News South Africa

Vic Falls Carnival returns for New Year

The Vic Falls Carnival returns in 2013 from 29 to 31 December and is a three-day festival of music, performance, dance, adventure and fun that will hail in the New Year at the beautiful world-famous Victoria Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The carnival will host a line-up of musicians and artists hailing from Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia. Confirmed artists already include Zimbabwe's Mokoomba (www.mokoomba.com) and DJ Francis. More artists are being announced and a full line-up will be released soon.

In addition to the Music Carnival centrepiece, visitors to this year's festival can participate in a packed programme of activities, including the Steam Train Party Express, eco-friendly initiatives such as tree planting and recycling community projects, and a choice of activities and adrenaline sports.

Vic Falls Carnival returns for New Year

"We are building on the success of last year and expect to welcome thousands of music and adventure lovers from all over the world to party under the smoke that thunders," said Sean Young, festival director of the Vic Falls Carnival.

"What makes the Vic Falls Carnival so special is that it brings together people who take adventurous journeys from all over southern Africa and the world to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime celebration - and our aim is to grow the Vic Falls Carnival into the biggest New Year's party in Africa", he added.

Tickets have already gone on sale and range from single-day entry to VIP two-day passes. Enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage of the Early Bird two-day Pass Special price of USD40 through www.webtickets.co.za. This offer is limited so get them before they sell out.

Travel packages

Getting there is half the fun and there are several options for South African travellers, one notable option being the Carnival Overlander package that has just been launched, with two options for six nights, seven days, available:
• Tour 1: 27 December to 2 January, 2014.
• Tour 2: 28 December to 3 January, 2014.

Price: R4250.

Packages include: return overland truck trip with Nomad Adventure Tours from Joburg to Vic Falls. Six nights tented accommodation - two nights Botswana, four nights Vic Falls. Tents provided based on twin sharing.

Three-day Vic Falls Carnival pass for 29 to 31 December includes the Steam Train Party Express and two days at the Vic Falls Music Carnival, four breakfasts in Vic Falls and two dinners in Botswana.

Community Carnival

A defining characteristic of the carnival is it eco-friendliness. Started last year, the Community Carnival will again run various environmental and recycling initiatives this year alongside the main carnival itself. Supported by the Victoria Falls Green Fund, green activities will include the planting of hundreds of trees at designated sites in the Victoria Falls area, including a school, clinic and community area. Other projects include recycling beer cans from the festival in the shape of one of Africa's Big Five, and youth involvement initiatives.

For more on the information Community Carnival and the Victoria Falls Green Fund.

Ticket prices

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