MTN BUSHFIRE'S KIDZONE IS BRINGING THE AFRICAN CIRCUS TO ESWATINI

For families looking to make the most of this long weekend, the MTN Bushfire Festival is offering more than just world-class music. Now in its 19th edition and running from 29 to 31 May 2026 at Malandela’s Farm in Malkerns, Eswatini, the beloved festival is positioning itself as a full family destination experience, with the KidZone emerging as one of its most compelling draws for families with young children.

Themed AFRICAN CIRCUS and rooted in the festival’s overarching call to action, Bring Your Fire, the KidZone transforms into an immersive cultural playground open Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 6PM, offering young Fire Starters and their families an unforgettable encounter with African creativity, storytelling, and imagination.

“The KidZone is not just an activity area, it is a destination within a destination,” said Nozipho Sasha Thorne, Culinary Curator and KidZone Head of Department. “We have curated an experience that invites families to be fully present, to play together, to discover African culture, and to leave with memories that go far beyond the music. That is exactly the kind of travel experience that keeps people coming back to Eswatini.”

At the heart of the KidZone is the high-energy Circus Playground, where acrobatics, movement, music, and spectacle come alive through performances and roaming acts inspired by the magic of the African Circus. Families can encounter extraordinary local and international performers including South Africa’s acclaimed acrobatic collective The Cirk, Ireland’s Guinness World Record-holding sword swallower Murray Molloy, the interactive Klitgras Drumming Circle, and dynamic local favourites including Gymnastics Warriors, Talent in Motion, and Clowns Without Borders.

For a richer cultural immersion, the Imagination Tent with Temdzabu Arts offers a softer, more intimate world of African storytelling, indigenous games, riddles, music, dance, and creative expression, creating memorable intergenerational moments for travelling families.

Additional attractions include the KFC FunZone with interactive games and movement activities, a Craft and Spa Garden for hands-on creativity and sensory play, a Grand Stage hosting family-focused performances, karaoke, and live sets by DJ Tapi, and a welcoming Food Garden perfect for families to gather, relax, and refuel between adventures.

True to Eswatini’s growing reputation as a conscious, sustainable tourism destination, the KidZone also integrates eco-edutainment experiences led by the Green Superheroes, encouraging young visitors to engage with recycling, waste reduction, and environmental awareness through interactive, playful activations.

The KidZone experience is made possible through the support of lead partner KFC, alongside Domestos, Women and Children Clinic, and Malandelas Farm.

With the Kingdom of Eswatini actively positioning itself as a premier cultural and experiential tourism destination in Southern Africa, events like MTN Bushfire and its KidZone offering continue to demonstrate the country’s unique ability to deliver world-class, culturally rooted experiences for visitors of all ages.

MTN Bushfire Festival takes place 29 to 31 May 2026 at Malandela’s, Malkerns, Eswatini. For more information, visit www.bush-fire.com.