Easter 2025 – What You Need to Know Across Africa

Easter lands on April 20 – 21 2025, and the whole continent is gearing up for family trips, church services and big parties. Whether you’re heading to a bustling city, a quiet village or a beach resort, the week promises vibrant traditions and useful travel tips.

Key dates and public holidays

Most African countries observe Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 22) as public holidays. South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria give workers a long weekend, and schools usually close for the week. Check your local calendar because some nations add extra days for Easter Thursday or a half‑day on Friday.

Top celebrations you won’t want to miss

In Lagos, the streets glow with lanterns and live gospel concerts, while Ghana’s coastal towns host sea‑side sunrise services. Kenya’s Rift Valley villages hold traditional drum circles after church, and Ethiopia still follows the Orthodox calendar, celebrating Easter a week later with a massive feast of injera and doro wat.

If you love food, look out for special Easter menus. South African braai spots serve lamb chops and koeksisters, while Moroccan towns offer couscous topped with honey‑glazed dates. Tourist hubs like Marrakech and Zanzibar roll out all‑inclusive packages that include sunrise tours and cultural workshops.

Travel planning is easy if you book early. Flights to major hubs fill up fast, especially on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Take advantage of airlines’ Easter promos now – many offer up to 30 % off if you lock in tickets before March.

Accommodations also get booked quickly. Guesthouses in rural areas often have limited rooms, so contact them directly for any last‑minute deals. For city stays, look for hotels that bundle breakfast and Easter brunches; it saves money and gives you a taste of local customs.

Safety matters during the holiday rush. Keep an eye on your belongings at crowded events, and use reputable transport apps for airport transfers. In larger cities, traffic can jam for hours on Good Friday, so plan extra travel time or consider using bike‑share schemes where available.

Kids love the Easter egg hunts that pop up in parks and malls. In Nairobi’s Karura Forest, families can join guided hunts that teach wildlife facts, while in Accra’s Independence Square, local artists hide painted eggs with clues about Ghanaian history. Look for free community events – they’re a great way to meet locals.

Finally, remember to respect local customs. Some regions observe a strict fast before the Easter sunrise service, so dress modestly and avoid eating in public until after the service ends. A simple “Happy Easter” in the local language – “Joyeuses Pâques”, “Feliz Pascua” or “Easteri Njema” – goes a long way.

Stay tuned to Duma Travel News for real‑time updates on weather, travel advisories and any last‑minute changes to Easter events across Africa. With the right prep, Easter 2025 can be a memorable mix of faith, fun and unforgettable experiences.