Music moves people… And for many, it brings out more than just tapping on the toes.
Don't you get enough of these pleasant festival vibes? Flight Centre travel experts have curated the Top Attendant Afrofusion Festival for South African travelers. It has a way to make the most of your flights, destinations and experiences at each event.
1. Mahindra Fusion Fest
Date: February 22, 2025 Location: Sunbet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria, South Africa
Why it's a must: Mahindra Fusion Fest is where music, fashion and art converge for a unique experience. Expect to blend amazing collaborations between pioneering South African artists like Kamo Mphela, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Mi Casa, and Cassper Nyovest, as well as genres such as Amapiano, Jazz, Opera, and Hip-Hop. Add a bespoke fashion showcase by legendary designer Thula Sindi. There is a festival, a snack for both ears and eyes.
Travel Tips: If you are traveling from outside Gauteng, book accommodation near Time Square (bonus points within walking distance) to avoid dealing with traffic after a busy event. Consider turning it into a weekend break by visiting concerts and visiting Groenkloof Nature Reserve or Menlyn Maine for shopping or dining.
2. Creek Music Festival
Date: 6-9 February 2025 Location: Breed River, Western Cape, South Africa
Why you need it: This four-day festival is to celebrate South African music and slow living… Riverside. From international stars like Hollow Cove to local icons like François Van Coke and Matthew Mall, the creek above the creek promises an incredible atmosphere with gorgeous views of the Breed River. Dance, float on Lilo and absorb the Gees!
Travel Tips: Limited tickets are available, so it's time to book. Fly directly to Cape Town and rent a scenic car, 2.5 hours by car to the festival site. While in the Western Cape, plan a post-festival day trip to Swellendam or Cape Wine Land, ending with delicious food and even better wine.
3. Anjuna Deep Open Air South Africa
Date: March 21-22, 2025 Location: Johannesburg (March 21) and Cape Town (March 22), South Africa
Why it is necessary: Electronic music fans can't miss Annu Deep Open Air. This brings the world-renowned captains of Deep House and Melodic Techno (such as Tin Ricker and Eli & Far) to South Africa's thriving music scene. Expect South African icons like Blanka Mazimela and Da Capo B2B Karyendasoul to raise the heat along with international artistry.
Travel Tips: “This festival is happy to coincide with Human Rights Day. With holidays on Thursday, March 20th and Monday, March 24th, it will be a long five-day weekend. For public holidays , this is a peak holiday period, so book early to get a seat on low-cost flights and secure accommodation,” says Machili.
4. Aphronation
Date: July 9th to 11th, 2025 Location: Portiman, Portugal
Why it's a must: As the world's largest Afrobeat festival, Afronation brings together the best of its global talent. The 2025 lineup includes Burna Boy, Tems, DBN Gogo and Scorpion Kings, allowing you to experience amazing music along with the ocean view of Algarve Coastline, perfect for Portugal.
Travel Tips: South Africans can connect flights to Lisbon, then take a scenic train to Portimao. Make the most of your trip by adding a few days to explore the Lisbon food scene and the historic town of Sintra.
According to Machili:
“We'll be staying at a hotel in the Portimão's Praia da Rocha area. They're close to the festival and have beautiful beachfront views. This festival attracts a large crowd, so we'll be waiting for advance to avoid disappointment Please make a reservation at.
5. Essence Festival
Date: July 3-9, 2025 Location: New Orleans, USA
Why it is necessary: The Essence Festival is a typical celebration of black culture. Beyond all stop performances from R&B and Hip-Hop's biggest names, participants also have access to workshops, panels and tastings that showcase the best food, art and communities.
Travel Tips: “Most importantly, we aim to sort visas at least 4-6 weeks before the departure date. The availability lead times for US embassy reservations range from 1-2 weeks. Flying through hubs (such as New York or Atlanta) will be a connecting flight to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. A little extra to indulge in New Orleans' iconic Creole cuisine and historic jazz bars. Pack the cash,” commented Machili.
For a quiet stay, consider a boutique hotel in New Orleans' Garden District.
6. Cotton Fest
Date: April 26, 2025 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Why it is essential: Founded by the late Liquilik, the Cotton Fest is the cornerstone of South Africa's youth culture. In addition to three stages of cutting-edge hip-hop, amapiano and house music, there are streetwear, art and sports showcases, which are non-factorally bold and unique South Africa.
Travel Tips: “If you are traveling from other states, book early for your flights and nearby accommodations. As the festival falls on the long weekend of Freedom Day, flights and accommodations are filled quickly. “We'll do that,” advises Machili.
Explore Johannesburg's art gallery or take a food tour in the Mabonen district before the festival to make the most of your long weekend.
If the Afrofusion Festival is music to your ears, book early and combine the event with destination exploration to ensure a mindful itinerary. In doing so you will definitely set up yourself for an extraordinary experience that you cannot beat.
Pack your bags, grab your tickets and guide the rhythm into 2025!
Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel agency listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market capitalization of $3.92 billion and current stock price As of February 12th, it is $17.66. 2025. FCTG has three major brands: flight centers, corporate travelers, and FCM. Corporate travelers and FCMs are proud of their Level 1 BBBEE contributors. FCTG SA is entirely owned and has been recognized as one of Deloitte's best companies to work in South Africa for over a decade.
