Celebrations and Events - Africa Style
Southern Africa is a region of events and celebrations. From animal migrations to culture, food and wine festivals, these countries never lack for exciting and unique adventures. Whether you are looking to plan your trip around a particular festival or interest, or you'd just like to incorporate one of these into your already planned trip, these are some one-of-a-kind opportunities not to be missed.
By theme, here are some of Southern Africa's most highlighted events, festivals and celebrations:
Adventure/Active Experiences
Augrabies Extreme Marathon - For only the most adventurous and active, this 250KM self-sufficiency run through the Kalahari spans seven days. This year's begins October 29, 2009.
Addo Elephant 50 miler and 100 miler - run with the elephants and rhinos through the trails of Addo Elephant park. This year's just passed, but you can still plan ahead for next year!
Absa Cape Epic - From March 20 - 27, join the world's largest full-service mountain bike stage race. Ride through South Africa's garden route and wine region, finishing in Cape Town.
Music Festivals
Woodstock - As its name suggests, this is South Africa's major youth music festival, representing a wide variety of genres as well as extreme sport entertainers and stunt men. This year's event, Woodstock 10, will be held at Riversands Farm in Johnessburg from November 27 - 30.
Splashy Fen Music Festival - South Africa's longest running music festival - complete with performances, workshops and music competitions - is ideal for music and outdoor lovers.
Cultural, Art and Film Festivals
Cape Town Festival - Enjoy three days of concerts, cultural talks (imbizos), regional food and youth activities in one of South Africa's most popular cities. This year marked the festival's 10th anniversary. It is generally held in March each year.
National Arts Festival in Grahamstown - This festival represents the biggest celebration of art on the African continent and one of the largest cultural festivals in South Africa. music, dance, theater and film abound. The festival is generally held at the beginning of July each year (2009's is scheduled for July 2 - 11).
Durban International Film Festival - Presents over 300 films from around the world, focusing on South and Southern Africa.
Animal Experiences
Hermanus Whale Festival - The only enviro-arts festival in South Africa, this festival marks the return of the Southern Right whales to Walker Bay. The whales steel the show while crafters, musicians and sports celebrities join visitors for the celebration. In the evenings, enjoy music, comedy, cabaret and african beats. The festival this year takes place from September 24 - 27.
The Wildebeest Migration - Also known as "The Great Migration", it occurs between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Kenya's Masai Mara and is one of the world's most amazing wildlife events. The timing depends on the rain for the season but the best times are generally August and September going to Masai Mara and October to November for the migration back.
Outdoor/Gardening
Gardenex and Outdoor Green Fair - The largest gardening and floriculture exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, held in Johannesburg each year.
These are just a few of the numerous festivals, celebrations and events Southern Africa has to offer. For more details on how to participate in these experiences or to start creating your customized African vacation.
