Road Trip! Six SA Music and Lifestyle Festivals Not To Miss
There’s something about hitting the open road, with music blaring through the speakers and the anticipation of a festival adventure ahead. South Africa is home to some of the most unforgettable music and lifestyle festivals, offering unique experiences in diverse landscapes. From lush riverbanks and rolling green hills to stark desert plains and hidden retreats, these six festivals provide the perfect excuse to plan the ultimate road trip.
Splashy Fen - The Heart of the Drakensberg
A pilgrimage for music lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, Splashy Fen is South Africa’s longest-running music festival. Additionally, its a firm favourite among families and free spirits. Set in the foothills of the Drakensberg, this music and lifestyle festival blends live music, arts and a scenic backdrop that feels like a dream. Here, festivalgoers pitch their tents along the riverbanks, taking in an eclectic line-up while cooling off in the refreshing waters. Essentially, days are spent lounging in the sun, while nights come alive with a mix of indie, folk, rock and electronic beats.
AfrikaBurn - The Desert’s Wild Soul
Deep in the Tankwa Karoo, AfrikaBurn is a portal to another world – one built on radical self-expression, art and community. In fact, modelled after Nevada’s famous Burning Man, the event is less of a festival and more of a temporary city rising from the dust. The drive itself is an adventure, with a seemingly endless stretch of arid land leading to an explosion of creativity. Giant sculptures, mutant vehicles and themed camps turn the landscape into a surreal dreamscape. Here, the only currency is gifting and the experience is one of total immersion.
Up The Creek - Riverside Rhythms and Good Times
For those who believe that music is best enjoyed with their feet in the water and a drink in hand, Up The Creek is paradise. Nestled along the banks of the Breede River in the Western Cape, this is one of the best music and lifestyle festivals for music lovers. Here, the main stage is literally on the water. Evidently, attendees spend their days floating on lilos, soaking up the sun while acoustic and rock bands play into the evening. In essence, it’s a weekend of relaxed vibes, refreshing swims and unforgettable performances.
Oppikoppi – A Dusty Rite of Passage
Oppikoppi is the quintessential South African rock festival – legendary, chaotic and covered in dust. Set in the bushveld of Northam, Limpopo, the festival is a right of passage for many music fans. It offers a line-up of local and international rock, hip-hop and alternative acts. Ultimately, with its dusty terrain, spontaneous campsite jams and an anything-goes atmosphere, it’s one of those music and lifestyle festivals that’s not for the faint-hearted. It is for those who dare, resulting in an experience of a lifetime.
Mieliepop - A Hidden Musical Haven
Tucked away in the scenic region of Lothair, Mpumalanga, Mieliepop is a festival unlike any other. Picture a tranquil escape with rolling green lawns, pristine lakes and an intimate crowd revelling in a diverse selection of live music. In essence, this three-day experience is all about connection – whether it’s with the music, the environment or fellow festivalgoers. With swimming pools, hidden caves and a relaxed energy, Mieliepop feels like its own little republic of bliss.
Retreat Yourself - A Wellness Festival with a Twist
Looking for something beyond the usual festival chaos? Retreat Yourself is an oasis of wellness, creativity and mindful experiences. This family-friendly festival encourages attendees to unplug from the demands of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. Evidently, set in a picturesque location, the festival offers yoga sessions, breathwork, sound healing and guided nature walks. Of course, that’s alongside music that soothes the soul. It’s a chance to reset, recharge and leave with a renewed sense of purpose.
The magic of these music and lifestyle festivals isn’t just in the music, or the art or the experiences – it’s also in the journey. A carefully planned road trip can take you from the misty mountains of the Drakensberg to the dust storms of the Tankwa Karoo. You could traverse through river valleys and deep into the heart of South Africa’s most vibrant festival landscapes. Whether it’s an off-road adventure in a 4×4 or a slow, meandering road trip in a camper van, this is the kind of trip that stays with you long after the last song fades.
