Bring Your Fire: Camping the Bushfire Festival in Eswatini’s Malkerns Valley
Music, mountains, and a sustainably run campout at Southern Africa’s most vibrant festival.
Morning arrives like a slow drumroll in the Malkerns Valley. The mist lifts, the red earth breathes, and the amphitheater at House On Fire seems to stretch awake, arches catching the first light like eyelids cracking open. Tents whisper as zippers slide and kettles click; somewhere, a djembe thumps and the valley nods along. This is Bushfire, Eswatini’s flagship music and arts festival, where a weekend under canvas becomes a front-row seat to a country’s creativity. The mountains lean in. The songs call you closer. The crowd answers.
Trail Wisdom
Arrive early for camp setup
Getting to House On Fire before the afternoon rush lets you claim flatter ground and shorter walks to the gates.
Hydrate like it’s summer
Dry, sunny days and long sets sneak up on you. Carry a reusable bottle and refill often at designated stations.
Dress for the day-to-night swing
Warm sun gives way to cool evenings in May—pack a light puffy or fleece for post-headliner chills.
Cross-border savvy
If driving from South Africa, use Ngwenya/Oshoek (JHB route) or Golela/Lavumisa (Durban route) and keep passports handy for quick processing.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Swazi Candles Centre in Malkerns for live candle crafting and local shops
- •Ngwenya Glass factory for recycled-glass art and a café with valley views
Wildlife
Vervet monkeys in the trees near camp, Hammerkop and hornbill sightings around wetlands and fields
Conservation Note
Bushfire promotes waste reduction and local sourcing; carry reusables, sort trash correctly, and respect sensitive habitats in nearby reserves.
Launched at the House On Fire arts venue, Bushfire has grown since the late 2000s into a regional cultural anchor that channels funds toward local social programs through its ‘Bring Your Fire’ initiative.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Blooming landscapes, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Intermittent wind, Occasional dust
September–November brings green hills and clear light—ideal for side trips to craft markets and nearby reserves.
summer
Best for: Lush scenery, Warm nights
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, High heat and humidity
December–February can be hot with convective storms—seek shade midday and secure tents against gusts.
fall
Best for: Bushfire festival dates, Dry, sunny days
Challenges: Cool nights, Limited shade during midday
March–May is prime festival season with crisp evenings—great for camping if you pack a warm layer.
winter
Best for: Clear skies, Quiet reserves
Challenges: Chilly mornings and nights, Shorter daylight
June–August is cool and dry; bring a proper sleep system if you’re camping outside of festival dates.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reusable water bottle (1L+)Essential
Refill at on-site stations to stay hydrated and cut plastic waste.
Lightweight insulated jacket or fleeceEssential
Evenings in May get chilly; a compact layer keeps you comfortable between sets.
Headlamp with red modeEssential
Navigating camp after dark is safer and easier with hands-free lighting that preserves night vision.
Compact camp chair or blanket
Perfect for downtime at camp or lounging during afternoon sets.
Common Questions
What’s included in the Bush Fire Swaziland Expedition?
Transportation, camping accommodation, a festival pass, breakfast and dinner prepared by camp chefs, and a loose itinerary of optional activities outside the festival are included.
Do I need a visa to enter Eswatini?
Many nationalities receive visa-free entry for short stays; check current requirements before travel and ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity and blank pages.
Is the currency the same as South Africa’s rand?
Eswatini’s lilangeni (SZL) is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (ZAR), and both are widely accepted in shops and at the festival.
What’s the weather like during the festival?
Late May typically brings dry, sunny days and cool evenings—plan for warm layers at night and sun protection by day.
Are there charging points and cell service?
There is generally reliable coverage on MTN Eswatini around House On Fire; bring a power bank for devices and consider a local SIM for data.
Can dietary preferences be accommodated?
The expedition’s meals usually include varied options; notify organizers in advance of dietary needs and explore festival vendors for additional choices.
What to Pack
Reusable water bottle for refills; headlamp for safe walks after dark; warm insulating layer for cool nights; cash and card—the rand and lilangeni are widely accepted but small vendors may be cash-only.
Did You Know
In 2018, Swaziland officially changed its name to the Kingdom of Eswatini, announced by King Mswati III during the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Quick Travel Tips
Buy an MTN Eswatini SIM at a mall in Ezulwini for cheap data; Cross at Ngwenya/Oshoek if coming from Johannesburg for the most direct route; Bring a universal adapter—Eswatini commonly uses Type G and Type M sockets at 230V; ATMs are available in Ezulwini and Mbabane—withdraw cash before peak festival hours.
Local Flavor
Fuel up at Malandela’s Restaurant next to House On Fire for wood-fired pizzas and local staples, then sample Eswatini craft beer at The George Hotel’s bar in Manzini or take a café break at Vickery Arms in Ezulwini. Browse woven baskets and beadwork at local markets to support artisans directly.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: King Mswati III International (SHO), with many travelers routing via Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB). Trailhead/venue: House On Fire, Malkerns Valley. Drive time: ~20–30 minutes from Ezulwini, ~3.5–4.5 hours from Johannesburg via Ngwenya/Oshoek border. Cell service: Generally good on MTN; Wi‑Fi limited. Permits: Festival pass required (included), valid passport for entry; most short-stay visitors are visa-exempt.
Sustainability Note
Pack reusables—cup, bottle, utensils—and use the festival’s sorting stations. Stay on established paths, respect local communities, and support vendors who prioritize recycled or locally sourced materials.
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