African festivals in January include new year celebrations in South Africa and Muslim festivals in North Africa. If you're celebrating the cultural festival in the deserts of Mali, watch out for the Dakar Rally coming through at the same time.
Click on the headings for more information about each festival and event.
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
South Africa Tourism
It's summer in Cape Town and the New Year is celebrated in great raucous style in the form of a carnival. The parades are huge flamboyant affairs with grand costumes, wonderful marching bands, singing, dancing and more. Needless to say, few Capetonians make it to work on the 2nd of January.
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: 31 December - 2 January (2007/8)
The Dakar Rally
Dakar Rally Logo
The 2008 Dakar Rally will take place from the 5th - 20st of January. Known as the toughest motor race in the world, the Dakar Rally covers over 5000 miles of rocks, sand, riverbeds and potholed roads. More than 500 motorbikes, cars and trucks will make their way from Portugal through Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and finally end in a tired, sandy heap in Senegal's capital, Dakar.
Where: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal
When: 5 - 20 January (2008)
Festival-au-Desert
Three days of traditional Touareg art, music and dance takes place in Essakane, 2 hours from Timbuktu, Mali. International acts from Europe and West Africa round out the festivities. Everyone camps in the desert with their camels close at hand. A truly unique cultural event that is well worth the trek.
Where: Essakane, Mali
When: 10 - 12 January (2008)
Amazigh New Year, North Africa
In the Maghreb region, New Year's eve is actually celebrated on the 12th January. The Amazigh people of North Africa will celebrate their own New Year for the 2,958th time in accordance with the Julian calendar. Families come together to enjoy steaming plates of chicken and couscous and welcome the New Year. For some Amazigh, it is essential not to eat spicy or bitter food so those will not be the flavours for the year ahead.
Where: Maghreb Region, North Africa
When: 12 January (annual)
Timket Festival, Feast of Epiphany
Music food and processions mark Ethiopia's biggest festival. The origin of the Feast of Epiphany dates back over 1000 years and once the ceremonials are over it's time to shake your hips and join in the vigorous dancing. The best places to enjoy the festival are Gondar, Lalibela and Addis Ababa.
Where: Ethiopia
When: 19 January (2008)
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations is being held for the 26th time in 2008. This is African soccer's biggest event and it's held bi-annualy. Play-offs have been going on for the past two years and 16 nations will now spend a month competing for the big trophy. Ghana is the host nation this year and matches will be played in various venues around the country. Egypt won the cup in 2006.
Where: Ghana
When: Jan 20 - February 10th (2008)
Festival on the Niger
The Festival sur le Niger is a cultural festival which celebrates the music and traditions of the Segou region with several well known West African artists invited as special guests. This year (2008) the festival's theme is to celebrate the history and architecture of this fascinating region of Mali.
Where: Segou, Mali
When: 31 January - 3 February (2008)
