AfrikaBurn is South Africa's regional Burning Man event, and it has been growing steadily since 2007. The next edition runs from 26 April to 2 May 2027 in the Tankwa Karoo. It's not your average festival. It's a week-long survival adventure in the desert, where roughly 10,000 to 13,000 people build a temporary city called Tankwa Town.
Tickets are allocated through the organisers' own system rather than an open sale, so keep an eye on afrikaburn.org for the 2027 dates. If you're lucky enough to get one, this guide has you covered. And if you're new to sleeping under canvas, a night at one of the best glamping spots in the Western Cape is a gentle way to practise before the Karoo. Want a feel for the culture first? Spark: A Burning Man Story is one of the films in our guide to music festival documentaries.
From staying hydrated in the scorching sun to surviving the notorious dust storms, here are the tips you need to make the most of your week. Embrace the chaos, let your freak flag fly and make some unforgettable memories at one of the biggest festivals in Africa.
Dates are from our AfrikaBurn 2027 festival page. Always confirm them with the organisers before you book.
AfrikaBurn survival tips
Make sure you've got a reliable ride
First, make sure your vehicle can survive the trip, especially the treacherous last stretch of dirt road.
From Cape Town it's about 300 km and takes three to four hours. From Johannesburg it's around 1,200 km, or 13 to 15 hours of driving, so break the journey with a night in a boutique hotel along the way.
From either direction, the last 100 km is dirt road that has claimed many vehicles. Take it slow, at around 50 km/h.
Bring a lot of water
Don't underestimate how much water you need. There are no taps or drinking water on site, so you're on your own.
Plan for at least 3 litres per person per day for drinking, and more if you want to wash. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, weakness, decreased urination and a faster heart rate.
Eat the right nutrients
AfrikaBurn lasts a week and the elements are harsh, so keep your immune system strong. Pack meals that are easy to make but nutritious, and cook in groups for convenience.
Good things to pack include spinach, tinned tuna, quinoa, chickpeas, spring onions, walnuts, dried fruit, honey and energy bars. Funnily enough, pickles and pickle juice are pretty good for you too.
Superfood shakes (with ingredients like raw cacao, chia, hemp and maca root) and plant-based meal replacement packs are another easy way to get the vitamins and nutrients you need in the desert.
Take your own cutlery
Plastic cutlery for a whole week creates a ton of waste. Pack proper cutlery and look after it. Imagine how much plastic we would save if everyone did the same.
AfrikaBurn is a Leave No Trace event, so look for eco-friendly alternatives to other disposable items too, and take all your rubbish home with you.
Get a bicycle
A bicycle is an efficient, eco-friendly way to get around. It's also a fun way to explore the art installations, join in activities and visit different camps, and it keeps you fit while you enjoy the event.
Look for second-hand bikes at Cash Crusaders, Cash Converters or Facebook Marketplace. Be careful when buying, especially if you don't know the area.
Wear loose-fitting clothing
Loose clothing lets air circulate, which keeps you cooler and reduces the risk of heat exhaustion and sunburn.
You'll also be dancing and moving a lot, so you'll want the freedom of movement.
Take a scarf or sarong
Wet it every time you leave your campsite so it stays cool, and wear it over your mouth and nose. You'll swallow far less dust when you're walking or riding.
Pack a basic first aid kit
The medical team at AfrikaBurn can help with injuries big and small, but it's better to bring your own basic first aid kit. You can buy everything at Takealot, Amazon South Africa, Cape Union Mart or any pharmacy. Pack the usual:
Waterless shampoo or apple cider vinegar
Waterless shampoo keeps your hair clean of dust without using water. For a natural alternative, rinse your hair with a little apple cider vinegar.
Wear comfortable shoes
The Karoo terrain can be challenging, and there's a lot of walking, dancing and standing at AfrikaBurn 2027. Choose comfortable, breathable shoes to keep your feet from getting sore in the heat.
Bring a portable power station
Electrical power is limited and unreliable in the desert. A portable power station gives you a reliable way to charge devices and power lights.
Personally, I love my EcoFlow with solar panels, which let me recharge during the week.
Dance safe
AfrikaBurn isn't a music festival, but there's a ton of dancing over the week, so be smart. Stay nourished, get enough sleep, replenish your electrolytes and always have someone looking out for you, especially if you're going to AfrikaBurn 2027 alone.
