Kilifi New Year 2020

Mon Dec 30, 14:00 - Thu Jan 2, 12:00

Beneath the Baobabs, Kilifi

ABOUT

Kilifi New Year is a boutique African electronic, alternative and dub-reggae music festival held under the stars and in the shade of thousand year old Baobabs in Kilifi town on the coast of Kenya from 30th December 2019 to 2nd January 2020.


Beneath the Baobabs will once again host Kilifi New Year on its’ lush, 25-acre evergreen plateau in the upper reaches of Takaungu Creeks’ emerald waters, on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Home to hidden wild orange & lemon orchards, bamboo forests and thousand year old baobabs, Beneath the Baobabs is is a melting pot of artists and global cultures, a brilliant source of inspiration and a haven for freedom of expression, with a strong commitment to conscious living and sustainability.


This year, we are focusing on identifying the most incredible up and coming East African performers! We are also putting a large focus on growing KISIMA, our Mind, Body and Soul area. Kilifi New Year aims to meld creativity with nature, to convey the connection we have with one another, with our environment and our community.


As per tradition, the festival will culminate with “The Burn” - a large recycled wooden structure symbolizing new beginnings and our shared optimism for a brighter future, bringing together the community of Kilifi and festival goers for a moving spectacle and a sight to behold. During Kilifi New Year 2019, we burned a large effigy in honor of the late, great Sudan - the last male Northern White Rhino.

Purchase your tickets. But know that you aren't just attending a festival, you're joining a diverse and vibrant community.


Want to book Glamping accommodation?

Please visit our tenting partner, Tarpo, here!



?Ticket Tiers

Super Early Bird East African Citizen 3750 kes

Super Early Bird Non-Citizen 5000kes SOLD OUT


Early Bird East African Citizen 4500kes

Early Bird Non-Citizen 6000kes SOLD OUT


Advance East African Citizen 5250kes

Advance Non-Citizen 7000kes SOLD OUT


Final Release East African Citizen 6000kes

Final Release Non-Citizen 8000kes


Gate Tickets 9000ksh


Purchases can be made by Credit Card or Mpesa through Quicket


More info available on http://beneaththebaobabs.com/kilifinewyear 







PHOTOS

FAQ

 

Here you can find some information about Kilifi New Year and the area of Kilifi. Hopefully, it will help answer most of your questions. If not, please contact us and we’ll do our best to get back you within 48 hours.

WHAT IS KILIFI NEW YEAR?

Set deep in the jungle of Kenya’s majestic Kilifi Creek, Kilifi New Year is a radically creative two-day explosion of music, arts, and tropical beach culture. Incredible performers from around Africa and the world will unite to put on a unique, technicolor show celebrating the exciting intersection between African and global electronic music. Expect nothing less than an unforgettable few days packed with the most exhilarating vibes the continent has to offer. See you all there!

 

WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE EVENT? WHEN CAN WE START CAMPING?

The campsite will open its gates on 30th December at 2pm with small gigs after sound test and close on 2nd January, but the music will start officially on the 31st Dec. But watch out for some serious warm up events at Distant Relatives from 26th December! 

 

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO ATTEND KILIFI NEW YEAR?

We love wonderful humans of all ages and they are very welcome to enjoy the festival during the daylight hours, between 8am and 6pm. After 6pm, there will be no Under 18s permitted on the festival site, this includes the campsites. We thank you for your understanding!

 

PARKING: WHERE WILL WE PARK?

The Festival site and carpark site are separate this year. When you arrive, you can go straight to the carpark, about 400m away from the festival site, or you can drop-and-go some of your friends to enter while the other goes to park. The route to the carpark is well lit to walk back, with security stationed all along the route, as well as several security guards watching the cars.

 

DISABLED ACCESS & PARKING?

Disabled Parking will be available – we will let you drive all the way into the festival site. We would greatly appreciate if you could email us [email protected] to let us know in advance. Please let us know of any specific requirements in advance to ensure we cater to your needs best we can

 

SUSTAINABILITY – WHY DO WE THINK OF KILIFI NEW YEAR AS AN ECO-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL?

The founders of Kilifi New Year are also the dreamers behind Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers. Our philosophy has always been to work around nature, rather than making nature work around us. For us, caring for the environment and supporting our community is a passion – it’s what makes us happy. It has also been a great pleasure to attract such a conscious crowd of attendees – some of them are whom we can now proudly call residents of Kilifi!

The natural beauty and biodiversity of the local ecosystem at Beneath the Baobabs is simply breathtaking. Naturally, we want to protect it, it’s our responsibility and we want to get you to enjoy it!

 

So what do we do exactly? The list doesn’t end because we try to minimize impact at every step of every decision we take. Waste is an important element: We try to minimize waste at every step of the process. We avoid single-use plastic containers of any kind for example. We encourage our attendees to bring their own cups and we sell re-usable cups for those who need. We work closely with our stall holders to ensure they apply the same philosophy. We separate the waste into 4 different categories at the source. Organics go to compost, plastics and metal get recycled, glass bottles get cut and sanded upcycled as glasses for Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers and also used for construction. Our artists also try to reuse any waste they can into artwork – in 2018 they built a 3-meter chameleon entirely made from waste collected around Kenya. Our 200 square meter deck is made from melted recycled plastic waste. We only use sustainable and locally sourced materials for construction (roofs, toilets, showers, timber etc).

Our custom-made dry ‘eco-toilet’ design allows not only to reduce water consumption dramatically, but also prevents water table pollution, and creates nutrient rich compost for our gardens. Our taps and showers grey water each feed independent banana circles.

We feel very lucky to have old secret citrus orchards and a bamboo forest which we try our best to protect. In November 2018, we hosted our first Permaculture design Course attended by more than 30 people. And through last year’s ticket sales we have planted 4000 indigenous trees on both our land, and in schools in the area. Check out our tree planting partner www.greenworld.org to see their amazing work!

If you have any bright and brilliant ideas on how you think we can make the festival even more friendly to our beautiful planet, please send us an email! We’d really love to hear from you and share ideas. We have hope for the world, a lot of hope!

 

WHAT DO WE NOT TOLERATE?

We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to sexual harassment, or any other form of violence or aggressive behaviour – we are one peaceful family. We also will not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism.  If you feel disrespected, If you experience or observe any such behaviour, please immediately report to the festival’s senior management (at the Gate or Office), we will be delighted to remove these people from the festival grounds and take legal action if necessary.

Kilifi New Year’s message of respect & inclusivity lies at the very heart of the foundations of the festival. We are all distant relatives, we are all one big family, we are so much richer together and we have so much to learn from one another. Our aim is to bring people together by creating peaceful platforms where all feel welcome regardless of their age, gender, skin colour, nationality, sexual orientation or economic status. If this is a topic that is as important to you as it is to us, please come visit our brand new Mind Body Soul area where talks will be held on topics of gay rights, racism, sex & taboos and many more.

 

ARE PETS ALLOWED ON SITE?

We have a strict no pet policy! We love animals, but a festival site is no place for dogs. Guide dogs and assistance animals are the exception but please let us know in advance.

 

HOW IS THE SECURITY AT KILIFI NEW YEAR?

After spending 8 years in Kilifi, we find it to be a safe place. Like everywhere in the world, some minor and more violent incidents do occur from time to time, yet remain very isolated occurrences.

Nevertheless, rest assured we do not take security lightly – we have a comprehensive, lasting, and versatile security system to ensure guests their peace of mind. We will have dozens of trained security professionals, day and night, around the festival perimeter and patrolling within the festival area. We will also have armed Administration Police patrolling the site as well as around perimeter and main gates. We also have Amini local Neighborhood Patrol and KK Security on standby.


WILL THERE BE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS ON SITE?

We will have a Red Cross ambulance with paramedics on site 24 hours in case of any medical issues. These are highly trained professionals and will be able to assist in any emergency. If you have any concern about pre-existing medical conditions, we suggest you visit them upon arrival to discuss your concerns or send us an email with any specific questions.

 

DO I NEED TO BRING CASH? IS THERE AN ATM? CAN I PAY BY CREDIT CARD OR MPESA?

Yes, cash will be best to allow you to buy food and crafts from the many stalls. In terms of drinks, you’ll be able to buy vouchers with credit card, cash or by MPESA. Keep in mind that there will be no ATM’s on site, but plenty available in town which is just a few kilometers.

 

WILL I BE ABLE TO SWIM?

While we’re not on the beach, we’ll still have all kinds of water features, showers and water games for everyone to cool down whenever they need.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

  • Ticket (printed or on your mobile) and ID for entry
  • We strongly encourage you to bring your own reusable bottles and cups. If you do not have a cup or lose yours, we will be selling cups at 300ksh ($3) at the bar. We are taking a hard line against single use plastics!
  • Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent
  • Cash for any purchases from our stalls and vendors
  • Torch (especially if you are camping)

 

WHAT AM I NOT PERMITTED TO BRING?

  • Illegal drugs: There will be a zero tolerance policy on the use of or dealing of illegal drugs. Anyone found to be dealing will be handed over to the police.
  • Alcohol: No outside alcohol is permitted on the festival grounds, including the campsite. We will have a full stocked bar open 24 hours for all you thirst quenching needs.
  • Weapons: Obviously! (water pistols and bubble guns are encouraged)

 

TICKETING

Will I be able to buy tickets at the gate? Does the event sell out?

Tricky question! Most years, we have nearly sold out before the event started. This year, more people seem to plan to attend and tickets will be limited as usual. Hence, to be safe, best to plan ahead and purchase your tickets in advance. If the event is not sold out, we will have remaining tickets for sale at the gate.

I bought a ticket and cannot attend. Can you refund my ticket or can I transfer it?

TIcketing refunds are not avilable, although you are able to transfer your ticket through Quicket. You must login to your quicket account to do this. Ticket transfers are not available when ticket sales close.  Please make sure if you have bought a Citizen ticket that this is only transfered to another East African Citizen. 

I have a ticket. What do I need to bring for entry?

Great! All you will need to bring to retrieve your wristband at the gate is your ticket (either printed or on your mobile) AND your ID. Without ID we will unfortunately not be able to allow you in. 

 

I can only attend on the night of the 31st, can I purchase a 1-day ticket?

Unfortunately, we do not have day tickets for the night of the 31st, you will have to purchase a regular festival ticket for entry on the 31st.

 

Are there any VIP Tickets?

Sorry, we do not offer any VIP tickets, on purpose. Let me try to explain.

The whole purpose of the event is to gather everyone together, to all feel like we are on the same level as a community, for everyone to mix and not to feel like some are wealthier than others for example. We want everyone to feel welcome, to feel at home. Saying that, in terms of accommodation, we will indeed be offering a Boutique Camping option on site. More details to come!

 

ACCOMMODATION

What are your suggested accommodation options?  

Accommodation options on the festival grounds:

Free Camping

Camping is free for anyone attending the event. Camping grounds will open at 2pm of Dec 30th and close by 4PM on the 2nd Jan. A large shaded campsite, toilets and showers will be provided on the camping grounds, but campers must bring all their own equipment (tents, sleeping bags, towels, torches etc). 

Campsite Rules No personal sound systems will be permitted in either of the campsites. The campsite is for sleeping and relaxing, we ask that you please respect your neighbours. No BBQs or fires are permitted.

Glamping

For those who do not have camping gear or that are looking for a more luxurious experience, our official Boutique Camping provider will be able to organize everything for you. More info on booking glamping will be provided soon.

Accommodation options elsewhere in Kilifi?

A full range of camping options will be on offer on site (see above), but if you’re looking for something off site, there are plenty of hotels and private houses available for rent in Kilifi.

Be warned, they all get booked months in advance, so we highly encourage that you book your accommodation sooner than later!

Distant Relatives Ecolodge and Backpackers, located just a few kilometers away from the festival site, is the social hub of Kilifi, where everyone gathers around a drink dreaming of making the world a better place. Distant Relatives offers a full range of options from basic camping to ensuite Bandas with private courtyards. Visit www.kilifipackpackers.com,  email info@kilifibackpackers.com or give us a call on +254 702 232323

For private homes, we suggest checking out Airbnb for options or https://kenyacoast.com/kilifi-homes/

Can I bring my 4×4 with roof tent an/or park next to my campsite?

Yup! We have prepared an awesome area for you to park your car or van. We’ll have showers and toilets available for you but no power. Spaces will be limited and fees will apply. Please send a request to [email protected]

 

GETTING INVOLVED

Can I volunteer?

Yes you can! Volunteer positions are limited but it’s possible. The reason why positions are limited is that we lack time to train new crew. While Kenyan citizens are most welcome to volunteer with us, keep in mind that volunteering in Kenya for foreigners, just like employment, is prohibited by Kenyan Law unless you acquire the relevant permit from the Department of Immigration. Keep an eye on our website and social pages for the release of applications. 

 

FIRST TIME VISITING KENYA

I’m coming from overseas, do I need a visa?

If you are not a Kenyan citizen or a Resident with a work permit, you will be required to obtain a Tourist Visa. Depending on your nationality, you will be able to obtain a tourist visa at immigration at the airport for US $50 (check with your embassy).

You can also apply for your visa online prior to departure. Kenyan tourist visas typically last for three months and is renewable once after which you must leave East Africa. Nearest Immigration offices are in Mombasa and Malindi.

 

What about Malaria?

Just like anywhere else along the Kenyan coast and most of East Africa, Kilifi is an endemic area for malaria. However, December being our dry season, less mosquitoes are around at this time of year.

 

Kilifi is also home to a site for the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, the Kenya Medical Research Institute, a major centre for clinical and epidemiological research on malaria. Thanks in large part to KEMRI, hospital admissions for malaria in the area have decreased from 18.43 per 1000 children in 2003 to 3.42 in 2007 (divided by 5 in 4 years). Since we moved to Kilifi in 2010, near to no one has ever had Malaria. Even so, we do recommend the use of prophylaxis to prevent malaria while you are in a malaria zone.

Read here for more info on some of your best options:
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/drugs.html.
You could also consider looking into homeopathic alternatives.

 

What about things like sunscreen and mosquito repellent?

Bring them! The equatorial sun can be ruthless and whilst its is the dry season, there will still be a few mosquitoes around.

 

What is the weather like on the coast of Kenya?

Being only three degrees south of the equator, Kilifi and most other parts of the Kenyan coast are pretty hot all year round. “Hot” can be a relative term though, depending on where in the world you are coming from, but most guests find it hotter than they are used to. The rainy and therefore cooler season is normally April and May, as well as October and November. Click here to view charts of average temperatures and rainfall in Kilifi.

 

Above doesn’t answer my question. How do I contact you?

Contact us on [email protected]

DIRECTIONS

Kilifi New Year 2020
Beneath the Baobabs, Kilifi
Kenya
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