Festival & Events Tours in West Africa
Find the right festival & events tour for you in West Africa. There are 23 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 21 days. The month with the most departures is January, making it the most popular time to visit West Africa.
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- Choose from 23 West Africa tours
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Lexie • traveled in March
"My boyfriend and I absolutely adored this experience; it quickly became the highlight of our Marrakech holiday! Offering incredible value, the convenience of being picked up right outside our hotel was just the start. We kicked off our adventure with some relaxing tea and snacks, soaking in the breathtaking views. As sunset approached, we ascended a nearby hill to witness the stunning scene, capturing countless Instagram-worthy photos. The dinner that followed was not only delicious but also satisfyingly hearty. We were particularly captivated by the entertainment, with the fire show displaying remarkable talent. This excursion is a must-do for anyone visiting Marrakech, promising an unforgettable night. A huge thank you for making our evening so special!
Agafay Desert Dinner show with quad bike and camel Ride - J
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 - 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
- Morocco Honeymoon Tour - The Best Honeymoon Distination
- New Year’s Eve 2025/26 In Moroccan Desert
- Fes Sacred Music Festival Tour 2026
- 8 Days Ghana Independence Explosion tour 2026
- Saint Louis Jazz Festival, 8 days (May 12 to 19, 2026)
- Magical Morocco and the 2027 Solar Eclipse
- Tunisia Eclipse Adventure 2027 - Deluxe tour
- Pilgrimage, Atonement and Homecoming Experience - PANAFEST 2025
- Agafay Desert Dinner show with quad bike and camel Ride
- Niger Cultural Tour & Gerewol Festival Experience 9 Days/08 Nights
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 $2,926
30% Off- US$2,048You save $878
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
30% Off- US$1,500
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
30% Off- US$3,265
Duration 8 days Destinations Accra, Cape Coast, Elmina Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Landtours Ghana Ltd. From
30% Off- US$2,859
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 10+ Operator Continent Tours From
30% Off- US$3,095
Duration 11 days Destinations Casablanca, Tangier, Volubilis, Fes, Erfoud, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
30% Off- US$3,999
Duration 9 days Destinations Tunis, Carthage, Kairouan, Tozeur Oasis, Douz, Matmata, Sfax, El Jem Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Encounters Travel From
30% Off- US$4,495
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 Ages 13+ Operator Landtours Ghana Ltd. From
30% Off- US$3,372
Agafay Desert Dinner show with quad bike and camel Ride
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Offering incredible value, the convenience of being picked up right outside our hotel was just the start.”
Lexie, traveled in February
Festivities at Agafay Desert Camp showcase traditional music and dance performances. Nomadic culture comes alive through camel rides, authentic tagines, and entertainment around the campfire under desert stars.
Duration 1 day Destinations Marrakesh, Agafay Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Desertbrise Travel From $176
30% Off- US$123You save $53
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
30% Off- US$2,776
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."