Guidebook to 10 Places to Celebrate New Year’s in Africa

Welcome to Africa, where vibrant cultures and rich traditions come together to create unforgettable New Year’s in Africa celebrations!

In this guidebook, we’ll explore 10 festive ways to ring in the New Year across this diverse continent. From the bustling city streets of Cape Town, to the tranquil beaches of Zanzibar, Africa offers a myriad of unique experiences to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of traditional African music and indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you’re in a festive mood in the heart of Cape Town or Nairobi, there’s something for everyone. Join in the energetic street parades or be mesmerized by the age-old Masai rituals in Kenya. No matter where you choose to celebrate, Africa will surely leave a lasting imprint on your heart and soul. Embrace the warmth of African traditions as you bid farewell to the old and welcome the new.

Join us as we uncover 10 enchanting ways to celebrate New Year’s in Africa, where every moment is filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness. Experience the magic of Africa’s New Year’s celebrations like never before! Let’s dive in!

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town | South Africa

Live music, street performers, melting pot of fine restaurants, and Cape Town – what more could you ask for? Celebrating New Year’s Eve at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is an extraordinary experience that combines vibrant festivities, stunning views, and a lively atmosphere as it counts Africa into the New Year from their iconic Clock Tower with great anticipation. Celebrating New Year’s Eve at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town offers a perfect blend of entertainment, dining, and festive cheer in a stunning setting.

Recommended hotel: Newmark V&A Waterfront Hotel

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Africa at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, with Safari365
Throughout the evening, street performers, including magicians, acrobats, and dancers, entertain the crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Kloof Street, Cape Town | South Africa

Kloof Street is centrally located, providing easy access and is renowned for its diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. From fine dining to casual cafes, the street offers a variety of culinary experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets when celebrating a New Year’s in Africa. Many venues on Kloof Street feature live music performances and events, adding to the vibrant atmosphere for the special occasion. Kloof Street and its surroundings offer a range of boutique hotels and guesthouses, providing stylish and comfortable accommodation for visitors.


Recommended hotel: MORE Family Collection Cape Cadogan Hotel

Melrose Arch, Johannesburg | South Africa

Visiting Melrose Arch in Johannesburg offers a unique and upscale experience, combining luxury, convenience, and entertainment in one vibrant precinct. The area is known for its variety of fine dining establishments, offering a range of cuisines from around the world. We do recommend starting off at one of many stylish bars that provide perfect spots for refreshing  cocktails. Melrose Arch is designed to be walkable, with well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian areas.

Recommended hotel: The Peech

Stone Town, Zanzibar | Tanzania

Stone Town in Zanzibar is the perfect maze for a traveler with no destination. Meander the streets on New Year’s Eve to add some local culture to your evening. Visit a Zanzibari restaurant where instrumental performers are ready to charm you while you enjoy sumptuous seafood dishes before heading to the beach for the countdown.

Recommended hotel: The Neela Boutique Hotel

Historical buildings and Stone Town harbour with Safari365
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a historical and culturally rich backdrop for New Year's celebrations.

Chobe River, Botswana

On the opposite end of the party spectrum is relaxing while twisting down the Chobe River on board a lavish houseboat. If good conversation and fine dining is what you want, then this is something a bit more sophisticated. Grab your closest friends and let the African wildlife hums be your rave music.


Recommended boat: Chobe Princess

Maputo | Mozambique

If a New Year’s beach party is what you’re after, Maputo delivers! This secluded southern Mozambican city is perfect for snorkeling and beach lazing. Sip on the traditional Tipo Tinto rum with raspberry soda (known as R ‘n Rs) and let this locale sweep you off your sandy feet.

Recommended hotel: The Serena Polana

Nairobi | Kenya

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the leafy suburb of Karen, Nairobi, offers a unique and memorable experience with a blend of luxurious venues, vibrant events, and serene environments. The prestigious Karen Country Club has a well-known New Years Eve party and tickets need to be pre-purchased. For a more tranquil New Year’s Eve, consider a daytime visit to the Oloolua Nature Trail, followed by a relaxed evening in one of Karen’s serene settings.

Recommended hotel: Hemingways Nairobl often hosts elegant New Year’s Eve dinners and parties. Enjoy gourmet cuisine, live music, and a countdown in a sophisticated setting.

Victoria Falls | Zimbabwe or Zambia

Many luxury hotels and lodges in the area, such as the Victoria Falls Hotel and The Royal Livingstone, host elegant New Year’s Eve galas with gourmet dining, live entertainment, and dancing. Various local establishments and bars organize New Year’s Eve parties, offering a chance to celebrate in a lively atmosphere. Enjoy traditional African music and dance performances that are often part of the New Year’s Eve festivities, providing a rich cultural experience. Indulge in a feast of local dishes and international cuisine, with many restaurants and hotels offering special New Year’s Eve menus.


Recommended hotel: Victoria Falls Hotel

Windhoek | Namibia

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, offers a unique and enjoyable experience that combines vibrant urban Enjoy traditional Namibian dishes and international cuisine, with many venues offering unique culinary experiences to celebrate the occasion.festivities, cultural events, and the warmth of Namibian hospitality. Many venues in Windhoek organize family-friendly New Year’s Eve events, ensuring that visitors of all ages can enjoy the celebrations. Windhoek offers a unique blend of urban excitement, cultural richness, and Namibian warmth, making it a fantastic destination for celebrating New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re looking for vibrant parties, cultural experiences, luxurious accommodations, or family-friendly activities, Windhoek provides a memorable and enjoyable way to welcome the New Year.

Recommended hotel: The Olive Boutique Hotel

Kampala | Uganda

Kampala, in Uganda, hosts lively street parties, particularly around the city center and major nightlife districts like Kabalagala and Kololo. These parties feature music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere. Kampala is known for its vibrant music scene. Look out for concerts by local artists and bands, often held in venues like the Lugogo Cricket Oval and Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

Recommended hotel: Kampala Serena Hotel – Restaurants like The Lawns, Mediterraneo, and The Pearl of Africa at the Kampala Serena Hotel offer special New Year’s Eve menus featuring gourmet cuisine and festive decorations.

Bring in the New Year with Mama Africa, contact us today.