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By: Nonophile Khumalo
The Mlawula Campfire Festival is strengthening its position as one of Eswatini’s emerging outdoor tourism attractions, having surpassed its attendance target of 1,200 visitors during its 2026 edition.
Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) Chief Executive Officer Thulani Sihle Methula said the festival recorded higher attendance than the previous edition, reflecting growing interest in Mlawula Nature Reserve as a destination for camping, outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism.
Methula said organisers had set a conservative target of 1,200 visitors for the festival, but attendance exceeded expectations. He noted that the growing demand was putting pressure on the available camping space, signalling an opportunity to expand visitor facilities while preserving the reserve’s natural appeal.
Held at Siphiso Campsite within Mlawula Nature Reserve from September 25 to 27, the seventh edition of the festival brought together camping enthusiasts, families, adventure seekers and entertainment lovers for a weekend of nature, music, food, culture and outdoor activities.
The festival’s tourism appeal lies in its ability to transform a visit to a protected natural area into an immersive outdoor experience. Visitors camped under the stars and participated in hiking, aerobics, team-building activities, competitions, cultural performances and live entertainment.
The 2026 edition also welcomed international visitors, including tourists from Spain, highlighting the festival’s potential to attract travellers beyond Eswatini’s borders. Camping equipment reportedly sold out during the event, further pointing to growing demand for the outdoor experience.
Beyond tourism, the festival provided a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, including food, clothing, locally made crafts, bags, baskets and accessories. This created opportunities for small businesses to reach new customers while strengthening the connection between tourism and local economic participation.
By combining wilderness, entertainment, culture and camping, the Mlawula Campfire Festival is positioning Eswatini’s natural landscapes as destinations where visitors can do more than sightsee. They can stay overnight, explore the outdoors, connect with local culture and enjoy memorable experiences in nature.
As attendance continues to grow, the pressure on camping space presents an opportunity to improve accommodation options and visitor facilities. The challenge will be to accommodate rising demand while protecting the natural environment that makes Mlawula Nature Reserve a distinctive tourism destination.
The festival’s continued growth highlights the potential of nature-based events to diversify Eswatini’s tourism offering, encourage longer stays and create economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
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