The Ultimate Survival Guide to AfrikaBurn: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
AfrikaBurn is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines radical self-expression, community, and artistic creativity in the heart of South Africa’s Karoo desert. If you're planning to attend, you need to be fully prepared, as this is a remote, self-reliant event. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to AfrikaBurn!
What is AfrikaBurn?
AfrikaBurn is the African chapter of Burning Man. It's not a party or a festival—it's "a radical experiment in self-reliance." This means you must bring everything necessary for your survival and comfort in the Karoo desert, from water to shelter, and take it all with you when you leave. There is no organized entertainment, and the only item for sale is ice. The event is entirely run by volunteers, so your experience will depend on the effort you put in.
While there’s no official entertainment schedule, music flows from themed camps and stages set up by attendees throughout the day and night. The Karoo is filled with stunning art, and thousands of colorful lights illuminate bicycles and people, sparkling in the darkness.
You’ll spend most of the day exploring, discovering art, visiting themed camps, seeking shade, riding your bike, dancing to music, riding art cars, and simply soaking in the awe-inspiring surroundings.
Getting a Ticket
AfrikaBurn is a ticketed event, and tickets usually sell out quickly. Here’s how to secure yours:
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Purchase early: Tickets go on sale months in advance. Keep an eye on the official AfrikaBurn website. The sale first sale is in October and the last in December.
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Different ticket tiers: Prices vary, with discounted tickets available for early buyers and locals. Ticket prices start from R2799 ($152.85 USD).
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Resale options: If you miss out, check the AfrikaBurn ticket exchange for legitimate resales.
- Population: In 2024 10500 people attended the AfrikaBurn.
Men's Himalayan Faux Fur Playa Coat
Getting There & Transportation
AfrikaBurn takes place at Quaggafontein in the Tankwa Karoo National Park. The journey requires planning:
- Driving: Most people drive from Cape Town (a 5-6 hour trip). The last stretch is on rough dirt roads, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Be sure to have an extra tire. The road to the event, the R355, is infamous for being "treacherous and notorious for chewing up tires.
- Trailer: It costs a couple of hundred rand a day to rent one, but it means that you can take up extra water, a gas braai and your bicycles.
- The "E-Toll" (Environment Toll): is intended to promote ride-sharing and minimize the number of vehicles on-site and along the R355. **You will have to pay the E-Toll at teh gate with cash or card.
- Mutant Vehicles (on trailers), caravans (that are being towed) and trailers do not need to pay E-Tolls – but motorcycles & motorhomes do.
- Ride-sharing: Many attendees coordinate carpooling via Facebook groups.
- Flights: You can fly into Cape Town and rent a car from there.
- Bicycles: The event is large, and bikes are a great way to get around. Bring a sturdy, dust-friendly bike. Make sure to take a spare tyre or two and a tyre repair kit.
Art Car/ Mutant Vehicle/ Your Vehicle:
- If you're bringing a Mutant Vehicle (MV), ensure it's towed, transported by truck, or accompanied by a reliable vehicle with a tow rope and spare parts.
- Speed Limit: Upon reaching the event site, the maximum speed allowed is 10 km/h.
- Motorbikes and scooters must be registered as Mutants in order to be driven at all on the event site.
- Only Mutant Vehicles and authorized emergency or event crew vehicles are allowed to drive around the site.
- Put your keys in a safe place after you arrive.
Cell Service:
- Around midday, you may occasionally get a signal on high ground with an MTN phone, primarily for SMS. Beyond that, phone service is not available except for serious medical emergencies.
Weather Conditions
Tankwa Karoo is known for its extreme weather. Be prepared for:
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Hot days: Temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C).
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Cold nights: It can drop to near freezing after sunset. Be prepared for 30-50 F ( 1.11 °C -10.00 °C). It's crucial to be prepared for cold weather.
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Dust storms: The desert is dry, and wind can kick up intense dust storms.
What to Pack
Shelter & Sleeping Gear
- Consider joining a theme camp—setting up a comfortable site alone can be challenging and costly. Team up with friends to share expenses and responsibilities for a better experience.
- A durable tent or shift pod (wind-resistant). Make sure your shelter is wind-resistant, as AfrikaBurn's conditions can be extreme.
- Stakes: Bring heavy-duty tent stakes, like 9-inch steel nails or MSR Groundhogs, which are designed for hard ground. Rebar, or lag bolts also can work.
- Stretch tents are recommended. Many Cape Town stretch-tent companies are experienced with AfrikaBurn and provide teams to set up and dismantle the tents.
- Shade structure (essential for the daytime heat).
- Sleeping bag for cold nights.
- Pillows
- Eye mask and earplugs (for better sleep).
- Showers
- There are no showers at AfrikaBurn.
- Bring a portable camping shower and extra water, or make do with a bucket, a spray water bottle and some biodegradable soap.
- Trestle tables and chairs and a ground sheet
- Generator
Food & Water
AfrikaBurn is a self-reliant event—bring everything you need:
- You can only purchase Ice at Afika Burn.
- At least 5 liters of water per person per day (for drinking, cooking, and hygiene)
- Non-perishable food items (canned goods, dry snacks, etc.)
- You can pre make food, vacuum seal it and freeze it for easy made meals. Things like curries and stews are good for this.
- A dry ice cooler works for vacuum sealed food and canned drinks.
- A camp stove or portable burner.
- Cooler with ice packs.
Other essentials:
- Baby wipes
- Extra battereis
- Ear plugs
- Sunscreen
- Fans
- Parasols
- Extra lights for camp, bikes and you.
- Solar charging devices
Clothing & Outfits
Bring clothes for every climate. Take waterproof shoes and gear becuase it can rain.
Foot wear: Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes. The terrain is rocky and dry, and your feet will endure a lot of wear and tear if they're not properly protected. Bring shoes for day and night. Wool socks are essential for hte cold nights.
AfrikaBurn is a chance to get creative with your wardrobe! Consider:
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Daytime wear: Light, breathable fabrics, bikinis, bodysuits, shorts, rompers, shirts, tank tops, skirts, costumes, kimonos, comfy knits, breezy pants, bohemian light airy fashion.
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Nighttime wear: Warm layers for tops and bottoms, leggings, hoodies, heavier fabric clothing, onesies, costumes, faux fur coats, jackets, vests, and kimonos to stay warm and stylish.
Accessories: hats, sunglasses, fans, parasols, jewelry, crowns, tiaras, and scarves for dust protection. Gloves for night. Backpacks and holsters for caring your stuff hands free. Fairy lights and anything that glows to stand out at night. Furrocious Furr makes the best LED coats, vest and hoods that operate with a blue tooth app.
Get Naked: Clothing is optional and many people participate in nudity. It will seem completely normal by the end of the week.
Furrocious Fur coats lined with plush minky lining double as warm blankets too!
Why Faux Fur is Perfect for AfrikaBurn Nights
When the sun sets, temperatures drop drastically. A Furrocious Furr coat, vest, kimono, or hood is the ultimate nightwear:
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Warm & cozy: Our high quality bfaux fur is designed for comfort and insulation.
Abstract Tiger Desert Warrior Coat
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Stylish & unique: Stand out while staying warm. There are so many styles to & colors to choose from for men and women. We also do custom order. Contact us here.
LED Kimono/ Twinkle Sequin Kimono
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Functional features: Backpack straps for easy carrying and multiple pockets for storing essentials.
- LED Collection: Light up at night with the click of a button. Blue tooth operated & 200 color changing patterns & a rechargeable battery. Dry Cleanable.
Gifting & Participation
AfrikaBurn embraces a gifting culture. Consider bringing:
- Handmade jewelry or art
- Small, meaningful trinkets
- Water guns or spray bottle and or fans to cool people down with
- Hand sanittizers
- Cold drinks or snacks
- Alcoholic drinks
- Coffee that you hand out from your camp in the morning
- Portable speakers to play music with
- Musical instruments to play music for people
- Face paint or biodegradable glitter
- Hula hoops or other flow toys to play with
- Unique performances or skills (fire dancing, tarot reading, etc.)
To participate fully, explore:
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Art installations: Many require volunteers to help build or maintain.
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Workshops: Yoga, dance, meditation, and creative sessions.
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Theme camps: Join one to contribute and immerse yourself in the experience.
Final Tips for AfrikaBurn First-Timers
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Respect Leave No Trace principles—everything you bring must leave with you.
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Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
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Be open and engage with the community—AfrikaBurn is about expression and connection.
By planning ahead and packing wisely, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable AfrikaBurn adventure. See you in the dust!
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