MTN Bushfire Festival

The MTN Bushfire Festival stands as one of Africa’s most celebrated multicultural gatherings, bringing together music, art, and a powerful call for positive social and environmental change. Located on the scenic Malandela's Farm in Malkerns, Eswatini, this annual event has earned a worldwide reputation for its visionary approach to inspiring collective action. Since its inception, the festival has drawn visitors from across the globe, offering an immersive experience that blends globally infused sounds with authentically African creativity. The atmosphere is electric, the grounds are impeccably organized, and every detail is designed to foster connection, expression, and purposeful celebration.

Guests consistently praise the festival’s outstanding organization, noting its clean, safe, and creatively vibrant environment. With a stellar rating of 4.8 from 130 reviews, the MTN Bushfire Festival is recognized not only for its world-class performances, but also for the exceptional hospitality that defines every moment. From the friendly staff and volunteers to the high-level culinary offerings from diverse food stalls, visitors leave with lasting memories. The festival’s guiding motto, “Bring Your Fire,” invites each person to contribute their unique energy, passion, and drive to the collective experience, making it a transformative event that extends well beyond the stages.

What Makes the Festival Experience Unique

The MTN Bushfire Festival is far more than a traditional music festival. It is a holistic cultural experience rooted in social responsibility. The event uses the arts as a platform to address pressing global issues, encouraging dialogue, and supporting local community initiatives through its dedicated beneficiaries program. This fusion of entertainment and activism creates a deeply meaningful atmosphere where every performance, workshop, and marketplace interaction carries a sense of purpose.

• Multiple curated stages featuring an eclectic mix of international, continental, and local artists, spanning genres from Afrobeat and jazz to electronic and traditional Swazi music.
• Immersive art installations and markets showcasing handcrafted goods, visual arts, and fashion, providing a platform for regional artisans and designers.
• Bring Your Fire social mandate, which channels festival energy into fundraising and awareness campaigns for education, health, and environmental projects across Eswatini and beyond.
• A safe, family-friendly environment with dedicated security, medical services, and well-maintained camping and glamping facilities set against the backdrop of the eSwatini highlands.

Stages, Music, and Artist Lineup

Music forms the heartbeat of MTN Bushfire, with a carefully curated lineup that reflects the festival’s pan-African and global identity. The main stage and additional zone stages are designed to offer distinct sonic journeys, ensuring there is something for every musical palate. Past editions have drawn acclaimed acts and emerging talents, creating a platform for artistic discovery and cross-cultural collaboration.

Main Stage and Zone Performances

The Corona stage and the central Main Stage are often highlighted by attendees for their spectacular lighting effects and sound production. Performances run throughout the day and into the night, with a schedule that balances high-energy headliners with intimate, acoustic sets. The festival’s artist application process is highly competitive, attracting submissions from every continent. This open call ensures a fresh and dynamic programme each year, spotlighting genres as varied as reggae, hip-hop, maskandi, and experimental electronic music.

Artisan Markets and Visual Arts

Beyond the music stages, the festival grounds host a bustling marketplace where visitors can browse and purchase original artwork, textiles, jewellery, and home decor. Live art demonstrations and interactive installations blur the line between performer and audience, inviting everyone to become part of the creative landscape. These zones are a testament to the festival’s commitment to nurturing the creative economy throughout the region.

Food, Drink, and Culinary Excellence

One of the most consistently praised aspects of the MTN Bushfire Festival is the extraordinary quality and variety of its food and beverage offerings. Reviews frequently mention that the cuisine is on par with—or surpasses—that of major European festivals. A wide selection of food stalls caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs, from traditional Swazi dishes to gourmet international fare.

• Local and international flavours: Enjoy flame-grilled meats, fragrant curries, wood-fired pizzas, vegan and vegetarian specialties, and sweet treats, all prepared fresh on-site by passionate vendors.
• Dietary inclusivity: Clearly marked options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based diets ensure that every guest can find delicious, safe meals throughout the festival.
• Licensed bars and chill zones: Multiple beverage stations serve craft cocktails, local beers, premium coffees, and non-alcoholic refreshers in relaxed seating areas that double as social hubs.

Planning Your Journey to Malkerns, Eswatini

The MTN Bushfire Festival takes place at Malandela's Farm, located along the M204 in the Malkerns region of Eswatini. The site is easily accessible from the country’s capital, Mbabane, and from the South African border, making it a convenient destination for regional and international travelers. With the next edition scheduled for 29–31 May 2026, advance planning is essential, as tickets for the 2026 edition have already sold out.

Accommodation and Camping Options

The festival offers a range of on-site accommodation through its official camping and glamping packages. These can be booked together with festival tickets to secure a complete experience. Off-site lodging, including nearby lodges and guesthouses in the Malkerns area, provides additional comfort for those preferring a roof over their heads. The official website strongly recommends booking early through authorised channels to avoid disappointment.

Transport and Site Navigation

Ample parking is available for those driving to the venue, and detailed route maps are provided ahead of the event. Once on site, clear signage and accessible pathways make it easy to navigate between stages, food courts, and camping areas. The festival’s commitment to safety includes visible security patrols, medical tents, and information points staffed by helpful volunteers.

Social Impact and Community Beneficiaries

A defining feature of MTN Bushfire is its embedded social mandate. The festival channels a portion of its proceeds and visibility towards carefully selected beneficiary organizations working in education, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and health. In partnership with organizations like Gender@Work, the festival shines a light on critical issues such as women’s advancement in the creative industry and community resilience.

• Schools Festival: A dedicated programme that engages local youth in artistic expression, leadership development, and environmental stewardship.
• Gender equality initiatives: Partnerships that promote women artisans, female artists, and safe spaces for dialogue on gender-based violence.
• Environmental sustainability: On-site recycling programmes, waste reduction targets, and tree-planting campaigns that offset the festival’s ecological footprint.

Why Visitors Return Year After Year

Repeat attendees describe the MTN Bushfire Festival as a life-affirming pilgrimage. The combination of world-class entertainment, heartfelt hospitality, and genuine commitment to making a difference creates a profound sense of belonging. Whether dancing under the stars at the main stage, sharing a meal with new friends, or participating in a morning yoga session, every interaction is infused with the festival’s enduring spirit. The safety, cleanliness, and professional organization quietly underpin the creative chaos, letting guests fully immerse themselves in the joy of the moment.