New Year is the time to celebrate and start afresh. Across the globe, folks follow different indigenous ways to welcome the year and is often marked as a national holiday. As per the Gregorian calendar, the most popularly used calendar system of the modern times, New Year occurs on January 1. One of the most renowned new year celebrations around the globe is atrophied by South Africa. So consider yourself lucky if you are celebrating New Year in South Africa.
13 Things To Do During New Year In South Africa
Following are some things to do to welcome New Year in South Africa with a blast. These things will surely make your new year vacation in South Africa, a grand gala.
- Orange River Rafting
- Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
- Revolution New Year Open Air Music Festival
- NYE Cruise
- Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Rezonance New Year’s Eve Trance Party
- The Barnyard Theatre 99 Hits Party
- New Year’s Festival Of Light
- The Smoking Dragon New Year Festival
- Makakatana Bay Lodge
- Secrets Of Summer Festival
- Southbroom Beach Party
- Anew Hotel Hilton
1. Orange River Rafting
Welcome the brand-new year in a unique south African style on the banks of the Orange River, amidst the scenic beauty of the mountainous, semi-desert region in the Northern Cape. A perfect new year for the adventurous traveler in you, you canoe down the river, give your body warm sun bathe and narrate stories at a campfire. This is one of the best ways to enjoy a New Years eve in South Africa.
Fee: 3,190 Rand per adult for a three-day trip
Address: South Namibia, Namibia., Namibia
Phone: +27 21 559 1573
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2. Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
The Waterfront hosts one of the populous and fun New Years party in Cape Town. They have introduced various entertainment zones for outdoor sport loving people and a variety of one of a kind carnival performance, ending majestically with a magnificent firework display at midnight. At around 5 p.m. onwards, every zone one by one with circus performances, roaming musicians, bands, dancers, floats and carnival characters. Hundreds of restaurants and food trucks serve delicious delicacies for the guests and participants.
Address: 19 Dock Rd, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Hours: Closes 9PM
Phone: +27 21 408 7600
3. Revolution New Year Open Air Music Festival
Revolution is an outdoor fest that’s hosted at Gauteng every year, a total quaking, pumping three-day open-air extravaganza. Party freaks should totally check out the details of this event and venue and can definitely look forward to two epic stages, two international artists, + 40 DJs and live shows, with mind boggling UV decor and appealing sound and lighting. There will also be a tent zones, spaces for hot showers, pools and a licensed restrobars. This is one of the best music festivals in Moscow.
Fee: From R380
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4. NYE Cruise
Cruise along the Table Bay Harbor and enjoy the balmy mood while you sip on to some sparkling wine and experience the vibes on board in a traditional catamaran and witness the spectacular midnight fireworks display.
Fee: From 750 per person
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5. Hot Air Balloon Safari
Witness the first sunrise of the new year in the skies floating above the spectacular Magalies River Valley. Post the scenic 60-minute flight, land down to a delicious champagne-breakfast at Bill Harrop’s balloon base in the Cradle of Nature.
Fee: 2570 Rand per person
Address: Skeerpoort, 2146, South Africa
Hours: Closes -8PM ⋅ Opens 6AM
Phone: +27 11 705 3201
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6. Rezonance New Year’s Eve Trance Party
If you want to escape the city lights and yet have a rocking new year party, keep no doubts and head straight to the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve in Robertson. Resonance is a mind rocking party hosted by them every year on the eve of new year. The event is of four days and filled with, crazy beats and a stellar lineup featuring international psytrance, dub, techno and electronica DJs. Guests are even at the option of pitching tents or renting one of the pre-pitched tents for the long weekend.
Fee: From 500 Rand -680 Rand per person
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7. The Barnyard Theatre 99 Hits Party
The Barnyard Theatre at the Emperor’s Palace hosts a retro style 90s Mania New Year’s Eve party. It’s basically a celebration of the 90s and with a variety of cool music such as pop, rock, alternative and the time lapses back into that decade. If you want to rewind yourselves to a decade back this new year this is the place you should not miss.
Fee: 395 Rand
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8. New Year’s Festival Of Light
The lantern parade is a heart delighting and inspiring community event organized by the Bethesda Arts Center in the small Eastern Cape town of Niue Bethesda. For enjoying a New Year’s eve in Cape Town, head to this place. You can join this magical parade at sharp 8 p.m. This parade takes you through the town under a starlit sky and ends at the Arts Center where feasting takes place. You can even create your own lantern at one of the workshops or have the community artists make one for you and float them off. This is like one of the New Year traditions in South Africa.
Fee: Contact Bethesda Arts Center to book tickets.
9. The Smoking Dragon New Year Festival
Drakensberg is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world and the best place to celebrate New Year in South Africa. Celebrate this new year at the star attraction of Drakensberg with the Amphitheater as its centerpiece This fest, hosted at the Amphitheater Backpackers Lodge, features four stages-40 acts package. Other features offered by the hosts include a campsite complimenting hot showers, a jacuzzi, sauna, rock pool and much more.
Fee: 695 Rand
Phone: +27(0)768227508, +27(0)828559767
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10. Makakatana Bay Lodge
Have a serene and relaxed New Year’s in the lap of nature and wildlife at its best, at the Makakatana Lodge, located in the magnificent iSiMangaliso Wetlands Park on Lake St Lucia. The park is a declared World Heritage Site harboring unspoiled beaches, vast wetlands and game reserves. The lodge offers game drives, safari tours etc.
Fee: From 7,900 Rand for two people sharing per night
Address: iSi Mangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, 3935, South Africa
Phone: +27 31 940 8555
11. Secrets Of Summer Festival
Secrets of Summer is one of the best ways to celebrate the New Year’s eve in South Africa. The organizers of the festival collaborate with 5FM to create this amazing event which includes heart-throbbing performances by renowned artists like Faithless and Shapeless. There is a man-made oasis wherein you can enjoy without any limit and dance arenas where you can dance the night away.
Fee: 390 Rand
Address: Cape Town
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12. Southbroom Beach Party
If you love the beach parties then you should not miss out on Southbroom which is one of the biggest events in South Africa on New Year’s Eve. The party takes place on the beach of Southbroom beginning from 31st December. Some of the artists that perform here are Chunda Munki (JHB), Royal K (JHB), Chris Taylor (CT), Jak Skandi (CT), Veranda Panda, Hart, Ryan Stylz, and more.
Fee: 250 Rand
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13. Anew Hotel Hilton
Anew Hotel Hilton offers one of the most dashing parties on New Year’s Eve for families. The theme is of 80s so dress accordingly and learn some dance steps too. You will get some free wine and snacks on arrival. Enjoy soothing music on DJ, a delicious dinner and movies.
Address: 1 Hilton Ave, Hilton, Pietermaritzburg, 3245, South Africa
Phone: +27 33 343 3311
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Indulging in these exciting things to do on a new year in South Africa will for sure not disappoint you. If you don’t want to miss the best New Year experiences of your life, plan a trip to South Africa now and welcome the year with wide open arms.
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Frequently Asked Questions About New Year In South Africa
How does South Africa celebrate New Years?
A large population of South Africa parties all night. People indulge in extravagant dinners, drinks, and dance. There fireworks and countdown when midnight strikes. The church bell chimes to officially declare the New Year. Johannesburg nightlife is known to be happening and lit.
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Is New Year’s Eve a public holiday in South Africa?
Most businesses, offices and public schools are closed on the next day of the New Year’s Eve if it falls on a Sunday. however, public transport is not affected.
Which are the best places to celebrate the New Year in South Africa?
Here are the best places to celebrate the New Year in South Africa:
1. Clifton Beach, Cape Town
2. Nederburg Wine Estate, Paarl
3. KwaZulu Natal, Durban
4. District Six, Cape Town
Which country celebrates New Year in September?
Ethiopia and Eritrea are the African countries that celebrate New Year in September. It is called Enkutatash and is celebrated on 11th September according to the Gregorian Calendar.
Where should I go for New Years Eve in Durban?
There are many places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Durban. Some of them are:
1. 9th Avenue Bistro
2. Bel Punto
3. The Chef’s Table
4. Vasco’s Restaurant
5. The Ocean Terrace
