Once Travel, part of Once Joburg, will cross the border once again into eSwatini (Swaziland) for the 13th edition of MTN Bushfire, a three-day African music and arts festival that has gained a lot of international attention, attracting festival-goers from all parts of the world.
Each year the festival welcomes thousands of guests from around the world, with more than 26 000 attendees from 60 countries gathering in the Malkerns Valley at House on Fire between May 24 and 26 for an energising weekend filled with music and art.
Credits: MTN Bushfire 2019.
Sophie Bagheri, Once Travel Business Development Manager, says the festival is drawing more international attention. “As youth tourism numbers sky rocket in southern Africa, more and more foreigners are looking to attend.”
According to a survey conducted by WYSE Travel Confederation, about 19% of young travellers visited a festival during their last big international trip.
“It goes without saying that festivals are very much embedded in youth culture around the world,” says Bagheri.
“For the millennial traveller it is more important than ever to splurge on unique travel experiences where they are exposed to local arts and culture. Bushfire has become renowned as the most responsible African festival with only African-made products,” she adds.
Priding itself on achieving the African Responsible Tourism Awards’ ‘Best Sustainable Event’ in 2017, Bushfire was also hailed by CNN as one of the ‘Seven African music festivals you really have to see. Furthermore, the festival was recognised by the BBC as a ‘Top African festival’. In addition, Everfest, a US-based festival marketing platform and club, recently announced MTN Bushfire as one of the top-30 festivals in its exclusive Fest300 list, explains Bagheri.
Once Travel is offering an all-inclusive three-night package for festival-goers, as well as transport to and from Johannesburg, a three-day festival ticket, a camping ticket, camping equipment, cooking utensils and access to Once Travel hosts. According to Once Travel, it is an ideal way to meet new people whether travelling solo or in a group.
On the day of departure, the Once overland vehicle sets off early from Once in Joburg for an eight-hour journey across the country and over the border into eSwatini. Pre- and post-festival accommodation is available at Once in Joburg for added convenience, as the trip commences early in the morning and Once hosts an unofficial pre-Bushfire party the night before departure.
Upon arrival, guests set-up their custom-built safari dome tents. Once also provides festival-goers with all necessary equipment for a comfortable camping experience, including gas cookers, kitchen equipment, an on-board fridge, charging facilities, tables, chairs, LED lights, utensils, plates, cups and mattresses. Once also provides a photographer throughout the duration of the journey and festival to capture travellers’ experience.
Confirmed acts include Moonchild Sanelly from South Africa, Maia from Kenya, the Big Sky from Kenya, GrandMah from Mozambique, Mandla Mlangeni from South Africa, Alibombo from Colombia, Meute from Germany, Doebt Gnahore from Côte d'Ivoire, Eme from Nigeria, and Lindigo from Réunion Island.
For more information on Once Travel’s MTN Bushfire excursion, click here.
