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Best festivals in Africa

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Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
Founded in 2000, the jazz festival moved to the CTICC in 2004. Most editions run in March, though some took place in April and the 2024 edition was held in May. Attendance grew from about 14,000 in 2000 to 34,000 in 2013. A free open-air concert at Greenmarket Square is held before the festival.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
8.0
Founded in 2001, the film festival is chaired by Prince Moulay Rachid. The 22nd edition ran from 28 November to 6 December 2025. The top prize is the Étoile d'Or. Promised Sky by Erige Sehiri won it in 2025. Happy Holidays by Scandar Copti won in 2024.
Highlights:
  • 🧖‍♀️ Relax in a traditional hammam and experience Moroccan spa culture
  • 🏛️ Wander through the serene courtyards of Bahia Palace
  • 🕌 Lose yourself in the vibrant souks of Jemaa el-Fnaa
Luxor
Ancient wonders on the Nile
7.6
Ancient Opet Festival processions carried a statue of Amun down the Nile from Karnak to Luxor. A sphinx lined avenue about 1.7 miles long links the two sites. The Luxor African Film Festival shows African cinema each year. Its first edition took place in February 2012. Abu Haggag Mosque is active inside Luxor Temple.
Highlights:
  • 🌙 Marvel at the majestic Luxor Temple by night
  • 🏛️ Visit the vast and impressive Karnak Temple complex
  • 🏺 Explore the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings
Johannesburg
Vibrant city life meets rich history
6.4
Arts Alive runs for almost the whole month of September. Christopher Till began planning it in 1992. The first edition followed in 1993. Newtown has been the central hub in recent years. Events reach all seven city regions. The programme covers theatre, dance, music and visual art.
Highlights:
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from the Carlton Centre top floor
  • 🏠 Take a guided tour of Soweto and visit Mandela House
  • 🏛️ Learn South Africa’s history at the Apartheid Museum
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
8.1
Meskel Square hosts the main Meskel celebration on 27 September and one day later in leap years. The Demera bonfire recalls Empress Helena's discovery of the True Cross. UNESCO listed Meskel in 2013. Timkat marks Epiphany on 19 January with a tabot procession and a baptism reenactment. UNESCO listed it in 2019.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Climb Mount Entoto for sunrise city panorama
  • 🛍️ Stroll through Merkato, Ethiopia's largest market
  • 🏛️ Explore National Museum, view Lucy fossil
Essaouira
Atlantic Breeze, Blue Medina, Bohemian Vibe
7.4
Neila Tazi and her A3 Groupe founded the Gnaoua World Music Festival in 1998. It runs for four days and has drawn up to 500,000 visitors. Many performances are free. Moroccan Gnawa masters play alongside invited artists from abroad. Gnawa musicians improvise with jazz, rock, funk and blues. Randy Weston performed in 2003.
Highlights:
  • 🐟 Explore the bustling fishing port and feast on fresh seafood
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset from historic Skala du Port ramparts
  • 🏘️ Wander through Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina streets
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
7.4
Mwaka Kogwa marks the Shirazi and Swahili new year in Makunduchi each July or August. A ritual battle ends with a burning hut. The direction of the smoke shapes predictions for the year ahead. Sauti za Busara centres on the Old Fort in February. ZIFF is also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Visit Jozani Forest to see rare red colobus monkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll and spot vibrant marine life
  • 🏰 Explore Stone Town's narrow streets and historic sites
Dakar
Vibrant markets and historic waterfront charm
7.6
Dak'Art, the biennale of contemporary African art, held its first visual arts edition in 1992. It has run every two years since 2000. The first edition in 1990 focused on literature. From 2000 artists in the international exhibition had to hold African citizenship. Simon Njami curated the 2018 edition.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Visit Gorée Island's historic slave trade museum
  • 🚶‍♂️ Stroll along the bustling Boulevard de l'Indépendance
  • 🛍️ Explore Dakar's vibrant Sandaga market for local crafts
Lagos
Buzzing Metropolis with Coastal Charm
5.7
White-clad Eyo masquerades represent the spirits of the dead and parade on Lagos Island. On Eyo Day the highway from Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square closes to traffic. The masquerades may beat people who carry prohibited items. Felabration honours Fela Kuti each October at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim at beautiful Tarkwa Bay Beach
  • 🌿 Walk the longest canopy walkway at Lekki Conservation Centre
  • 🛍️ Explore vibrant Balogun Market for local crafts and textiles
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