The Mlawula Campfire Festival has grown from attracting a minimum of about 200 people in its earlier years to surpassing its latest target of 1 200 attendees.
The rise in interest in the three-day outdoor event was highlighted during the seventh edition of the festival, held from Friday to Sunday at Siphiso Campsite in Mlawula Nature Reserve.
Hundreds of visitors gathered for camping, music, food, outdoor activities and entertainment.
Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thulani Sihle Methula said organisers had deliberately set a conservative attendance target of 1 200 people for this year’s festival.
“Our target was a bit conservative this year. We were looking at 1 200 but from what I have heard, we surpassed that figure,” Methula said.
He said the growing numbers were encouraging but the increased demand was beginning to put pressure on the available camping space.
“We wish for a bigger figure as our camping facility is now constrained by space,” he said.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane commended the growth, saying it demonstrated the appeal of an event that combined entertainment with an opportunity for visitors to connect with nature.
One of the defining features of the Mlawula Campfire Festival is its camping experience, with visitors encouraged to bring their own food, prepare and cook their meals and spend time together at the campsite.
Unlike conventional music events, where visitors primarily attend performances, the Mlawula festival offers a broader outdoor experience built around camping, nature, recreation and social interaction.
The festival also created opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to market their products directly to visitors.
Stalls featured locally made bags, baskets, accessories, clothing, food, crafts and other products.
The minister toured the campsite and interacted with exhibitors, including Swazi Secrets’ Sibusiso ‘Kina’ Dlamini, during her visit.
During the tour, she was accompanied by Methula, Eswatini Tourism Authority CEO Vusie Dlamini, ENTC Chief Financial Officer Mduduzi Ndzinisa and board member Phinda Manyatsi.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi and Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima were also part of the festivities.
The festival also included a range of recreational activities designed to keep visitors engaged beyond the main entertainment stage. These included nail punching, sack races, tug-of-war and sprints.
BakkieLife added another dimension through its programme, featuring tug-of-war, a mud pit challenge and a Bakkie Show and Shine that attracted vehicle enthusiasts.
Music remained an important part of 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 as festival-goers enjoyed music, food, beverages and the company of friends.
