CALENDAR OF EXPERIENCES
Right Place, Right Time
Extraordinary experiences to suit every season and vacation style.
Though it is widely known that the Great Migration and dry season are a great time to be in Africa. There are a plethora of reasons why the second largest continent in the world is an ideal destination all year round.
If seeking spectacular moments outside the typical safari or looking to craft the dream getaway to fit your adventure level and style; here are nine ways to be in the right place, at the right time.
FEBRUARY
Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar
Built in 1699, Zanzibar’s Old Fort comes alive in February with the sounds of the continent. Homegrown pop, hip-hop, dance, and traditional sounds from across Africa is on the program at Sauti za Busara, Swahili for ‘Sounds of Wisdom’. Bring your dancing shoes.
MARCH
Enjando Street Festival, Namibia
Namibia is a land of vast, dry landscapes and wide open spaces. That all goes out the window in March, when Ejando brings color, music and a flurry of activity to the streets of Windhoek. Extravagant costumes representing ethnic pride, plus live music and events.
APRIL
Stellenbosch wine region, South Africa
Stellenbosch is South Africa’s leading wine region, with an excellent array of reds and whites that have been harvested since the 1600s. With temperatures around 80°F, and the likely return of the Stellenbosch Wine Festival (date to be confirmed) the month of April is the time to be in Stellenbosch.
JUNE
Ponta d’Ouro, Mozambique
Avoid the crowds at Jeffrey’s Bay further south in favor of Ponta d’Ouro’s world class point break. Swells and wind are most consistent in June and July, and it’s only the local residents – turtles and whale sharks – that you’ll be sharing these incredible waves with.
JULY
Nelson Mandela Day, South Africa
The whole of the Rainbow Nation pauses on July 18 to recognize Nelson Mandela Day, the former South African President and fighter for social justice. Travelers might take a day trip to Robben Island, where Mandela was unjustly held captive for many years, or volunteer for a local charity, as many South Africans do on this special day.
AUGUST
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Water levels are at their highest in Botswana’s famous Okavango Delta, drawing all kinds of wildlife to it’s banks for sustenance. Get on a mokoro – a traditional canoe – and let an oarsman push you gently downstream.
OCTOBER
Abu Simbel Sun Festival, Egypt
People from around the world gather at sunrise at Abu Simbel, the world’s largest temple.
They’re there to see the first light shine through the temple’s inner chambers, illuminating the gigantic sculptures on the back of the wall (except for Ptah, a god connected with the realm of the dead).
The temple was designed in a way so that this only happens on October 22 and February 22 each year.
NOVEMBER
Devil’s Pool, Zimbabwe and Zambia
For those fearless enough, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls is the famous Devil’s Pool – the world’s most extraordinary (and natural) infinity swimming pool. Laying right on the very precipice of 150 million gallons of falling water is best experienced in November, when the water is at its highest.
DECEMBER
EatDrink Festival, Nigeria
Lagos is home to over 20 million people, and a whole lot of cooking styles and cuisines. Eat your way around the city during EatDrink Festival in December - there’s restaurant specials, foodie events, workshops and, of course, music – this is Africa, after all.
FEELING INSPIRED?
