There’s nothing the people of South Africa love more than having a good time. Throw in some music, a dance floor, a vibrant atmosphere and you’ll be surrounded by a sea of smiling faces. Our festival scene continues to go from strength to strength, with Cape Town being voted the best destination for events and festivals in Africa at the World Travel Awards. If you are planning to attend a festival in 2019, here are 5 must-do festivals around our beloved country.
1. Bushfire Festival, eSwatini (Swaziland)
The thirteenth installment of the Bushfire Festival, which brings attendees a unique music and arts festival experience will take place this May. The festivities welcomes thousands of people each year from all around the world, who share in their commitment to music, arts and the environment. Bushfire Festival has been described as and energizing and uplifting celebration where over 26 000 people migrate to the tranquil Malkerns Valley of eSwatini for a weekend of art and music from Africa and beyond.
Having won the African Responsible Tourism Awards Best Sustainable Event title in 2017, Bushfire definitely practices what they preach. There is an all-inclusive three-night package, designed for festival-goers to have an effortless experience. The package includes transport to and from Joburg, the festival ticket, a camping ticket, camping equipment, cooking utensils and access to Once Travel hosts. The festival takes place from 24 to 27 May 2019, for ticketing information and the chance to grab an early-bird ticket, click here.
2. Splashy Fen Music Festival, KwaZulu-Natal
Established in 1990, Splashy Fen is South Africa’s longest running music festival. It has also been described as our friendliest festival. A collaborative effort of the festival’s attendees celebrates life, art, music, people and fun. Located in the Drakensberg and taking place from 18 to 22 April, Splashy Fen encompasses one of South Africa’s most beautiful backdrops into an extraordinary 4 days experience. This year, Jeremy Loops, Shortsraw and Desmond & The Tutu’s are some of the local talent populating the line up that is yet to be fully released. The festival is open for all ages and includes a variety of ticket options, from day passes to full festival passes, early camping, accommodation information and sales, click here.
3. AfrikaBurn, Tankwa Karoo
AfrikaBurn is an artistic, week-long event taking place from 29 April to 5 May. Like-minded people work collaboratively to create art, structures (which are ceremoniously burned), costumes, performances and much more. There is a volunteer culture that sees these projects to fruition and are brought together once a year at Tankwa Town. AfrikaBurn is an extremely unique experience as there is absolutely nothing for sale, except ice. Attending the event means you need to bring every single thing with you, all your food and water. There are no vendors, advertisers, or branding anywhere at the event. The economy of gifting is how things work at AfrikaBurn, where gifts are given without expecting anything in return. Read here to understand more about this incredible event and what it stands for.
4. Rocking the Daisies, Western Cape
Rocking the Daisies is the ultimate festival for music lovers. From rock, to hip hop and everything else in between, this event caters to all your music needs. The festival has always taken place on the first weekend of October, at the start of the festival season. The line ups are jam packed with South African and international talent and include some of the best new up-and-coming local artists. All dietary requirements are catered for with a wide range of food stalls to choose from. The beach bar makes for the perfect daytime party, with a refreshing dam for swimming and relaxing just metres away. If you have never been, definitely add this festival to your itinerary for the year. Few festival details for this year have been released, but for information about the festival in general, visit the website here.
5. OppiKoppi, Limpopo
One of South Africa’s most famous music festival is without a doubt, OppiKoppi. Located near the mining town of Northam, the festival has emerged from being a rock festival into an amalgamation of genres. Held from 8 to 10 of August this year, the line up announcements and other details are still to be announced. The festival turns 25 this year, making it one of South Africa’s oldest festivals. Having welcomed some 20,000 people in its time, making it an extremely popular event on the festival calendar it is certainly one not to be missed. In the past the line up has been mostly comprised of South African bands, with the occasional international act added into the mix. It is a true South African experience, and should be attended at least once. For more information about the event and to stay updated with announcements, visit the website here.
Image source: Pixabay
