I’ve been to a few music festivals in my time. From the shores of Lake Malawi to a 17th century fort in Zanzibar, there’s nothing that complements the frenzy of a music festival like a sweepingly beautiful scene. This year I’ll be adding the Vic Falls Carnival to my party portfolio, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. This is why you’ll be missing out if you don’t join us.
1. It’s over New Year’s Eve
Revelry on New Year’s Eve at Vic Falls Carnival 2012. Photo by Sydelle Willow Smith.
Between deciding which exorbitantly overpriced event to attend, trying to organise taxis, and face-scratchingly intense bar queues, there are many reasons why New Year’s Eve in the city is less than ideal. At the Vic Falls Carnival, however, everything’s laid out for you: accommodation is sorted, the music is organised, so all you have to do is suit up and identify your chosen beverage out of a line-up.
2. You get to ride a steam train
Steam train – part of the Vic Falls Carnival adventure. Photo by Sydelle Willow Smith.
After an epic three-day overlander trip to get some of us to the party, the travelling has only just begun. You get to party like it’s 1959 on this gorgeous old carriage: sip your G&T and watch the wildlife of the Victoria Falls National Park wander past your windows. Of course, there’s the not inconsiderable matter of DJ Francis keeping your ears as refreshed as your throat. It only gets better though, when you’re dropped off at a secret location in the bush. You’ll be safe from lions, but no promises have been made about attack of the squeaking takkie.
3. Adrenalin and adventure
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi. Photo by Rachel Robinson.
Never mind your raw eggs and bacon-fests: they say that the best way to beat a hangover is a spot of light bungy-jumping. Well, no. They might not say that, but I certainly do, as only a true fool would turn down the smorgasbord of ways to raise your heart-rate at Vic Falls (have a look at some other things to do at Vic Falls here.) From helicopter rides to white water rafting, gorge-swinging to a dip in Devil’s Pool, you’ll be quite busy. (I have to caution against a lion encounter though: here’s why.)
4. The lineup is promising
Jeremy Loops and Patrick McKay jam on the overland truck. Photo by Sydelle Willow Smith.
South African musicians have quite a big presence in the line-up, with Just Jinjer as a headliner and Flash Republic taking the countdown slot. Jeremy Loops’ brand of easy, pop-happy music never fails to get the flower-haired kids stomping around as if their bare feet are impervious to thorns, and from what I’ve heard of Shortstraw, they’ll be doing much the same. My highlight, though, is probably going to be Chikwata 263: they’re a Zimbabwean “mbira-punk” band with infectious beats, and songs about bananas. Don’t miss them.
5. It’s Victoria Falls. Duh.
Zambezi and Vic Falls
I haven’t been to Vic Falls yet, so I have only my imagination to rely on when waxing lyrical about the Smoke that Thunders. But watching the first rays of the New Year sun break over one of the seven wonders of the world? Sounds like an experience I’ll remember for a long time. For more of an idea of what to expect, read about Rachel’s adventure at the Vic Falls Carnival 2012.
