The seventh Mlawula Campfire Festival, held at Siphiso Campsite in Mlawula Nature Reserve, has become a significant event in Eswatini, attracting a large crowd of 1,200 attendees, exceeding its initial target. This year's event took place from Friday to Sunday and featured a variety of activities such as camping, music, food, and outdoor entertainment. The festival has grown substantially from its earlier years, which drew a minimum of about 200 people.
According to Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thulani Sihle Methula, the festival's growth is encouraging, but the increasing demand is starting to put pressure on the available camping space. Methula mentioned that the organisers had set a conservative attendance target of 1,200 people for this year's festival. He expressed a desire for a bigger turnout but noted that the current camping facility is constrained by space.
The Mlawula Campfire Festival offers a unique outdoor experience that combines entertainment with opportunities for visitors to connect with nature. Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane commended the growth of the festival, highlighting its appeal. The event encourages visitors to bring their own food, prepare and cook their meals, and spend time together at the campsite, providing a broader experience beyond conventional music events.
The festival also provided a platform for local businesses and entrepreneurs to market their products directly to visitors. Various stalls featured locally made items such as bags, baskets, accessories, clothing, food, crafts, and other products. Minister Mkhonta-Simelane toured the campsite, interacting with exhibitors, including Sibusiso 'Kina' Dlamini from Swazi Secrets, during her visit.
The event included a range of recreational activities designed to keep visitors engaged beyond the main entertainment stage. These activities included nail punching, sack races, tug-of-war, and sprints. Additionally, BakkieLife featured a programme with tug-of-war, a mud pit challenge, and a Bakkie Show and Shine that attracted vehicle enthusiasts.
Music played a significant role in the festival experience, with South African singer Boohle headlining the entertainment programme. Local Swazi soul artist Bholoja performed on the final day as a surprise guest, while Velemseni also made a surprise appearance during Sunday's grand finale. Other artists and DJs kept the campsite active throughout the weekend.
The festival was attended by several high-profile guests, including Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi and Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima. The event's growth and success demonstrate its potential to become a major tourist attraction in Eswatini, offering a unique blend of entertainment, nature, and social interaction.
Key points
- The Mlawula Campfire Festival drew over 1,200 attendees, surpassing its target.
- The festival offers a unique outdoor experience combining entertainment with nature.
- Local businesses and entrepreneurs benefited from the event, showcasing their products to visitors.
