Music gets people moving… and, for many, it elicits more than just toe-tapping – the beat’s good enough to convince them to jet off to another city or country altogether!
Can’t get enough of those feel-good festival vibes? Flight Centre’s Travel Experts have curated the top must-attend afrofusion festivals for South African travellers, complete with helpful tips on flights, destinations, and how to max out your experience at each event.
- Mahindra Fusion Fest
- Date: 22 February 2025
- Location: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria, South Africa
Why it’s a must: The Mahindra Fusion Fest is where music, fashion, and art converge for a one-of-a-kind experience. Expect mind-blowing collaborations between trailblazing South African artists like Kamo Mphela, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Mi Casa, and Cassper Nyovest, blending genres like amapiano, jazz, opera, hip-hop, and more. Add a showcase of bespoke fashion by legendary designer Thula Sindi – and you’ve got a festival that’s a treat for both the ears and the eyes!
Travel tip: If you’re travelling from outside Gauteng, book accommodation near Time Square (bonus points for walking distance) to avoid dealing with hectic pre- and post-event traffic. Consider turning it into a weekend break by pairing the concert with visits to Groenkloof Nature Reserve or Menlyn Maine for shopping and dining.
- Up the Creek Music Festival
- Date: 6 – 9 February 2025
- Location: Breede River, Western Cape, South Africa
Why it’s a must: This 4-day festival is all about celebrating South African music and slow living… riverside. From international stars like Hollow Coves to local icons like Francois van Coke and Matthew Mole, Up the Creek promises incredible vibes with gorgeous views of the Breede River. Dance, float on your lilo, and soak up the gees!
Travel tip: With limited tickets available, now’s the time to book. Fly directly to Cape Town and rent a car for the scenic 2.5-hour drive to the festival site. While in the Western Cape, plan a post-festival day trip to Swellendam or the Cape Winelands to wind down with good food and even better wine.
- Anjunadeep Open Air South Africa
- Date: 21 – 22 March 2025
- Location: Johannesburg (21 March) and Cape Town (22 March), South Africa
Why it’s a must: Electronic music fans can’t miss Anjunadeep Open Air, which brings global captains of deep house and melodic techno – like Tinlicker and Eli & Fur – to South Africa’s thriving music scene. Expect South African icons like Blanka Mazimela and Da Capo b2b Karyendasoul to turn up the heat alongside international artistry.
Travel tip: “This festival happily coincides with Human Rights Day – make it a 5-day long weekend by taking leave on Thursday, 20 March and Monday, 24 March. Remember, due to the public holiday, this is a peak holiday period, so book early to snag seats on low-cost flights and secure your accommodation,” says Machiri.
- Afro Nation
- Date: 9 – 11 July 2025
- Location: Portimão, Portugal
Why it’s a must: As the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival, Afro Nation brings together the best in global talent. With Burna Boy, Tems, DBN Gogo, and Scorpion Kings included in 2025’s lineup, you’ll experience mind-blowing music alongside ocean views on Portugal’s postcard-perfect Algarve coastline.
Travel tip: South Africans can fly to Lisbon via connecting flights, then take a scenic train ride to Portimão. Make the most of your trip by adding a few days to explore the Lisbon food scene or the historic town of Sintra.
According to Machiri:
“Stay at hotels in Portimão’s Praia da Rocha area – they’re close to the festival and deliver beautiful beachfront views. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment, as this festival draws a massive crowd.”
- Essence Festival
- Date: 3 – 9 July 2025
- Location: New Orleans, USA
Why it’s a must: Essence Festival is the quintessential celebration of Black culture. Beyond pull-out-all-the-stops performances from the biggest names in R&B and hip-hop, attendees also gain access to workshops, panels, and tastings that showcase the best of food, art, and community.
Travel tip: “Most importantly, aim to get your visas sorted at least 4 – 6 weeks ahead of your departure date – US embassy appointment availability lead times range from 1 – 2 weeks. Fly via a US hub (e.g., New York or Atlanta) and take a connecting flight to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Pack a little extra cash for indulging in New Orleans’ iconic Creole cuisine and historic jazz bars,” comments Machiri.
Consider boutique hotels in New Orleans’ Garden District for quieter stays.
- Cotton Fest
- Date: 26 April 2025
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Why it’s a must: Founded by the late Riky Rick, Cotton Fest has become a cornerstone of youth culture in South Africa. With three stages of cutting-edge hip-hop, amapiano, and house music, plus streetwear, art, and sport showcases, it’s unapologetically bold and uniquely South African.
Travel tip: “Book early for flights and nearby accommodation if you’re travelling from other provinces – the festival falls on the Freedom Day long weekend, so flights and accommodation will fill up fast,” advises Machiri.
Make the most of the long weekend by exploring the Johannesburg Art Gallery or taking a food tour in Maboneng Precinct before the festival.
If afrofusion festivals are music to your ears, book early, combine the events with destination exploration, and ensure mindful itinerary planning. Do so, and you’ll be sure to set yourself up for extraordinary experiences that can’t be beat.
Pack your bags, grab your tickets, and let the rhythm guide your travels in 2025!