Get firewood ready for Mlawula Campfire Festival
MLAWULA – Get your firewood ready.
Mlawula Camp Fire Festival will host its annual event at Siphiso campsite this weekend. The festival will kick-off on Friday until Sunday.
The event target market is local and international camping enthusiasts; outdoor adventurers; families and companies looking for a different and refreshing adventure filled weekend away, littered in a pristine and scenic wilderness area.
When reached for comment the Business Development Officer (BDO) of Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) Xoliswa Mkhonta said: “The aim is to continually grow the festival and establish it as the biggest camping event in the country. The event features entertainment activities, such as hiking, aerobics, team building exercises, game viewing, bicycle rides, comedy shows, raffle draws, live music performances, cultural dance and exhibitions and children’s games. The target this year is to host about 800 to 1 000 campers,” shared Mkhonta.
She went on to share the objectives of the festival as follows;
Fundraising: To raise funds to enhance the reserve’s conservation management programmes and community relations, to ensure the continued support and promotion of sustainable conservation and wise use of biodiversity.
Conservation: To expose visitors and enhance their appreciation of the benefits and necessity of the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources.
Responsible tourism: To strategically incorporate and implement a holistic responsible tourism model in order to maximise positive impacts and reduce negative impacts on the three pillars.
When quizzed on their target market the BDO said, “The festival is targeted at visitors of all ages, both locally and internationally. The programme and activities are geared to keep all visitors engaged throughout the weekend of the event. There is also a package for corporate/private entities, and other groupings for team building and wellness enrichment.”
The event is comprised of three packages namely;
Impala package: This is a full weekend self-catering package, which covers Friday to Sunday event activities. Clients bring their own camping equipment.
Imbabala package: This is one night self-catering festive pass, starting from Saturday and ending on Sunday. Clients bring their own camping equipment.
Corporate package: This is a VVIP full weekend package with full meals, designed for companies who would like to sponsor the event and send their employees to the event for team building purposes. This package also covers the cost of camping equipment for the duration of the event.
According to Mkhonta on Friday afternoon activities are meant to accommodate early arrivals which include game drives, children’s games, and live performance by local school groups, music, outdoor movie cinema and old school themed party. On Saturday features a full programme with a hike, aerobics, cycling, music, kid’s games, engaging challenge activities, game drive, music, comedy shows and live performances. Finally on Sunday is relaxed since visitors will be preparing for departure, available activities will include hiking, aerobics, raffle draws and music.