Congratulations! You’ve fought your way towards grabbing one ticket of 6500 to attend the sold-out camping community event, AfrikaBurn. Well, that’s just the beginning of your desert expedition, because the barren Karoo is not a forgiving destination and it’s best to go prepared.
AfrikaBurn is a quirky desert festival set against the backdrop of the Karoo where participants come together to create Tankwa Town from 1 May 2013 – 6 May 2013. The annual event is crafted around the construction of a temporary town – a mirage of art, theme camps, costumes, music and performance.
However, the festival is only as idyllic as you are equipped. With the right gear and organisation, the desert becomes a welcome home and you can rest easy.
The philosophy of AfrikaBurn is one of radical self-reliance and to leave without a trace. They are not kidding around here, radical self-reliance means there is nothing available to buy in Tankwa. Planning and organisation are key to the enjoyment of your trip and you need to consider food, shelter, water, fuel, and basic first aid supplies. Everything you take into the desert, you take back with you.
As a participant, or ‘Burner’, you need to take responsibility for all you use. There are no bins available so pack dustbin bags and plastic packets to dispose of your rubbish. You will be on your feet most of the time as moving vehicles are banned in Tankwa Town. Burners walk or cycle and you will need a Burner backpack. This way you can keep all your rubbish, pocket your stompies and carry your jacket, headlamp, water bottle, hat, sunscreen and one ply toilet paper.
Seasoned Burners will tell you to bring more water. Even when you think you have enough, remember you need to hydrate, cook, wash dishes, splash your face and attempt to rid your body of the dust. Did I mention hydrate? This is a desert remember, the area regularly reaches a sweltering 40 degrees, which is no fun if you’re thirsty and only have beer on hand.
Depending on how much time you plan to spend at your camp, it may be handy to bring along a gazebo or awning to huddle under in the midday sun. Also pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to beat the heat. Having said this, it is also vital to bear in mind that temperatures also drop dramatically at night. Despite the promises of fire and burning, bring a warm jacket and snug sleeping bag.
The ground at AfrikaBurn is hard. Make sure to include a comfortable mattress or stretcher, a hammer to set up camp and sturdy, heavy-duty pegs that can be pushed into the ground without bending.
One last piece of advice: warn your fellow Burners to come prepared. There is nothing worse than camping next to unprepared newcomers hankering over your water and precious resources.
If this all sounds terribly exciting, but you’re are one of the unfortunate few without a ticket to AfrikaBurn 2013, make sure to book for next year. Find out more online www.afrikaburn.com
See you there.
Burner’s Survival Kit
- Common sense
- Spare tyres and tyre repair kit
- Walking shoes (it’s a pedestrian event)
- Bin bags and packets
- Warm clothes
- Hat and SPF sunscreen
- Water bottles (one for water, one for booze)
- Heavy-duty tent pegs and hammer
- Dust goggles and bandanna (for dust storms)
- Gumboots (AfrikaBurn 2012 experienced some serious downpour)
- Torch, headlamp, lantern and candles for your camp and walkabout
- First aid kit
- Backpack
- Small container for stompies if you’re a smoker
- Earplugs if you plan to get a good night sleep
- Dress up stuff and decorations (this festival is about participation, make a little effort)
- Directions from the AfrikaBurn website (it is in the middle of the desert after all)
- Above all, you need to bring enough food, water, shelter and first aid to survive for a week in a harsh environment
Read previous accounts of AfrikaBurn
A newbie prepares for AfrikaBurn 2012
The best festival in the world: AfrikaBurn 2012
Five ways to prepare for AfrikaBurn 2013
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