Namib Desert International Jazz Festival

About THE Namib Desert International Jazz Festival

Our History

Our Contributors

Our History

Camissa Solutions proudly celebrates 15 years of event production by announcing the first-ever Namib Desert International Jazz Festival in March 2025. With established annual events in Jazz on the Rocks (Tietie’s Bay), MosJazz (Mossel Bay) and the Jazz

Cruise, the planned Namib Desert Festival and the Table Mountain Jazz Festival in 2025

will reflect Camissa’s confidence in a post-covid future.

We are proud to work with some of the most talented musicians in the jazz community. Our contributors come from all over the world and bring a unique perspective and voice to our content.

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Our Vision

Our Contributors

Our History

Celebrate the art of jazz and foster cross-cultural connections, the festival attracts global audiences and offers a truly unique and immersive musical experience

To promote and celebrate the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Center.

Similarly, Jazz is a UNESCO-endorsed Musical Genre and will feature in a pristine natural dune amphitheater.

Our Contributors

On day one, formidable performance by the legendary Jonathan Butler

On day two, expect electrifying music from Grammy award winning saxophonist Marion Meadows

and smooth jazz extraordinaire Elan Trotman

And wrapping the festival up will be world-renowned legend Peter White.

Your Gateway tO JAZZ AND THE NAMIB DESERT IN 2025

Cruise-in, fly-in, or drive-in - be part of this historic celebration of jazz, nature, and culture!

Jazz in the dunes lineup

Taking place at Dune 7 (the tallest dune in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Namib Desert International Jazz Festival is poised to be one of the most extraordinary music and cultural events in Africa. The festival will showcase international acts such as Jonathan Butler (RSA), Peter White (UK), Elan Trotman in Tribute to Marvin Gaye (Trinidad and Tobago), Marion Meadows (US), Jim Porto (Brazil), Jimmy Dludlu (SA), and many more, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to experience the rhythms of jazz in the heart of one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

Jazz Cruise

Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast, a lover of luxury cruise travel, or simply someone looking for an unforgettable experience in the new year, this festival neatly ties everything together into a jazz voyage like no other. In collaboration with our long-time partner, MSC Cruises, The Namib Desert International Jazz Festival will depart from Cape Town Harbour on 16 March 2025. This luxurious 6-night cruise will embark on an unforgettable journey along the coast of Africa, culminating in a two-night stay in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Guests aboard the cruise will be treated to exclusive onboard jazz performances. Upon arrival in Walvis Bay, passengers will disembark and get ready to immerse themselves in the magic of the Namib Desert International Jazz Festival.

With transport to the festival venue and luxury accommodations provided attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Namibia (if they so desire) by day and enjoy world-class jazz performances under the stars by night. Email liezel@catchthewave.co.za for cruise packages.

Media Partners

With Cape Talk and 702 as media partners, the Namib Desert International Jazz Festival offers an unsurpassed lifestyle experience with sights and sounds in idyllic locations. Three stages will operate between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, bringing a beach and desert experience to attendees.

Messages

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“I bring back my piano, voice and energy to make the world a better place. Join meat the inaugural Namib Desert International Jazz Festival,” - said Brazilian pianistand vocalist Jim Porto.

Jazz saxophonist Elan Trotman shared his excitement ahead of the event.

“I'm so happy that I'm going to be returning to South Africa in March of 2025,

bringing my Marvin Gaye tribute show to you; it's going to be an honour for me to

perform at the Namib Desert International Jazz Festival, as well as the Table

Mountain Jazz Festival and the Jazz Cruise. The scenery, the history, being one

with nature, celebrating life, love, friendships, and music. I can't wait to see you

there. Peace!” -said jazz saxophonist, Elan Trotman

“To my Namibian and South African brothers and sisters, I come in peace to

celebrate humanity, diversity and love through music,”. - enthused Brazilian

percussionist Robertinho Bastos

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at liezel@catchthewave.co.za if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How to manage your Data/cell phone needs

Cell Phone and Data needs for international visitors to The Namib Desert International Jazz Festival.

Roaming can be expensive. In agreement with MTC, they have made a simple and cheap process available for non-Namibian Cruise and fly-in passengers.

It costs 120 Namibian dollars/ R120 South African Rands. You will pay this on arrival in Walvis Bay at a stand located close to our ship.

You will get the following for your 120 Namibian Dollars

1. A Sim Card

2. 7 Gigs of Free Data

3. 200 minutes free

4. 100 sms's

To activate the sim card, MTC will register the sim in your name before arrival. To enable this you must email a copy of the passports that require a sim card directly to MTC on CXOps@mtc.com.na

Your SIM card will be active on arrival. A simple biometric exercise and payment at the harbour (5 minutes max) will complete the process, and the SIM card will be yours for immediate use. It's cheap and you will have a record of your memorable visit to Namibia.

Cost of festival tickets?

N$750 for ONE golden circle ticket for the weekend

How do we get to the Dune?

For Golden Circle ticket holders, complimentary shuttles will be available from the cruise ship to the Dune and back. For General Access ticket holders, the shuttle service is available for N$350.

Who is on the line-up?

International acts: Jonathan Butler, Peter White, Elan Trotman, Marion Meadows, Jim Porto, Robertinho Bastos, Jimmy Dludlu, The Reunion Band

Local acts: Don Vino, Cameron Ward, Ian Smith, Ramon Alexander, and rising saxophonist Suzy Eises.

Where to book festival tickets?

Weekend access passes (Festival Tickets) must be purchased on the Catch The Wave portal: https://catchthewave.co.za/tc-events/namib-desert-international-jazz-festival-2025/

What to pack?

Good walking shoes, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, hat and sunnies

Duration of Love Jazz cruise?

16 March until 22 March (6 days)

Where does the cruise start and dock?

Destination : Walvisbay Namibia

Embarkation Port : Cape Town

Disembarkation Port : Cape Town

Cost of MSC Love Jazz cruise?

From R14 000 pp (depending on room & package stay) More info > MSC

Where to stay (if you have flown or driven in)?

The accommodation spot (closest to the Dune) and which is highly recommended is at Lagoon Chalets & Camping in Walvis Bay. Roughly a 14 minute drive to Dune 7

Can we bring our own food & drink into the festival space?

No. We need to keep the Dune in a pristine condition to maintain it’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A variety of food and beverage options will be on offer from our fantastic VENDORS, ensuring you have a delightful experience.

For jazz lovers on the cruise, PLEASE NOTE:

Passports are Compulsory and MUST be valid for 6 months after disembarkation date

Experience the Soulful Sounds of Jazz

It’s almost here!

About THE Namib Desert International Jazz Festival

Our History

Our Contributors

Our History

Our Vision

Our Contributors

Our History

Our Contributors

Our Contributors

Our Contributors

Your Gateway tO JAZZ AND THE NAMIB DESERT IN 2025

Cruise-in, fly-in, or drive-in - be part of this historic celebration of jazz, nature, and culture!

Messages

Coming Soon!

Jazz saxophonist Elan Trotman shared his excitement ahead of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

SANDWICH HARBOUR TOUR

MSC CRUISE

Contact Us

Let's Connect

Soulful Snapshots: Jazz in Pictures

Experience the Soulful Sounds of Jazz

It’s almost here!

About THE Namib Desert International Jazz Festival

Our History

Our Contributors

Our History

Our Vision

Our Contributors

Our History

Our Contributors

Our Contributors

Our Contributors

Your Gateway tO JAZZ AND THE NAMIB DESERT IN 2025

Cruise-in, fly-in, or drive-in - be part of this historic celebration of jazz, nature, and culture!

Messages

Coming Soon!

Jazz saxophonist Elan Trotman shared his excitement ahead of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

SANDWICH HARBOUR TOUR

MSC CRUISE

Contact Us

Let's Connect

Soulful Snapshots: Jazz in Pictures

Social

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