Festival & Events Tours in West Africa
4.5 stars on(8,462 reviews)- Choose from 17 West Africa tours
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10 best festival & events tour packages in West Africa
Compiled by
NinaWest Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Mega Festival 21-Day Tour of Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
- Niger Cultural Tour & Gerewol Festival Experience 9 Days/08 Nights
- New Year’s Eve 2025/26 In Moroccan Desert
- December In Ghana : AfroFuture Festival alongside Safari
- Sufi Music Festival of fez 2025
- Imilchil Festival Tour 2025
- Morocco Honeymoon Tour - The Best Honeymoon Distination
- Saint Louis Jazz Festival, 8 days (May 14 to 21, 2024)
- Pilgrimage, Atonement and Homecoming Experience - PANAFEST 2025
- December In Ghana 2025
The vibrant festivals of West Africa come alive at Kumasi's Manhyia Palace during Akwasidae Festival and New Year's celebrations at Axim Beach Resort. The ancient Geleden Masked Dance unfolds in Abomey while sacred Voodoo ceremonies take place in Ouidah. This 21-day cultural journey includes carefully selected accommodations across three nations.
Duration 21 days Destinations Ghana, Togo, Benin Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
- NZ$12,497
The spectacular Wodaabe courtship rituals highlight September's Gerewol Festival in Abalak, Niger. Traditional dance performances, feasting, and camel racing fill three days at Tuareg tent camps. Visits to Agadez's UNESCO-nominated Grand Mosque and bustling camel market include expert English-speaking guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations Niamey, Abalak, Agadez Age Range 5 to 80 year olds Operated in English, French Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
- NZ$5,536
New Year’s Eve 2025/26 In Moroccan Desert
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tent in Merzouga was great. Nice trip.”
Gustavo, traveled in December
The ultimate New Year celebration awaits in Merzouga's dunes. Majestic paths lead through Atlas Mountains to UNESCO site Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, culminating in a festive dinner with local folklore in luxury desert bivouacs equipped with modern amenities.
Duration 6 days Destinations Casablanca, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Zagora Age Range 5 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator Ricks Voyage From $2,471
25% Off- NZ$1,853You save $618
December In Ghana : AfroFuture Festival alongside Safari
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The people are hospitable and gracious. He's quite knowledgeable about Ghana, the people, the history and the politics.”
RonaldPerry, traveled in December
Duration 10 days Destinations Accra, Kumasi Age Range 15 to 70 year olds Operator Olives Travel & Tour Ghana From
25% Off- NZ$6,358
The World Sacred Music Festival resonates through historic venues like Medersa Bouanania and Batha Museum. Exclusive Sufi gatherings, scholar workshops, and traditional music in the Rif Mountains accompany luxury accommodations and authentic Moroccan meals.
Duration 15 days Destinations Casablanca, Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, Fes, Ifrane, Azrou, Marrakesh Age Range 18 to 80 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Morocco Discoveries From
25% Off- NZ$4,752
The Imilchil Marriage Festival preserves age-old Berber matchmaking traditions. Roads from Casablanca wind through Atlas Mountains, where traditional music, dance, and ceremonies unfold. Luxury camping, authentic Berber meals, and cultural performances fill starlit mountain nights.
Duration 11 days Destinations Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, Meknes, Fes, Ifrane, Azrou, Khenifra, ImilchilSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 88 year olds Operator Morocco Discoveries From
25% Off- NZ$4,752
Rich cultural festivals and events showcase West Africa's heritage. Traditional music performances and local celebrations create authentic experiences alongside luxury accommodations. UNESCO sites open their doors during festival seasons for exclusive cultural ceremonies.
Duration 10 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorge, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Ifrane, Fes, Volubilis, MeknesSee all destinations Age Range 10 to 80 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator Desertbrise Travel From $4,768
50% Off- NZ$2,384You save $2,384
Saint Louis Jazz Festival fills Senegal's coastal air with music. From Dakar's bustling streets to Saint Louis's colonial architecture, with visits to Pink Lake and Touba's magnificent mosque. Three nights of world-class jazz performances complement traditional dinners at the Ndiambour and Residence hotels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dakar, Ile de Goree, Thies, Saint Louis, Langue de Barbarie National Park, Touba, Saly Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Continent Tours From
50% Off- NZ$5,485
PANAFEST 2025 brings traditional ceremonies from Salaga to Elmina Castle. Atonement rituals, naming ceremonies, and grand durbar celebrations with regional chiefs mark this cultural gathering. Sacred slave trade sites host moving memorial services.
Duration 10 days Destinations Accra, Tamale, Salaga, Kintampo, Kumasi, Elmina, Assin Manso Age Range 13 to 90 year olds Operator Landtours Ghana Ltd. From
50% Off- NZ$5,554
Duration 7 days Destinations Accra, Akosombo, Cape Coast, Aburi Age Range 10 to 70 year olds Operator Landtours Ghana Ltd. From
50% Off- NZ$3,602
What people love about Festival & Events Tours in West Africa
- December In Ghana : AfroFuture Festival alongside Safari
It’s a great tour for first time visitor to Ghana. Prince is very knowledgeable about Ghana past and present. He is very passionate about Ghana. He also seems to know everybody, which often got us preferred treatment.
- Agafay Desert Dinner show with quad bike and camel Ride
One of the BEST nights I’ve had in Morocco. I have been here 10 days, with 8 more to go. Last night was so much fun! Our Host, Khalil , made it into an unforgettable night. From the pick up to the end, the night was magical. Music, singing and excellent food, added to the experience. This is not just a dinner, it’s an experience. Sitting in the desert, watching the sunset, was blissful. The setting couldn’t be done with more taste and comfort in mind. When night fell and you could see the stars and hear the large fire crackling, you could really feel transported to a different time. I can’t recommend this excursion enough! There are also some beautiful rooms to stay in, with authentic Berber vibes and a full glass wall overlooking the desert. That is saved for my next trip back! Thank you Hamid for an unforgettable experience.
- PANAFEST Celebration in Ghana – 10 Days (July 25, 2025 – August 3, 2025)
The tour was absolutely unimaginably awesome! Richard, the tour guide was exceptionally knowledgeable about the Ghanaian people and their culture, and he shared it unceasingly. Also, not to be forgotten is Ebe, the “assistant guide” who, during interactions with local citizens, acted as interpreter, advised on price negotiations as well as fulfilled other multiple hyphenated roles: bellman- unofficial security-head-counter, and buddy to the group. Others not to be overlooked were the bus driver, who never made a wrong turn, and a second always-present overseer who kept a watchful eye on the group.
What our customers ask about Festival & Events Tours in West Africa
When is the best time to attend festivals in West Africa?
West Africa's festival calendar peaks from December through May with signature events drawing visitors from across the globe. The Dak'Art Festival lights up Senegal in May while the Ouidah Voodoo Festival transforms Benin each January. PANAFEST in Ghana brings cultural celebrations in July and August. The most pleasant weather falls between November and March with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F especially in coastal cities. Many visitors stay at established properties like the Lancaster Accra Hotel which provides easy access to festival venues. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "It was a 10-day journey of wonder giving a broad overview of culture and deeper understanding of the people."
What makes West African festivals different from other cultural tours?
West African festivals go beyond typical sightseeing by placing visitors in the heart of living traditions. These events let you take part in sacred ceremonies watch traditional rituals and join community celebrations. You can see the famous male beauty contests at Niger's Gerewol Festival observe voodoo ceremonies in Ouidah or attend moving Fihankra ceremonies at Cape Coast Castle. The experience combines historical education with direct participation in age-old customs. TourRadar travelers highlight "the unique combination of historical significance spiritual meaning and joyous celebration that can't be experienced elsewhere."
What's typically included in a West African festival tour package?
Standard festival packages cover your essential needs with stays at established hotels like the Golden Tulip Diplomate in Cotonou or Lancaster Hotels in Ghana. You'll travel in private air-conditioned vehicles between venues with entrance fees covered for festival events and historical sites. Most tours include breakfast and dinner along with English-speaking cultural guides who provide context. Special access to ceremonies performances and meetings with local leaders comes standard. A TourRadar review notes: "We had very good accommodation and transport a knowledgeable guide and an excellent driver. The tour was well organized with great access to cultural events."
What's the accommodation like on West African festival tours?
Your lodging options range from city hotels to traditional festival camps. Urban stays feature properties like the Golden Tulip Diplomate in Cotonou or Lancaster Hotels in Ghana with modern comforts and cooling. Some festivals such as the Gerewol in Niger offer authentic stays in Tuareg tents. Hotel standards remain consistently good as confirmed by TourRadar reviews: "The hotels provided good comfort levels with excellent service particularly the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra and Hotel Sancta Maria in Lome."
Are West African Festival & Events tours suitable for solo travelers?
Solo travelers find these tours offer an ideal mix of structure and social connection. Events like the Saint Louis Jazz Festival and Voodoo Festival provide built-in opportunities to meet others while maintaining independence. Hotels including Hotel du Lac in Cotonou and Hotel Paloma in Accra cater well to individual guests. One TourRadar traveler shared: "As a solo traveler the festival tour provided the perfect balance of group activities and personal space to explore."
What's included in the meal plan during Festival & Events tours?
Tour packages typically cover daily breakfast and select dinners featuring regional dishes. The Voodoo Festival includes meals at Hotel du Lac while Panafest tours showcase traditional Ghanaian cooking. Special events like New Year's dinner at Axim Beach Resort often include local performances. According to traveler feedback: "The combination of included meals and free time to explore local food options gave us a great taste of West African cuisine."