When: 28 April – 4 May 2014 (and likely the same dates for 2015)
Where: Stonehenge Farm, Northern Cape
Theme: The Trickster
Purpose: Community building, self-reliance, entertainment, cohesion

Having taken place for the first time in 2007, AfrikaBurn, South Africa’s Burning Man regional has become a favoured festival by locals across the lush, coastal, dry, and wind-swept provinces of South Africa. This year, the annual creative and self-expressive event is set to take place once again on Stonehenge Farm in the Tanakwa Karoo, Northern Cape.

This year’ theme is The Trickster, in honour of the funny, sly anti-heroes who ignore boundaries, question the norms, and help catalyze change for the greater good by being brave and playing the fool.  This year is set to bring forth another unique, exhilarating, challenging, absorbing, and classic AfrikaBurn experience.

A burning man effigy from AfrikaBurn 2012. By ZA Photos (Flickr)

What to Expect:

There will naturally be burning artworks (see guidelines if you wish to submit one), costumes, performances, theme camps, and a suspension of life as you know it. Your time here will consist of up to 6 surreal days where you can create life, as you’d like it to be, collectively.  This is an invitation to let loose, without being offensive, and break into song, dance, recite a monologue, and take a leap of faith into bringing out your unique, quirky self when the inspiration strikes you.

Impromptu performances are fun. By Chris Preen (Flickr)

If this sounds like it’s up your alley, and you’re tempted to do a planned performance, then sign up to do one, but remember no equipment, electricity, or stage will be provided. Also, your name won’t be on the pamphlet handed out at the gate as you’re a wee bit late to the party, but sacrificing printed recognition is a small price to pay, as you’ll still be able to publicly air your beat-boxing, dancing, acting, or comedic talent.

Wear what you like. By Chris Preen (Flickr)

What to Bring:

AfrikaBurn has kindly provided their Survival Guide in a downloadable format, but if you haven’t had a chance to read it, here’s a quick breakdown of items to bring:

  1. Camping Equipment – hammer and heavy-duty pegs (you’ll need these as the ground has a surface akin to rock), wind-proof tent, flashlight, headlamp, toilet paper (optional), sleeping bag, cooking kit, first-aid kit, earplugs, sunscreen, hygiene items, and whatever else you’ll need to survive. Note: there will be no electricity, so unless you have a portable generator, solar charger or hand-crank, leave any electrical-requiring goods at home and enjoy getting back to basics!
  2. Clothing for all weather – the event is happening in a desert and as such, expect to brave scorching hot days and freezing cold nights – and even days where the wind whips the sand into a whirling frenzy. Consider bringing a bandana.Cycling around the camp is highly recommended. By Chris Preen (Flickr)
  3. Water, water, water … and enough food and snacks for the duration of the event. 5 Litres of water per person, per day is highly recommended and as there is no shade, carrying a water bottle around with you is smart.
  4. Ticket – which should be obvious, but as no tickets are sold at the gate, this isn’t something you want to have forgotten at home on your nightstand.
  5. Bin bags to pack your rubbish into – “Leave No Trace” is one of the event mottos.

The AfrikaBurn set up is pretty similar to this. By floorvan (Flickr)

Rules of the Game:

  1. Camp Site – Tanakwa Town will be laid out in a semi-circle shape with the middle curve called the Binnekring – where most of the AfrikaBurn art will be shown.  The two ends of the horseshoe will be Loud Zones with speakers and music. The Quiet Zone is more family-friendly and will be found behind the Off-Centre Camp – it may sound confusing now, but when you’ve arrived, the zones will be properly demarcated so you can pick which area you’d like to set up your base.
  2. Respect everyone else at the event and don’t be obnoxious – if you’re photographing or filming someone who has asked you not to, yet you continue to do so, you will likely be beaten by their very heavy-set boxing friend … well not really. You’re more likely to be politely escorted to the gate and exiled.AfrikaBurn memories. By ZA Photos (Flickr)
  3. Mutant Vehicles aka Art Cars are fun to ride and decorate, but there are some rules of the THOU SHALT NOT variety, such as: don’t jump on/off the cars while they’re moving, don’t try and ‘borrow’ one for kicks without permission, and other common-sense guidelines. The punishment for not showing respect to fellow AfrikaBurners, as normal, will lead to banishment from the event.
  4. Ensure you’ve brought all you need – Nothing will be available to buy or sell in Tanakwa Town.
  5. No cars are allowed within Tanakwa Town, so once you’ve parked your car at the gate, you’ll walk a fair distance and be a pedestrian or cyclist for the duration of your time at AfrikaBurn.

This is a great event to bond with friends and family, and meet other like-minded groups. Let us know what your favourite AfrikaBurn event is!

Main image credited to Chris Preen (Flickr)