Festival & Events Tours in West Africa
Find the right festival & events tour for you in West Africa. There are 21 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 21 days. The month with the most departures is December, making it the most popular time to visit West Africa.
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- Choose from 21 West Africa tours
- 15 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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June • traveled in January
Thank you Prince and your associates! I had a great time with the Olive Tour Guides for my Ghana Afrochella trip. The tour team was very professional and kind. We experienced additional sites and venues. The entire experience was very educational and informative. I met a lot of wonderful people. I recommend the Olive group and TourRadar. Ghana, I will be back! Thank you, June Lake
December In Ghana : AfroFuture Festival alongside Safari - T
Taya • traveled in March
Amazing! I was afraid of the quads, but the guy, the 2 guys who guided us made me lose the fear, he taught me and I enjoyed it a lot! The camel ride is more relaxed and it's nice to see everything from atop them. Being by the bonfire while the musicians sing and welcome you is something spectacular, they sing, dance, and encourage you to dance with them and learn the songs!! The dinner is very good, you try many typical and very tasty dishes! It's an experience we recommend living! We will surely repeat another year!. All those who run the activity are very kind people, they convey trust at all times!!
Agafay Desert Dinner show with quad bike and camel Ride - B
Brenda • traveled in August
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.
PANAFEST Celebration in Ghana – 10 Days (July 25, 2025 – August 3, 2025)
10 best festival & events tour packages in West Africa
Compiled by
NinaWest Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Fes Sacred Music Festival Tour 2026
- 8 Days Ghana Independence Explosion tour 2026
- New Year’s Eve 2025/26 In Moroccan Desert
- Morocco Honeymoon Tour - The Best Honeymoon Distination
- December in Ghana Experience 2025
- Tunisia Eclipse Adventure 2027
- Geluxe: Morocco Eclipse 2027: Wonders of Earth & Sky
- Saint Louis Jazz Festival, 8 days (May 14 to 21, 2024)
- Afrochella Ghana Festival 8Days/7Nights 2024
- December In Ghana 2025
The rich musical heritage of Fez Festival unfolds at historic Bab Makina. Issawa healing music ceremonies, visits to Sidi Ahmed al Barnoussi shrine, and traditional Sufi gatherings in private homes highlight this 14-day cultural immersion.
Duration 14 days Destinations Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Moulay Idriss, Sefrou, Bhalil, Marrakesh Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Morocco Discoveries From
- US$3,265
Duration 8 days Destinations Accra, Cape Coast, Elmina Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Landtours Ghana Ltd. From
- US$2,859
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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator Ricks Voyage From
- US$1,500
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 Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator Desertbrise Travel From
- US$2,935
Duration 8 days Destinations Accra, Cape Coast, Elmina Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, French Operator Landtours Ghana Ltd. From
- US$2,930
Duration 9 days Destinations Tunis, Carthage, Kairouan, Tozeur Oasis, Douz, Matmata, Sfax, El Jem Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Encounters Travel From
- US$4,495
Duration 9 days Destinations Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, Volubilis, Meknes, Bin el Ouidane, Marrakesh Age Range Ages 18+ Operator G Adventures From
- US$4,499
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 Ages 12+ Operator Continent Tours From
- US$2,995
Afrochella, Ghana's leading cultural festival in Accra, anchors this cultural celebration. VIP access includes art installations, fashion showcases, and live performances at Afro Futurefest. Visits to Cape Coast Castle, Elmina fortress, and optional New Year's Eve boat party at Akosombo complement stays at Lancaster Hotel and Coconut Groove Resort.
Duration 8 days Destinations Accra, Cape Coast, Kakum National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
- US$2,811
Duration 7 days Destinations Accra, Akosombo, Cape Coast, Aburi Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Landtours Ghana Ltd. From
- US$2,667
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."