AFRICA’S MOST VIBRANT
DECEMBER FESTIVALS
AFRICAN CHRISTMAS FAMILY, FOOD, AND FESTIVITIES
TNA RECAP OF THE YEAR A YEAR OF UNCHARTED TRAILS
CELEBRATE THE SEASON
FESTIVE TRAVEL IDEAS ACROSS AFRICA
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Sizzling Summer & Sparkling Festivities
2025 TNA WRAPPED UP : A Glimpse Thoughout the Year
Africa’s Most Vibrant December Festivals Why A Digital Detox is Important This Festive Season
African Christmas : Family, Food & Festivities Events
DEditor’s Note
ear TNA Readers,
December has arrived, and with it comes that unmistakable African summer energy: long golden evenings, the smell of braai smoke drifting on warm breezes, laughter spilling out of open windows, and a continent that refuses to end the year quietly.
This is the month when Africa truly sparkles. From the thunderous parades of Calabar Carnival to the fairy-light magic of Cape Town’s Adderley Street, from the bass-heavy bush parties at Vic Falls to the soul-soothing sunsets along Lake Malawi, our continent knows how to throw a proper festive celebration. We dance in the streets, we feast under the stars, we welcome strangers to the table, and we remember that joy, like the rhythm of a djembe, is meant to be shared.
In this issue we bring you the very best of the season. We’ll tempt you with sizzling braai-and-wine pairings from the TNA Wine Club, whisk you across borders to the festivals that light up December, and remind you (gently) that sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself is permission to switch off the phone and simply be present. Because the moments that matter most—the ones filled with real conversation, barefoot dances on warm sand, and the sound of family laughter—are the ones that never need a filter.
As 2025 draws to a close, we also pause to look back on a year of extraordinary journeys. From the mistclad Drakensberg to the skeletal dunes of Namibia, from devil’s pool plunges on the Zambezi to fireside storytelling in Lesedi, we have walked, driven, sailed, and flown thousands of kilometres to bring you stories that celebrate Africa’s wild, generous heart. And everywhere we went, one truth rang clear: this continent doesn’t just host travellers—it welcomes them home.
So as you turn these pages, let them inspire plans, daydreams, and maybe even a last-minute December escape. Pack light, leave space in your heart for new connections, and remember that here, the festive season is not just a date on the calendar—it’s a feeling. A feeling of togetherness, of abundance, of pure, unfiltered joy.
Wherever you find yourself this December—whether around a rural fire in Ovamboland, watching fireworks over Lusaka, or raising a glass of MCC under Cape Town’s jacarandas—may your days be merry, your nights star-drenched, and your heart unmistakably African.
Here’s to celebrating the season, in true continental style.
Safe travels and happy festivities.
Derek Martin Editor
Why A Digital Detox Is Important This Festive Season
The festive season is meant to be a time for rest, reconnection and celebration. Yet, for many of us, it has quietly become one of the most digitally demanding times of the year. Between planning holidays online, capturing every sunset for social media and checking in on work messages that “just can’t wait”, we often find ourselves more plugged in than ever. Instead of unwinding, we scroll, swipe and post our way through the holidays, forgetting that the best moments rarely need a filter.
THE HIDDEN COST OF CONSTANT CONNECTION
Technology helps us stay in touch and navigate the world, but it can also be exhausting. The endless stream of notifications, emails and updates keeps our minds alert long after we should be relaxing. Studies show that too much screen time can disrupt sleep patterns, increase anxiety and reduce our ability to focus.
For tourists visiting South Africa or families travelling within the country, this constant connection can take away from the very experiences that make a holiday memorable. Instead of soaking in the beauty of Table Mountain or the calm of a coastal sunrise, we are often distracted by the urge to share every detail online.
RECONNECTING WITH THE REAL WORLD
A digital detox does not mean throwing your phone into the ocean or ignoring important calls. It simply means setting healthier boundaries with technology. It is about choosing presence over distraction, people over pixels. By being intentional about when and how you use your devices, you create space to truly enjoy the moments around you.
Try setting aside specific “screen-free” times each day. For example, keep mornings and mealtimes free of devices. Take a walk without your phone, or play a board game with the family after dinner. These small actions help your mind reset and allow you to reconnect with the people who matter most.
THE BENEFITS GO BEYOND RELAXATION
Stepping away from screens can have a real impact on your mental and physical well-being. People who take regular breaks from technology often report an improved mood, lower stress levels and better sleep quality. It also helps you rediscover hobbies and interests that might have been pushed aside.
When travelling, a digital detox can deepen your appreciation of your surroundings. Without the distraction of screens, you become more observant of details like the texture of the sand, the sound of birds at dawn or the taste of freshly brewed local coffee. You begin to engage with places and people on a more authentic level.
Children benefit too. When parents and caregivers model balanced technology use, kids learn that experiences are more valuable than online validation. Making device-free moments part of family traditions helps children develop a healthier relationship with technology in the long run.
HOW TO START YOUR DIGITAL DETOX
A successful digital detox is about balance, not deprivation. Here are a few ways to make it manageable and enjoyable:
Plan ahead: Let friends or colleagues know that you will be taking a digital break so there are no urgent expectations.
Create phone-free zones: Keep devices out of bedrooms or away from the dining table.
Use built-in tools: Activate “do not disturb” or screen time limits on your phone.
Replace screen time with real activities: Try local tours, outdoor sports, or simply relax with a good book.
Reflect daily: At the end of each day, think about how being offline affected your mood and interactions.
So this year, make time to disconnect in order to reconnect. Switch off the screen, look up and live the moment fully. Because sometimes, the best memories are the ones that never make it online.
Jonty Bruggen News Correspondent
A Sizzling Summer & Sparkling Festivities
s the sun-kissed days of South African and the Southern hemisphere summer stretches out before us, there’s no better time to fire up the braai and uncork a bottle of your favourite wine that sings in harmony with the meat cooked on the open flame. At the TNA Wine Club we are all about blending the artistry of winemaking with the soulstirring stories of Africa’s vineyards. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or the designated braai guy, we have some new episodes for you that offer insider tips that will elevate your next braai, as well as ensuring you have a very festive, festive season. With the festive frenzy fast approaching, let’s take a deeper look and unpack what we believe are the perfect pairings: robust wines for your summer braai and effervescent bubbles for the holiday cheer.
FIRESIDE FLAMES: WHAT WINES TO PAIR WITH A BRAAI THIS SUMMER
Picture this: the smoky aroma of boerewors sizzling on the braai, juicy lamb chops charring just right, and a chorus of laughter with friends, family and loved ones. The braai is more than a meal - it’s a ritual, a South African summer staple that demands wines bold enough to stand up to the fire’s kiss. Remember, great wine isn’t just tasted; it’s felt in the moment. For your next gathering, lean into these pairings that echo the podcast’s emphasis on balance and storytelling.
Start with the classics for red meats: a full-bodied Shiraz or Pinotage. These indigenous South African stars cut through the richness of sosaties and steak with their peppery spice and dark fruit notes. Try a HAZENDAL 2018 - a velvety gem with hints of plum and mocha that Lloyd himself might applaud for its smoky depth. It’s the perfect match for the braai’s caramelised crust, transforming each bite into a symphony. For something different yet no less impactful, reach for a 2014 PORSELEINBERG SHIRAZ - Its cedar undertones embrace the char without overwhelming the palate, ideal as the afternoon sun dips low.
But don’t overlook the whites when seafood, chicken or veggie kebabs hit the coals. A 2022, MOSIE WINES CHENIN BLANC reigns supreme here, its zesty citrus and grassy vibrancy refreshing the heat. THE WARWICK ESTATE, WHITE LADY 2014 CHARDONAY with, pairs divinely with prawns grilled in peri-peri butter - crisp, clean, and utterly summery.
Pro tip from TNA Wine Club’s glassware deep-dive: Serve reds in wide-bowled glasses to aerate those bold aromas, and whites in narrower ones to preserve their chill. The right vessel unlocks layers you never knew were there. With these picks, your braai becomes a canvas for flavour - smoky, juicy, and alive.
BUBBLES AND BEYOND: FESTIVE WINES TO TOAST THE SEASON
As December twinkles into view, the air buzzes with carols, end of year get togethers and the pop of corks in celebration. The festive season calls for wines that sparkle with joy and pair well with Christmas lunch, trifle, or even that midnight toast. The TNA Wine Club celebrates this season through storytelling, where every bubble carries a narrative - from ancient vineyards to modern celebrations. Here are the TNA Wine Clubs top pics for the festive season.
No celebration is complete without bubbles, and South Africa’s Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) shines brightest. Whilst there are many options top choose from, the TNA wine club’s choice is the L’ORMARINS PRIVATE CUVEE, with its fine mousse and brioche hints, is a festive firework - pair it with oysters or as an aperitif to kick start the feast. It’s the bubbly that says “cheers” without stealing the show.
Whilst the choice of wine will depend on you choice of festive menu, if Chardonnay is your favourite white wine, we suggest the HAMILTON RUSSELL. A complex white wine from South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, known for its elegant balance of bright acidity with notes of pear, lime, and citrus, alongside a subtle creamy texture and minerality. Often described as a wine with a strong sense of place, offering both intensity and length on the palate, with subtle hints of vanilla or toast from oak aging.
If you are looking for Cabernet Sauvignon (and are willing to splurge), we recommend the 2009 RUSTENBERG PETER BARLOW. The wine comes from the oldest vineyard on the estate, high up on the Simonsberg, and specifically the 2009, been hailed as the best of the decade. Intense black in colour. The nose shows dark fruit and attractive oak notes. The palate possesses extraordinary powergreat fruit concentration, fresh acidity and firm, but fine tannins.
Complete the meal with a DONKIESBAAI HOOIWIJN - this pale gold dessert wine, is pure gold. With expressive aromas of dried apricots, mango, and honeycomb, complemented by subtle hints of nutmeg and clove, this rounds off the meal perfectly with its balanced well-integrated acidity and clean finish.
In the TNA spirit, remember: The festive season, and the sharing a glass (or bottle) of wine is about connection. We urge you to savour the connections over this period and enjoy a well-deserved break. As the TNA Wine Club continues to uncork Africa’s wine wonders, tune in for more episodes that blend education with escapism. Whether you’re braai-bound or bell-ringing, these pairings promise to make every sip a celebration.
CORKS, CAROLS & CHRISTMAS PLATES
A A Year of Uncharted Trails 2025 Odyssey Through Africa’s Heart
s 2025 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a year that unfolded like one of Africa’s epic migrations - full of unexpected turns, profound connections, and landscapes that have etched themselves on to our souls. For Tourism News Africa, this has been a season of immersion, not just observation. From dust-kissed game drives to saltsprayed shores, our journeys and stories have woven a tapestry celebrating our continent’s boundless allure. We’ve travelled and experienced so much culture, luxurious wildlife, and explored hidden gems, all while championing why Africa remains the ultimate call to those seeking wonder and adventure. Here’s a snapshot of what we have done and the tales we’ve told.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE WILD: UNFORGETTABLE STAYS AND SAFARIS
Nothing captures Africa’s raw magic quite like a brush with its wildlife and heritage, and 2025 gifted us stays that blurred the line between guest and guardian of the land. Our adventures included Lesedi Cultural Village, nestled in the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg. Here, under starlit skies, we experienced traditional Zulu, Xhosa, and Pedi attire, feasting on communal meals while elders shared stories and histories passed down through generations. It wasn’t tourism; it was a time portal, reminding us why cultural immersion is one of Africa’s greatest export.
We ascended to the mist-shrouded peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, checking into aha Alpine Heath Resort. This bastion of serenity, with its thatched chalets hugging the KZN Drakensberg, offered hikes with waterfalls and horseback rides across verdant valleys. Mornings dawned with mist rolling off the cliffs, and evenings ended with fireside tales of wonder. It was a masterclass in slow travel - rejuvenating body and spirit.
The bush called next, luring us to the opulent embrace of Ivory Tree Game Lodge and Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge in the Waterberg Biosphere. Ivory Tree’s suites, delivered heart-pounding game drives where spotting the Big Five only amplified the thrill - elephants lumbering like
ancient sentinels, lions roaring symphonies at dusk. Shepherd’s Tree, with its contemporary African design, layered on luxury: private plunge pools overlooking thornveld, and sundowners as rhinos grazed closeby. These stays weren’t mere escapes; they were symphonies of the senses, underscoring why the bush remains Africa’s eternal siren song. TNA even ventured to Port Alfred on the Eastern Cape’s Sunshine Coast, where river mouths meet turquoise waves.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE CONTINENT: STORIES FROM HORIZON TO HORIZON
Beyond these personal pilgrimages, our content for Tourism News Africa spanned the continent’s vast mosaic, illuminating why each corner demands a place on your itinerary. We delved into Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, advocating stays where dhow sails skim coral reefs teeming with manta rays. It’s a call to embrace the Indian Ocean’s gentle rhythm, far from the crowds.
Namibia’s skeletal dunes stole the show in our feature on deserts. For hot-air balloon drifts over Deadvlei’s petrified forest, where the silence speaks volumes about resilience. Botswana’s Okavango Delta followed, as the perfect antidote to urban frenzy, where elephants shape the floodplains like living architects.
Zimbabwe and Zambia shared the Zambezi’s thunder in a dual dispatch of devil’s pool plunges and sunset cruises, as well as intimate rhino encounters. These twin nations embody Africa’s duality: adrenaline and awe in equal measure. Tanzania’s Serengeti plains earned a spotlight for their migratory ballet, and lion prides under eternal skies. And Egypt? Our Nile odyssey championed sailing past Luxor’s temples, blending pharaonic grandeur with modern decadence—why stay? To decode the river that birthed civilization.
From Ethiopia’s rock-hewn churches to Senegal’s pink lakes, our dispatches covered over a dozen nations, each a chapter in Africa’s why-stay manifesto: sustainable luxury that uplifts communities, flavours that fuse history with heat, and vistas that humble the soul.
LESSONS FROM THE TRACKS: BEACHES, BUSH, AND RAILS
This year honed our lens on Africa’s journeys - beach, bush, ocean and train - each a thread in the continent’s narrative. Beaches? We mapped the best from Zanzibar’s spice-scented sands to Tofo in Mozambique, where ocean safaris yield humpback serenades. The bush unveiled its secrets via multi-day treks: Namibia’s Skeleton Coast hikes for shipwreck lore, or Zambia’s South Luangwa for walking safaris that whisper predator-prey dramas.
Trains, oh the trains! Our deep dive into rail renaissance spotlighted South Africa’s Blue Train, a velvet-gloved glide from Pretoria to Cape Town, pausing for Big Five cameos in Kruger. Or the Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa, chugging through Tanzania’s wilds to Dar es Salaam - opulent cars serving Cape Malay curries as giraffes salute from the savanna. These iron veins connect Africa’s pulse, turning miles into memories.
2025
HORIZONS AHEAD: AFRICA’S ENDLESS ENCORE
In 2025, we’ve not just travelled; we’ve translated Africa’s essence for the world - proving that from Lesedi’s fires to the Delta’s waters, every stay is a story untold until shared. As we toast this year, let’s raise a glass (perhaps to Port Alfred’s sundowners) to 2026: more trails blazed, more voices amplified.
Africa’s not a destination; it’s a becoming. Where will your chapter begin?
Chris Midgley News Correspondent
TNA WRAPPED UP : A GLIMPSE THOUGHOUT THE YEAR
Africa’s Most Vibrant December Festivals
December in Africa is pure magic. Sunshine, music, food, and festive vibes are everywhere. From beach parties to colourful street parades, the continent knows how to end the year on a high note. If you are looking for travel inspiration this festive season, here are some of Africa’s most exciting festivals to check out.
SAVANNA SOUND OF SUMMER, NAMIBIA
Namibia turns up the heat with Savanna Sound of Summer. Taking place on 27 December 2025 in Swakopmund, this beachfront festival blends DJ sets, live acts, and chilled coastal vibes. Warm nights, great music, and the ocean breeze make it a perfect festive escape.
AFROFUTURE FESTIVAL, GHANA
In Accra on 28–29 December 2025, AfroFuture Festival celebrates Afrobeats, art, fashion, and culture. Expect bold performances, immersive installations, and a highenergy crowd. This is the ultimate way to experience Ghana’s “Detty December.”
FLYTIME FEST, NIGERIA
From 22–25 December 2025, Lagos hosts Flytime Fest, a multi-day celebration of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop. Top local and international artists make it one of West Africa’s biggest year-end events.
BLANKETS AND WINE, KENYA
On 21 December 2025, Nairobi’s Blankets and Wine festival offers a relaxed outdoor atmosphere with live music, gourmet food, and creative vibes. Spread out on picnic blankets and enjoy the festive tunes with friends and family.
MARRAKECH COFFEE & TEA FESTIVAL, MOROCCO
From 6–8 December 2025, Marrakech hosts Africa’s largest coffee and tea celebration at Mossalla Sidi Amara, set against the stunning Atlas Mountains. This threeday festival brings together international producers, baristas, and enthusiasts, with tastings, competitions, and workshops that celebrate the rich cultures of coffee and tea. Rwanda will be the Guest of Honour, and with over 150 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves flavour, culture, and festive vibes.
SHALMA FESTIVAL – A GATHERING FOR JOY, MAURITIUS
On 27 December 2025, this open-air melodic techno festival features international DJs Korolova, Krismi, and Avis Vox. Euphoric beats and immersive production bring together music lovers in a joyful celebration.
VICTORIA FALLS NEW YEAR FESTIVAL, ZIMBABWE
Celebrate the New Year at Victoria Falls with three days of music, live bands, DJs, and unforgettable adventures like a steam train party through the bush. With the mist of the Falls as your backdrop, it’s an epic way to welcome 2026.
FESTIVE FOOD MARKETS ACROSS AFRICA
No celebration is complete without great food, and Africa’s December markets bring the party to your taste buds. From spiced treats in South Africa to street food feasts in Ghana, Kenya, and Mauritius, you can sip, snack, and soak up the festive vibes alongside live music and happy crowds.
No matter where you go, Africa in December is alive with music, colour, and festive energy. From lively street parties to island beats and bush adventures, these festivals are the perfect way to end the year on a high note.
Jesse Morris News Correspondent
African Christmas Family, Food, and Festivities
with the festive season on our doorstep, It’s a moment to pause, cherish, and, most importantly, spend time with our loved ones. Whether that means attending a Christmas Eve church service or enjoying a braai by the beach, every tradition holds a special place in our hearts. Across Africa, the festive season takes many forms, with traditions as varied as the people who celebrate them, so we reached out to see how it’s marked in different homes.
EMMA, CHAD
In Chad, Christmas traditions vary by family, but a common thread is the Christmas Eve church service, often including plays and presentations, typically attended by the nuclear family or just the children and their mother, lasting until around 5 a.m. After a brief sleep, families begin the day’s cooking, while premade Christmas biscuits are served with soft drinks to visitors. Children wish neighbours ‘Merry Christmas’ and receive sweets, and homes remain open to all, with snacks sometimes lasting until after New Year’s, and a portion sent to relatives facing hardships. Families visit each other, Christmas lunch features more meat and drinks, and children proudly wear new, shiny ‘Christmas clothes.’ While celebrations vary by means, this encapsulates a typical Chadian Christmas.
“What I value most about this season is the spirit of togetherness”
HANANE, MOROCCO
In Morocco, the festive season is a time for deep cultural traditions, family bonding, and celebration. New Year’s Eve is celebrated more casually, with families enjoying meals, music, and fireworks. Traditional markets, or souks, selling crafts, textiles, and local delicacies create a festive atmosphere. For us, the festive season is not only about food and gifts but also about sharing, caring for others, and giving thanks for the blessings of the year.
TAFADZWA, ZIMBABWE
On the 25th of December, my relatives and I travel back to our rural home (kumusha) to reunite and celebrate together. From the 31st of December into the early hours of the 1st of January, we gather for an all-night church service to welcome the new year, with prayer, singing, and dancing—a heartfelt expression
of gratitude for the year past and hope for the one ahead. What I value most about this season is the spirit of togetherness, with everyone sharing what they have, neighbours visiting freely, and the warmth of community shining through.
EMMA, NAMIBIA
We cook foods such as Pap(oshifima), wild spinach (Ombidhi), bean puree(oshigali) we listen to music, and as is tradition, slaughter a goat which is a part of the festive joy, with men preparing the meat, women cooking, and children running around excitedly. On the 24th, before midnight, we go to church to worship and give thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ. By 12 o’clock, we celebrate in church by ululating, a traditional way of expressing joy and happiness, a moment that marks the true spirit of Christmas for us: gratitude, celebration, and unity.
ROBINE, MADAGASCAR
In Madagascar, Christmas or Noely is a very special time of the year because it brings families and communities together. . What makes Christmas in Madagascar unique is the strong spirit of generosity, as many people visit orphanages, hospitals, or the elderly to bring meals, clothes, or simply spend time with them.
MARK, ZAMBIA
Food is at the heart of the celebration, with everyone working together to prepare traditional dishes like lumanda, mundabi, visashi, and plenty of nshima, along with a braai where the men take charge of the grill while music plays in the background. The smell of food cooking blends with the sounds of children playing and relatives chatting, creating a warm festive atmosphere. For us, Christmas is a beautiful blend of family unity, cultural traditions, delicious food, and spiritual gratitude
From every corner of Africa, these stories show a shared spirit. While the traditions may vary from church services to family feasts, fireworks to storytelling, the heart of the season is the same: a time of togetherness, gratitude, and joy, expressed in the ways families gather and celebrate.
Roux-Ché News Correspondent
