Top African Events & Festivals in Southern Africa – Month-by-Month Guide

May 5, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

Best African Events & Festivals: Month-by-Month Southern Africa Guide

Southern Africa is a land of vibrant traditions, infectious rhythms, and breathtaking scenery—and nowhere is this more evident than in its festivals and events. From lively cultural gatherings and heritage days to modern music fests and epic carnivals, the region hosts some of the most exciting and meaningful events on the continent.

This month-by-month guide explores the best African events and festivals in Southern Africa, offering travelers a chance to immerse themselves in local culture, music, dance, food, and spirituality. Here’s what not to miss between January and June.

January – Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Kaapse Klopse), South Africa

The new year in South Africa kicks off with a splash of color and sound thanks to the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, also known as Kaapse Klopse. This vibrant parade has its roots in the city’s slave history, evolving into a celebration of freedom and culture. Troupes dressed in bright satin costumes and painted faces march through the streets performing synchronized dances and playing banjos and drums.

The parade typically takes place on January 2nd, also known as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year), and continues with competitions and street performances throughout the month. It’s an unmissable display of Cape Malay identity, resilience, and joy.

Best for: Music lovers, culture enthusiasts, city explorers
Where: Cape Town city center and Athlone Stadium

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February – Vic Falls Carnival, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls Carnival is Southern Africa’s biggest New Year’s party—but it usually spills over into January or February with ongoing events. Held near one of the world’s natural wonders, this festival blends music, travel, and adrenaline into one unforgettable long weekend. Think river rafting by day and DJ sets by night, with fireworks exploding above the falls.

Featuring both local and international acts, the carnival celebrates African unity through dance and sound. Festivalgoers can also book bungee jumps, safari drives, and steam train journeys to round out their experience.

Best for: Music and party lovers, adventure seekers
Where: Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe

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March – Cape Town International Jazz Festival, South Africa

Known as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering,” the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of the continent’s leading music events. Held in late March or early April, it brings together jazz legends, local talents, and global artists in a two-night celebration of sound, creativity, and connection.

With multiple stages across the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), visitors can explore genres ranging from Afrobeat to soul, funk, and electronic fusion. Pop-up food stalls, art installations, and after-parties add to the urban, sophisticated vibe.

Best for: Jazz fans, cultural travelers, night owls
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre

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April – Maun Festival, Botswana

Held in the gateway town to the Okavango Delta, the Maun Festival is a celebration of Botswana’s music, poetry, and art. Taking place in April, this local-focused event features traditional dances, hip-hop and Afro-pop performances, and exhibitions from local artisans and youth collectives.

Set against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions, Maun Festival is both grassroots and vibrant—offering travelers a chance to connect with Botswana’s creative pulse before heading into the Delta or Chobe National Park for a safari.

Best for: Local culture, live performances, Botswana travel combos
Where: Maun, Botswana

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May – Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), Zimbabwe

One of Africa’s most respected cultural events, the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) brings together performers, poets, musicians, dancers, and visual artists from across Zimbabwe and the world. Spanning six days in early May, the festival is a celebration of human creativity and resilience through performance and innovation.

Concerts, theater pieces, and spoken-word shows are held in both grand stages and intimate pop-up venues. HIFA also includes food markets and fashion shows, making it a multidisciplinary spectacle that highlights Zimbabwe’s artistic excellence.

Best for: Arts lovers, cultural connoisseurs, pan-African creatives
Where: Harare, Zimbabwe

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June – National Arts Festival, Makhanda (Grahamstown), South Africa

Every June or early July, the university town of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) transforms into South Africa’s creative capital during the National Arts Festival. It’s the largest celebration of visual and performing arts in Africa, featuring more than 600 shows, workshops, and exhibitions over 11 days.

From cutting-edge theater and dance to experimental installations and independent film screenings, the festival represents freedom of expression and cultural experimentation. It’s also a major platform for South African emerging talent across genres.

Best for: Theater fans, art lovers, creatives
Where: Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa

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From jazz in Cape Town to poetry in Maun and art in Harare, the first half of the year in Southern Africa pulses with festivals that celebrate identity, freedom, and artistic brilliance. In the next section, we’ll explore the region’s unforgettable events from July to December—including heritage parades, wine festivals, and iconic New Year’s celebrations.

July – Durban International Film Festival, South Africa

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals on the continent. Held every July, this event showcases an impressive lineup of African and international films—from gripping dramas and political documentaries to short films and experimental cinema.

Screenings take place at multiple venues across Durban, with post-screening Q&As, panel discussions, and networking events for film lovers and industry professionals. DIFF is especially renowned for elevating African voices and stories on the global stage.

Best for: Film buffs, culture lovers, emerging filmmakers
Where: Durban, South Africa

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August – Windhoek Oktoberfest, Namibia

Namibia’s German colonial legacy comes to life each August during the Windhoek Oktoberfest. While technically inspired by the traditional Bavarian festival, this event has taken on a distinctly Namibian character, blending beer culture, music, and local food.

Held in the capital city’s Sport Klub Windhoek, the festival features German bands, traditional dances, sausage-eating contests, and of course, steins full of locally brewed beer. It’s a quirky and fun cultural mash-up that draws both locals and international visitors.

Best for: Beer enthusiasts, cultural fusion, food and music
Where: Windhoek, Namibia

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September – Heritage Day & Braai Day, South Africa

September 24th is Heritage Day in South Africa, a public holiday that encourages citizens to celebrate their cultural roots. It’s informally known as National Braai Day, thanks to the country’s beloved tradition of gathering around the grill (or braai) with family and friends.

Festivals and concerts are held in cities and townships, while national monuments and museums offer free or discounted entry. Expect to see traditional dress, hear local music, and taste everything from boerewors to bunny chow. It’s a celebration of unity in diversity—South Africa’s defining ethos.

Best for: Foodies, families, culture lovers
Where: Nationwide – especially Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban

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October – Macufe Festival, Free State, South Africa

The Macufe Festival, held annually in Bloemfontein, is a powerful celebration of African music, arts, and culture. Known as the Mangaung African Cultural Festival, it spans over a week in October and includes a music festival, comedy shows, fashion expos, sports events, and gospel performances.

Macufe is one of the largest cultural festivals in Southern Africa, drawing thousands of visitors for its star-studded lineups and community spirit. It’s the perfect way to experience pan-African creativity in a festive setting.

Best for: Afro-music lovers, community vibes, multi-genre entertainment
Where: Bloemfontein, South Africa

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November – Mophato Dance Festival, Botswana

The Mophato Dance Festival is Botswana’s premier contemporary and traditional dance showcase. Held annually in November, it highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage through movement and rhythm, blending Setswana, Afro-contemporary, and pan-African dance expressions.

Held in Gaborone, the event features performances, workshops, and community dance collaborations. Mophato means “initiation” in Setswana, and the festival embraces that spirit by nurturing emerging talent and reviving old traditions through performance.

Best for: Dance lovers, cultural travelers, arts educators
Where: Gaborone, Botswana

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December – New Year’s Eve at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

The year closes in spectacular style at the Victoria Falls New Year’s Celebration, where the Zambezi River becomes the ultimate stage for music, fireworks, and midnight magic. The party stretches across both Zimbabwe and Zambia, drawing thousands for river cruises, open-air concerts, and firework displays above the mist of the falls.

Hotels, lodges, and camps fill up quickly during this time, and visitors often combine the celebration with safaris in Chobe, Hwange, or the Okavango Delta. Whether you’re dancing beneath the stars or toasting beside the river, it’s a magical way to ring in the new year in Africa’s adventure capital.

Best for: Celebratory travelers, couples, adventure-lovers
Where: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

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Conclusion: Celebrate Africa’s Rhythm, Culture, and Spirit

Whether you’re grooving to jazz in Cape Town, sipping beer in Windhoek, or watching fireworks explode over Victoria Falls, the festivals of Southern Africa offer a unique lens into the continent’s diverse cultures and celebrations. These events go beyond performance—they connect people, honor heritage, and ignite joy across borders.

Want to plan your Southern Africa journey around these incredible festivals? Contact our team to create a tailor-made itinerary that brings culture, music, and travel together in perfect harmony.