Fomo? Book now for these awesome southern African music festivals

This weekend brings with it one of the country’s biggest music events, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and luckily there are still some tickets available.

But if your pocket doesn't allow for a spontaneous, last-minute outing, don't stress, there are some epic music festivals coming up in SA and neighbouring countries this year.

Start planning your road trip to rock out now.

1. CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 

Where: Cape Town, South Africa

When: March 29-30 

Why go? The festival, which is touted as "Africa’s Grandest Gathering", can always be trusted to attract the best artists from around the world. This year’s festivities will feature the likes of Chaka Khan, Steve Kekana and rising stars such as Shekhinah.

More info: capetownjazzfest.com

2. AFRIKABURN

Where: Tankwa Karoo, South Africa

When: April 29-May 5 (Registration closes April 8) 

Why go? The younger sister of the US's Burning Man, AfrikaBurn is a community-based festival with a line-up created by attendees. The theme for 2019 is Ephemeropolis,  a "concept of things being transitory, existing only briefly". 

More info: afrikaburn.com

3. BUSHFIRE FESTIVAL

Where: Malkerns Valley, Swaziland

When: May 24-26 

Why go? Now in its 13th year, the MTN Bushfire Festival brings together a mix of African and international artists from different genres. With early-bird and some phase one tickets already sold out, get your hands on these coveted tickets before it’s too late.

More info: bush-fire.com

4. OPPIKOPPI

Where: Northam, Limpopo, South Africa

When: August 8-10 

Why go? Featuring some of the country’s biggest acts, from rock bands to house DJs, OppiKoppi is a must-attend event for music festival fanatics. The three-day festival offers all kinds of opportunities to party like a rock star. Tickets are not yet available, but are expected to range around the R675 mark.

More info: oppikoppi.co.za

5. AFRISKI WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Where: Afriski Mountain Resort, Lesotho

When: August 22-25 

Why go? Ski haven Afriski Mountain Resort hosts the snow-themed Afriski Winter Music Festival, which features musicians from SA and Lesotho. No run-of-the-mill festival, revellers not only get to rock out, but can snowboard too. Accommodation packages start from R3,872 and day passes from R400.

More info: winterfest.co.za

6. THE OKAVANGO DELTA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Where: Island in Tsutsubega, Maun, Botswana

When: August 29-September 1 

Why go? The festival offers three days of local and international bands, eco-art installations and beautiful scenery. The organisers hope to use the festival as a means to uplift the Tsutsubega community through employment and to use the proceeds for social programmes. 

More info: okmusicfestival.com