AfrikaBurn is the regional version of Burning Man in South Africa, has been steadily growing since its inception in 2007. In 2026, it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before. With over 13,000 attendees, AfrikaBurn is not your average music festival – it’s a full-blown survival adventure in the unforgiving Karoo desert.
But fear not, intrepid Burner! If you’re lucky enough to have secured a ticket to this epic event, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate AfrikaBurn survival guide.
From staying hydrated in the scorching sun to navigating the notorious dust storms, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make the most of your week in Tankwa Town.
So get ready to embrace the chaos, let your freak flag fly, and make some unforgettable memories at one of the biggest festivals in Africa.
Make sure you’ve got a reliable ride
First thing, make sure your vehicle can actually make it to Afrikaburn and survive the treacherous last stretch of dirt road. From Cape Town, the journey is around 300km and should take you 3 to 4 hours. From Johannesburg, it’s a much longer journey of around 1200km, which will take 13 – 15 hours of driving. It’s best to stop off at a boutique hotel somewhere along the way to break up your journey. From either direction, the last 100km is on a dirt road that has claimed many vehicles; take it slow (around 50km/h).
Bring a lot of water
Don’t underestimate how much water you need during your stay at AfrikaBurn. There are no on-site taps or drinking water available – you’re on your own. Since you’ll be pretty active and hopefully showering, you’ll need at least 3 litres per day to drink. Signs of dehydration, including feeling dizzy, weak, or hyperthermic, decreased urination and increased heart rate.
Eat the right nutrients
AfrikaBurn is more than a week, and you’re facing various harsh elements – keep your immune system strong. Eat meals that are relatively easy to make but give you the right kind of nutrients. Cook in groups for convenience.
Some things to pack include spinach, tuna cans, quinoa, chickpeas, green onions, walnuts, dried fruit, honey, and energy bars. Funnily enough, pickles and drinking the pickle juice are pretty good for you, too.
Superfood shakes provide a combination of nutrient-dense superfoods (like Raw Cacao, Chia, Hemp, Maca root, Mesquite, etc.) from around the world. Meal replacement packs plant-based protein and all the vitamins and nutrients you need in the desert.
Take your own cutlery
Plastic cutlery for the entire week results in a ton of waste. Pack proper cutlery and look after it. Imagine how many pieces of plastic cutlery we would save on if all 13 000 people did the same for a week? Find other eco-friendly alternatives for items you might be purchasing.
Get a bicycle
Taking a bicycle to AfrikaBurn has several advantages. Firstly, it is an efficient and eco-friendly way to get around the event. Secondly, it is a fun and convenient way to explore the art installations, participate in activities, and visit different camps. Finally, riding a bike will help you stay fit and healthy while you enjoy the event. Take a look at your local Cash Crusaders, Cash Converters or Facebook Marketplace (just be careful, especially if you’re buying in South Africa and not familiar with dodgy areas).
Wear loose-fitting clothing
It is important to wear loose-fitting clothing to AfrikaBurn to ensure maximum comfort and to keep cool in the hot desert climate. Loose-fitting clothing allows for air to circulate more freely, which helps to keep the body cooler and reduces the risk of heat exhaustion and sunburn. Additionally, many of the activities at AfrikaBurn involve dancing, moving, and physical exertion, so loose-fitting clothing allows for greater freedom of movement.
Take a scarf or sarong
Take a scarf or sarong; whenever you leave your campsite, wet it so it’s cold, so you’ll get less dust in your mouth when walking or travelling.
Pack a basic first aid kit.
While the medical team at AfrikaBurn will be able to assist with serious (and small) injuries, it’s always better to keep a basic first aid kit that can be purchased just about anywhere (such as Takealot, Amazon South Africa, Cape Union Mart, Pharmacies, etc.). Take the usual like:
- Plasters
- Sports tape
- Ace bandage (sprains)
- Panado
- Rehydrate (for hangovers)
- Melatonin (for sleep)
- Magnesium pills (for cramps)
- Inhalers (if you’re asthmatic)
- Eye drops (to combat the dust)
- Saline nasal spray
Waterless shampoo or apple cider vinegar
Take waterless shampoo to keep your hair clean of dust without using water, or for a natural alternative, rinse a bit of apple cider vinegar in your hair.
Wear comfortable shoes
It is important to wear comfortable shoes to AfrikaBurn 2026 because the event is held in the Karoo and the terrain can be quite challenging. There is a lot of walking, dancing, and standing involved, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes to keep your feet from becoming sore. The Karoo can also get hot during the day, so a breathable shoe is also important.
Bring a portable power station
It can be a good idea to bring a portable power station to AfrikaBurn, as electrical power can be limited and unreliable in the desert environment of the festival. Having a portable power station can provide a reliable source of electricity for charging devices and powering lights. Personally, I love my EcoFlow with solar panels, which allow me to recharge during the week.
Dance safe
While AfrikaBurn isn’t a music festival at all, there’s a ton of dancing taking place over the week, and it’s important to be smart. Make sure you’re always nourished, get a good amount of sleep, replenish your electrolytes and always have someone looking out for you, especially if you’re attending AfrikaBurn 2026 alone.