Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time adventurer, South Africa’s overnight festivals offer a good opportunity to pitch your tent, spend some quality time in nature, and enjoy live music, art, and more. If you haven’t already, here are some festivals to diarise for an exhilarating adventure for the remainder of 2024…
- Bazique Festival: Date: February 23rd – 25th, 2024. Located at the Kromrivier Farm near Greyton, about 150km from Cape Town, Bazique is a three-day celebration of art, music, and surreal experiences. With its mountainside, woodlands location and vast spring water swimming dam, this event offers a great setting for those wanting to camp for the weekend.
- Rocking the Daisies: Date: October 4th – 6th, 2024. This annual music and lifestyle festival takes place in Darling, just outside of Cape Town. With multiple stages featuring local and international artists, camping options, and a variety of food and drink vendors, Rocking the Daisies is a must-visit for music lovers.
- AfrikaBurn: Date: April 29th – May 5th, 2024. Taking place in the Tankwa Karoo, AfrikaBurn is a unique festival that celebrates art, community, and self-expression. Participants are encouraged to create their art installations and performances, making this festival a truly immersive experience.
- Splashy Fen: Date: April 18th – 21st, 2024. Located in the Drakensberg Mountains, a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg, Splashy Fen is a family-friendly music festival that offers camping, hiking, and outdoor activities. With multiple stages featuring local and international artists, Splashy Fen is a great option for a weekend getaway.
- Bushfire Festival: Date: May 24th – 26th, 2024. Taking place in Eswatini, a short drive from Johannesburg, MTN Bushfire is a festival that aims to blend African culture with global influences while fostering an environment of tolerance and a shared dedication to music, the arts, and environmental preservation. The festival’s rallying cry, “BRING YOUR FIRE,” encourages everyone to play a part in creating a positive social and environmental impact and this year marks the 17th edition of Africa’s celebrated music and arts festival.
Tips for Camping at Overnight Festivals:
- Pack Light: Bring only the essentials, and leave unnecessary items at home.
- Prep for Sleep Success: Beyond the typical sleeping bag, think about a comfortable, inflatable mattress or a camping mattress if you need insulation from the cold ground in winter.
- Don’t Spend a Fortune on Camping Gear: Consider renting your camping gear to keep your costs down.
- Respect the Environment: Dispose of rubbish properly and leave no trace of your presence.
- Have Fun: Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience!
Need camping gear for your next overnight festival? Go Camp has a range of ground tents, sleeping bags, stretchers, mattresses and everything else you need to make your basic camp a bit more comfortable. Click here to browse and rent our products.