7TH EDITION OF MLAWULA CAMPFIRE FESTIVAL BRINGS THE BUSH VIBE BACK TO SIPHISO

By Tlalane Dlamini

Eswatini’s beloved Mlawula Campfire Festival returns for its seventh edition from September 25–27, 2026, promising a weekend of adventure, outdoor activities, live entertainment and the unmistakable energy of a bush campout.

Set against the natural beauty of Siphiso Camp Site in Mlawula Nature Reserve, the festival has established itself as a popular outdoor experience, bringing together families, friends, adventure seekers and music lovers for a weekend centred around community, recreation and the great outdoors.

ADVENTURE, WELLNESS AND TEAM BUILDING

A major part of this year’s programme is the range of activities designed to get festival-goers outdoors, active and involved.

The team-building programme features crowd favourites including tug of war, sack races, egg races and nail punching. Registration is free, making the activities accessible to work colleagues, families and groups of friends looking to enjoy some friendly competition.

For those seeking a wellness-focused experience, the festival’s programme, in partnership with Fitness Zone Gym, includes hiking trails through the reserve, an aerobathon and bootcamp sessions.

Adventure enthusiasts can also test their skills with archery target shooting, presented in partnership with Khuselwa Farm Adventures. Participants can take on 15 arrows for E150 per person, adding an exciting outdoor challenge to the festival experience.

With activities ranging from wellness and fitness to team building and adventure sports, the festival offers more than just music, creating a complete bush experience for visitors of different interests.

LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY

The entertainment programme adds another layer to the weekend, with South African singer Boohle headlining the music line-up.

She will be joined by an extensive list of local and regional performers, including Bholoja, Linda Dlamini, Young Zesh, Shongwe Nekhuphuka, Sancheziey, DJ Mbo, Zulu D, The Bishop, The Scientists, Sgitha, Lady Zee, DJ Khuni, It’s_All_Blaq, Ayacity, Culolam, Touch of Soul, Gifted Kosie, Karly B, Tempt, Obsession and Bandora.

Hosting duties will be handled by Tjovitjo, alongside Thando Ntshangase and Sintour, while the comedy programme features Gogo & S’lwane, Mattewu, Cedric and The Shepard Brothers.

The combination of live music, comedy, outdoor activities and the traditional campfire atmosphere is expected to keep festival-goers entertained throughout the weekend.

FESTIVAL PACKAGES AND CAMPING

Festival-goers can choose from three ticket packages:

E650 – Impala Full Festival Access
E450 – Imbabala Saturday to Sunday, 1-Day Access
E4,100 – Glamping VIP Access

Camping equipment is also available for hire for the duration of the festival, with a 1-sleeper tent at E150, 2-sleeper tent at E250, 3-sleeper tent at E350 and mattresses at E100.

Food and beverage stalls will be available on site. Each ticket allows one cooler box free of charge, while additional cooler boxes cost E150 each. Organisers have also indicated that 750ml spirits are not permitted.

With its mix of adventure, wellness, team building, music, comedy and camping, the 7th Mlawula Campfire Festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience Eswatini’s outdoors while enjoying a full weekend of entertainment at Siphiso.

More information is available at www.entc.org.sz.