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This post is written by Yolisa Segone — aka the Queen of African festivals — who knows a thing or two about finding the best music spots on the continent and beyond.

A continent of 54 countries and a diverse array of cultures and sounds, it's no surprise that Africa plays host to some of the best music festivals in the world. From a festival set in one of the Seven Wonders of The World, to the dusty Karoo desert and a wine estate — here are 5 Southern African festivals worth planning a trip around.

Bazique Festival

Cape Town - South Africa

Bazique festival, a three day reverie of music, art and ‘absurdism’ set in a majestic lakeside venue, has established itself as one of South Africa’s most original and exciting large-scale festivals.

You can expect performing artists and DJ’s to grace the plethora of stages (including the renowned floating stage in the middle of a lake), spliced with pop-up parties, art installations, art boats, art cars and a bit of the unexpected!

Takes place: March

Vic Falls Carnival

Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Described by The Huffington Post as an experience that will “top your bucket list”, The Vic Falls Carnival is one of Southern Africa’s most renowned music festivals, promising a long 3-day weekend of non stop entertainment, the best music, adventure and hospitality that Africa has to offer!

A festival that takes place alongside one of the Seven Wonders of The World...what is there not to love!

Takes place: April

AfrikaBurn

Tankwa Karoo - South Africa

"The dusty Karoo desert comes alive to host one of the most radical festivals on the African Festival calendar."

AfrikaBurn is the spectacular result of the creative expression of participants who gather once a year in the Tankwa Karoo in South Africa, to create a temporary city of art, creative expression, theme camps, costume, performance and a soundtrack of electronic music from more or less whoever wants to play. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Takes place: April

The Delicious Festival

Johannesburg - South Africa

The DStv Delicious Festival is South Africa's favourite lifestyle festival, showcasing the best of local food, alongside international and homegrown musicians.

Over the years, the Food & Music Festival has presented many incredible musicians on their main stage, such as Erykah Badu, Common, the late Nigerian artist Femi Kuti, Hugh Masekela, and Black Coffee to name a few. Besides the top-tier music, the festival also boasts food stalls catering for all taste buds as well as appearances by TV chefs and personalities who head up their own kiosks for masterclasses and meet and greets.

So if you’re both a foodie and music lover, this festival is definitely for you.

Takes place: September

Rocking the Daisies

Cape Town - South Africa

Being South Africa’s premier eco-friendly music and lifestyle festival, Rocking the Daisies raises the bar every year, incorporating innovative environmentally conscious products into the festival and spreading the message of ‘play hard, tread lightly’.

Held on the Cloof Wine Estate, set against the stunning, autumnal backdrop of wine country, about an hours drive from Cape Town, an unforgettable weekend camping music experience is guaranteed, whilst experiencing the beauty and magic of South Africa.

With a lineup of local and international artists, whether you're into rock, folk, house, indie, drum and bass, RnB, hip-hop, Amapiano or UK grime, there's something for everyone.

Takes place: October

The Best Music Festivals in Africa

The atmospheric settings and beautiful locations of many of Africa's festivals adds to the music - creating a very memorable festival experience.

If you want up-to-date information, recommendations and tips about the best festivals and events all across Africa - make sure you follow Yolisa on @africanfestivaladventures.

‍Starting from Skratch? Here Are a Few Tips to Get Started:

https://www.skratch.world/post/malawi-for-music-lovers-the-essential-guide-to-malawis-music-scene

https://www.skratch.world/post/nigeria-for-music-lovers-the-essential-guide-to-nigerias-music-scene

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSh2V7pZlEiBiZapCY7f0og/videos