another name for this lively African festival is FESTIMA, and it features masks, music, and dancing. The masks, which are crafted from various natural materials such as leaves, straw, wood, and textiles, have a significant function in the ceremonies and the life cycle.

Other things to do in Burkina Faso:

• Ouagadougou Cathedral
• Monument of National Heroes
• Bobo-Dioulasso
• Grande Mosquee de Bobo-Dioulasso
• Paroisse Cathédrale notre Dame des Lourdes
• Ouagadougou
• Elise de Apoya
• Pics de Sindou
• National Museum of Burkina Faso

14. Timkat in Ethiopia

The countrywide Orthodox event spans three days and takes place in various towns and cities. Gondar hosts the most well-known festival, where thousands of pilgrims don white robes to participate. Pilgrims reaffirm their baptism vows in the sacred waters of the Fasiladas’ bath.

Other things to do in Ethiopia:

• Abuna Yem’ata Ruh
• Bale Mountains National Park
• National Museum of Ethiopia
• Red Terror Martyr’s Memorial Museum
• Fasil Ghebbo
• Rock-Hewn Churches, Lali-Bela
• Simien Mountains National Park
• Mount Entoto
• Omo National Park
• Nahiso Terara

15. Tunisia’s International Festival of the Sahara

Over the course of four days, participants will sing, read poetry, feast, and dance in honour of the Saharan people and their rich cultural heritage.

Among the world’s most extraordinary art festivals, this is among the most extraordinary African celebrations. From camel racing and dancing to parades, you may witness a range of activities that showcase the traditions and culture of the Berbe and the Bedouin.

Other things to do in Tunisia:

• National Museum of Bardo
• Ribat of Sousse
• Medina
• Amphitheater of El jam
• Djerbahood
• Ez-Zitouna Mosque
• Guellala Museum
• Maths of Antonius
• Jasmine Hammamet

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Despite the fact that this isn’t exactly a festival or celebration in Africa, you really must see it while you’re there.

You can arrange a vacation to Tanzania or Kenya to see the Great Migration pass through those countries every year, and you will get to see animals in their natural habitat.

Many animals leave the South Serengeti during the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. Many other kinds of creatures, such as gazelles, zebras, hyenas, and lions, will be visible to you.

Because this is unlike any other natural occurrence on Earth, pinpointing its precise time and place has been challenging.

Although the event’s timing and path are subject to change according to rainfall, we still suggest visiting Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area or Serengeti National Park, or Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, to witness it in all its glory.