The 6th Edition Mlawula Campfire Festival, held from September 26th to 28th, 2025, once again cemented its status as Eswatini’s premier destination event, successfully merging wild nature with high-octane entertainment and genuine community spirit
Set against the breathtaking, rugged landscape of the Siphiso Camp Site within the Mlawula Nature Reserve, the three-day extravaganza delivered an immersive experience filled with comedy, music, adventure, and camaraderie.
A Safe Haven for Diverse Communities
One of the most remarkable aspects of the weekend was the tangible spirit of unity and security. It was a marvel to see people from diverse cultures mingling, having fun, and truly being family around the fire stations. These fire pits became the heart of the festival, acting as natural gathering points where friendships were forged under the starlit sky.
Crucially, the festival maintained an exceptional record of safety. It is worth noting that there was no incident of theft or major security breach, a testament to the fact that the Mlawula Camp Fire is a safe place. This was largely due to the proactive presence of the Rangers and security teams who were constantly looking out for people and their belongings. This dedication to safety allowed attendees to fully relax and immerse themselves in the experience.
The Ultimate Campfire Experience and Essential Provisions
The festival’s unique setting, a blend of raw bushveld and meticulously organised campsites is its major draw. Day one was marked by setting up camp, with attendees quickly dropping bags and pitching tents. The general consensus was overwhelmingly positive. Fellow local, Nolwazi Dlamini, praised the readiness of the site, noting, “Day 1 is looking good: great camping area, the fire is ready, and most importantly, the food situation is handled.”
The campsite catered to various preferences, offering tiered ticket options: the Impala (Full Festival Access) for E600, the Imbabala (Sat-Sun T-Day) for E400, and the premium Glamping VIP Access for E3800 per person. Camping gear was available for rental, including tents and mattresses.
The culinary experience was top-notch. While attendees were permitted to bring their own food and beverages, the on-site vendors were indispensable. The Sprout Curry Joint was a culinary highlight, serving a delicious spread of breakfast packs, curries, inyama yenhloko.
Delisile Magagula, owner of The Sprout Curry Joint, beamed as she commented on the weekend: “It was an incredible weekend. Serving delicious, home-style curry under the Mlawula stars is truly special. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the sheer volume of happy faces showed us how much people enjoyed having a tasty, hot meal to fuel their adventure. We can’t wait to be back!”
Furthermore, Samy’s store proved to be an essential lifeline for the weekend warriors. Their inventory was a lifesaver, providing immediate relief and energy with necessities like pain killers, Gaviscon for the inevitable late-night indulgence, energy drinks to push through to sunrise, and plasters for minor hiking mishaps.
Samukelisiwe Nhlabatsi, a representative from Samy’s store commented on their vital role: “We’re the festival’s first aid and energy station! When you’re hiking all morning and dancing all night, you need those essentials. Being able to offer that quick resupply makes us proud to be part of the ultimate Mlawula Campfire Festival experience.”
Adventure by Day, Aerobics by Dusk
The festival is renowned for its blend of adrenaline-pumping nature activities and revitalising wellness sessions. Saturday morning saw the campers “woke up and chose adventure,” embarking on a breathtaking hike through the Mlawula Nature Reserve. This challenging yet rewarding hike served as a powerful reminder of why this biodiversity hotspot is a key ecotourism destination.
Following the invigorating hike, the atmosphere shifted to fun fitness. “You hike the hills in the morning, then you shake the stress away with the aerobics, it’s the perfect combo,” observed South African tourist, Eddie Mofokeng. “This is how you recharge your batteries, trail dust and good tunes. Hike it out, then work it out! 10/10 for fun.”
Non-Stop Music and Stellar Performances
The festival kicked off the entertainment on Friday with a dedicated Comedy Experience, featuring a stellar cast of comedians like Siyanda Maphumulo (SA) and Monkey Man (SA), setting a joyful tone.
Saturday, September 27th, was the main event. DJ Crooks set the tone, with the crowd spontaneously turning his track “Something About You” into the anthem: ‘Something about Crooks!’ This was followed by an explosive performance by The Scientists, whose formula, “The Scientists + Mlawula Stage = FIRE!”, proved true. Ifs Lounge resident DJ Yamkela brought his signature heat, delivering a set that included a wild singalong to the popular anthem by DJ Kent, Oscar Mbo, and Morda.
South African act Supta delivered a “super performance” that night, setting the stage on fire with his high energy, presence, and beats.
The night reached its crescendo with the much-anticipated appearance of South African sensation Sol Phenduka. He landed at the festival at a late 01:30 in the morning to rock the dedicated campers for a full hour.
The hosting duties at the Mlawula Campfire Festival were absolutely outdone by the dynamic duo, Gogo and S’lwane, who became the unofficial spirit of the weekend. Their role went far beyond introductions and stage announcements; they were the ultimate party instigators, seamlessly merging their comedic persona with the live entertainment. At times, the pair could be seen acting as dancers alongside the performing artists, matching the energy of the beat droppers. They were masters of crowd engagement, often spotted singing along passionately to the songs played by the DJs, instantly bridging the gap between the stage and the audience. Most notably, they frequently left the main arena to dance with attendees in the crowd, ensuring every festival-goer felt seen and part of the celebration. The duo happily paused to take pictures with fans, turning casual encounters into cherished memories and solidifying the host and guest relationship into a warm, familial connection. Their constant, high-energy presence and genuine interaction were essential in maintaining the festival’s buzzing, welcoming atmosphere throughout the three days.
A Celebration Six Years Strong
The festival wound down on Sunday, September 28th, with a relaxing and sophisticated Jazz Experience, featuring the smooth sounds of the Indibano Jazz Group. For one attendee, the weekend held extra significance. Ayanda Nkwanyana, a dedicated patron who has attended all six editions of the festival, explained his loyalty: “The reason I keep coming back is simple: it’s just a lot of fun, every single time! But this year was extra special, it happened just in time for my birthday, which was today, Sunday. What better way to celebrate than with great music and great people in the middle of nature?”
The 6th Edition Mlawula Campfire Festival successfully delivered a weekend that celebrated music, comedy, nature, and community, closing the “portal to pure FUN” with unforgettable memories and anticipation for the next edition.
