Table of Contents
If you want to get to know a country’s culture, a surefire way to do that is through their music. Blending a love of art, community, and of course music, Bushfire Festival is a perfect way to get to know Eswatini, as well as the other corners of Africa which all come together for this magical weekend.
Included on our fabulous Cape Town, Kruger and Bushfire Festival trip, you can head to a music festival like no other. You may have been to your fair share of European music festivals, but trust us, Bushfire Festival is a beautiful beast of its own. Interested? Duh, who wouldn’t be. This is your guide to Bushfire Festival so you can convince your friends to come with you and have the best time ever.
What is Bushfire Festival?
MTN Bushfire Festival is one of Africa’s best known music festivals which brings together cultures from all over the continent in a celebration of togetherness, beauty, and community. Rooted in African cultures – with a heart based in Eswatini – Bushfire has always embraced the eccentric and wholesome, giving space for local and international artists to come together.
More than just a music festival, Bushfire also includes interactive activities like drumming sessions, craft workshops, spoken word poetry performances, etc. branching all the facets of local art together. It’s a family-friendly festival as well, meant to inspire people of all ages from all over the world.
The festival’s call to action ‘Bring your fire’ tells you all you need to know: this is a place for people to “foster social and environmental change […] to make a difference.”
When is it?
Bushfire Festival dates for 2026 have not been officially announced yet, though it’s likely it will take place around the same time as 2025’s festival: 30th May – 1st June 2025
What is the lineup like?
With six different stages, Bushfire Festival offers a range of shows and talents that suits party-lovers of all tastes. From an electronic dance stage at the Firefly Stage, intimate shows filled with heart and soul at the House on Fire Ampitheatre, and jaw-dropping physical and musical acts at the Cirk Stage – this festival is about as unique as they come!
You’ll get to hear local Eswatini talent, as well as acts from the broader African continent, and international DJs and performers as well. It’s a true melting pot of cultures that’s sure to open up your musical horizons.
2026’s lineup is not yet confirmed, but here are some names from 2025’s to give you a taste:
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- Jägermeister Brass Cartel
- Jembaa Groove
- Queen Mabebeza
What to pack for Bushfire Festival?
Since the festival is in Eswatini, you can expect temperatures to be between 13-27°C (55-81°F), so make sure you’re prepared for the heat and sweat.
On top of your usual festival attire, these are some extra bits to pack and items to keep in mind:
- A small bag: Something you can easily carry around with you all day that fits your phone, water bottle, wallet, and other small items you might need.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap: You’ll be outside most of the day of the beating sun, so sun-protection is a non-negotiable! Plus, you’ll look extra cool rocking the sunnies.
- A power bank: It’s always a good idea to have a portable power bank on you so you can charge your phone as you go without worries of running out of juice.
- A good pair of shoes: With all the walking and dancing you’re going to be doing, good shoes are essential.
- Ear plugs: If you’re camping on site, these will be a great essential, ensuring you block out as much noise as possible for your beauty sleep.
- Reusable water bottle and bags: Bushfire Festival is committed to eliminating single-use plastics, so make sure you bring your own reusable items with you! This is also just good festival practice to keep your partying sustainable.
Accommodation options
Festival goers at Bushfire have the option between on site camping or glamping for the duration of the festival, or off-site accommodation ranging from hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs are also available.
Camping
You can either bring your own tent and set up in the BYO or BYO IN THE FOREST zones, or you can hire an already-set-up tent in the Tent Village, Forest Fire Tented Camp, or Canvas Camp areas.
Glamping
If you’d like to camp in style and with more privacy and comfort, then Bushfire’s glamping option at Harambee Hotel is the one for you. There is high demand for this option, so booking as early as possible is recommended.
Off-site
Off-site accommodation is to be sorted at your discretion, though Bushfire’s website has many resources to help you find the best local options.
Travelling with Contiki
If you hop on our Cape Town, Kruger, and Bushfire Festival trip, not only will your festival tickets be sorted for you, but your camping tickets will be as well!
Some top tips:
- Download the app: The festival has an app that you can download beforehand! This will help you with planning, looking at the map, etc.
- Cashless: Bushfire Festival is totally cashless, so make sure you have your Apple/Google Wallet and contactless payments ready!
- Accepted currencies: Speaking of money, currencies accepted at the festival are Swazi Emalangeni and South African Rands.
- Vaccines: If you are travelling to Bushfire Festival from a country where you may be at risk of getting yellow fever, you MUST have a vaccination and bring proof of it with you.
