Bushfire Festival to ignite cultural celebration in the heart of Kgalagadi

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday January 30, 2026 12:46

Scheduled to take place from May 28-31, 2026, in Hukuntsi, the heart of the Kgalagadi Desert, this annual festival is a must-attend event for music lovers and culture enthusiasts.

'The concept of Macheng Bushfire Festival was inspired by African spirituality and nature in the Basarwa Dance,' says Kabelo Moapare, Events Director of Mokaga Black (PTY) LTD. He explained that the main objective of the event was to highlight the Basarwa healing dance as a cultural, ecological, and spiritual practice relevant to modern health and conservation discourse.

The festival is expected to feature a diverse lineup of local and international artists, showcasing modern tourism and the diverse cultural values of different communities living in Kgalagadi. 'We seek to develop Heritage Without Borders, where Dance, Music, and Language as Shared Human Expressions foster cross-cultural dialogue and unity through performance arts rooted in heritage and collaborations,' Moapare adds.

The Macheng Bushfire Festival contributed significantly to the growth of the music industry in Botswana, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and collaborate with regional and international artists. The festival offers multiple performance opportunities for local artists, placing them on main stages, cultural showcases, and collaborative sets alongside regional and international acts.



To ensure the festival remains a must-attend event, the organisers are curating high-quality, diverse line-ups, centering local artists, and delivering a strong cultural and audience experience. 'Future festivals will offer bigger and more collaborative line-ups, unique music experiences, artist development programs, expanded digital reach, and a strong focus on sustainability and community impact,' Moapare says.

The festival also promotes social engagement and healthy lifestyles, offering a wide range of interactive activities beyond music, including skydiving, motorsport, bush walks, camping, and tourism experiences. These activities encourage physical activity, adventure, community interaction, and outdoor living while showcasing local tourism and creating shared experiences.

The Macheng Bushfire Festival is committed to reducing its environmental impact, with measures such as responsible waste management, promoting reusable and biodegradable materials, and encouraging camping practices that respect the natural environment The festival aims to become a model for eco-conscious, community-driven festivals in Botswana, where cultural celebration and environmental care go hand in hand.

'We want attendees to have an unforgettable experience,' Moapare says. 'That is why we are curating diverse line-ups, providing top-quality sound and production, offering interactive and wellness activities, and creating a safe, welcoming environment where people can connect with the music, culture, and each other.'

With its unique blend of culture, music, and adventure, the Macheng Bushfire Festival is a must-attend event for anyone looking to experience the best of Botswana's heritage and creativity.