Poachella 2026
Sat Sep 27, 12:00 - Mon Sep 29, 10:00
Xudumela
ABOUT
POACHELLA 2026
Conservation Through Music
A boutique festival celebrating nature, music, and community along the Xudum channel in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Set within the Xudumela Conservancy, Poachella blends world-class music with meaningful conservation impact—bringing people together in one of Africa’s most extraordinary wild spaces.
EVENT DETAILS
- Location: Xudumela Conservancy, Okavango Delta (near Maun, Botswana)
- GPS: 20°02’32.7”S 23°05’10.4”E
- Dates: 2 – 4 October 2026
- Capacity: Limited to 400 guests for an intimate experience
- Camping: FREE (BYOT – Bring Your Own Tent)
Poachella is a family-friendly festival combining music, conservation, and cultural experiences in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All proceeds contribute directly to:
- Local anti-poaching units
- Community upliftment initiatives
- Sustainable tourism development
MUSIC LINE-UP
A curated mix of African and international artists:
- Desert Lemonade (Zimbabwe) – Live Band
- Black Mamba Man (Zimbabwe) – Live Solo
- Flying Bantu (Zimbabwe) – Live Band
- Lex Wolf (Ibiza, Spain) – DJ
- Witch Dokta (Zimbabwe) – DJs
- Matt Swallow (Kenya) – Live Solo
- Eat Sherbet (South Africa) – DJ
- Djemba Monks (Zimbabwe) – Live Percussion DJ
- Koolkat Motikyo (Botswana) – Live Band & Entertainment
- Animals Family (Botswana) – DJ
- Mothership Base (Botswana) – DJ
More artists to be announced.
EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES
Conservation on Tap Tent
Engaging talks and storytelling around protecting the Okavango Delta.
RESET Lounge – by YOWNN Yoga
Wellness sessions, recovery space, and herbal drinks.
Kids Camp
A dedicated space for younger adventurers.
Sky Web & Starbed Grove
Immersive installations blending nature and creativity.
Organic Farming Tours
Explore sustainable food production on-site.
Mokoro & Boat Cruises
Water-based experiences (subject to flood levels).
Delta Swim Spot
A safe, designated natural swimming area.
Helicopter Flights – by Helicopter Horizons
- Scenic flips
- 10-minute transfers from Maun
Bars & Social Spaces
- Okavango Gin Tiki Bar
- Okavango Craft Brewery Cask Bar
Transfers
- Maun 4x4 shuttle (Duck Inn): P500 return
Ice Baths
Cold immersion experiences known to significantly elevate mood and recovery.
Food
Delicious festival catering by Dusty Donkey – please support local vendors.
TICKETS
- Early Bird (until 31 May): P1,500
- Standard (June – August): P1,750
- Last Minute (September): P2,000
Payments accepted in ZAR due to banking regulations.
ACCOMMODATION
- FREE camping (BYOT) included with ticket
- Optional glamping packages available
?? See Accommodation Options for details
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book early – limited capacity
- Arrange transport in advance (4x4 or helicopter)
- Prepare for heat – hydration is key (water stations provided)
- Bring proper camping gear if BYOT
- Engage with conservation talks for a deeper experience
SAFETY
Xudumela is a wild environment with elephant, lion, and other wildlife.
- Festival and camping areas are electric-fenced
- Ambulance & paramedics on standby (Okavango Air Rescue)
BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES
For updates, follow official announcements and social channels as details evolve.
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ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
Attendees with festival tickets are welcome to bring their own tents (BYOT) at no additional cost, or choose from our curated glamping options below.
All tents are configured for 2 guests (twin or double).
Children under 14 may be accommodated with an additional bedroll.
Extra bedrolls: P1,000 per person (for the full 2-night stay).
All camping areas are electric-fenced for your safety.
Glamping Options (2 Nights | 2 Guests Sharing)
P1,500 – Dome Tent (Shared Ablutions)
Simple dome tent with two single beds. Shared bathroom facilities.
P2,000 – Dome Tent (En Suite)
Dome tent with bedroll, private loo, and bucket shower.
P5,000 – Serviced Mobile Tent
Classic mobile safari-style tent with full en suite bathroom.
P7,500 – Serviced Meru Tent
Premium Meru tent with hot showers and flushing toilets.
Important Notes
- All rates are per tent (2 guests) for the full weekend (2 nights)
- Accommodation cannot be booked per night
- Maximum occupancy:
- 2 adults per tent
- Up to 3 guests with young children (under 10)
- Please specify if you would like:
- Adjacent tents (for families)
- A cot mattress
Bookings & Cut-Off
To secure accommodation and transfers, please email:
Booking deadline: 18 September (2 weeks prior to event)
TRAVEL AND LOGISTICS; TRANSFERS
Travel and Logistics
- Getting There:
- By Air: From Maun, a 90-minute 4x4 transfer or a 10-minute helicopter ride with Helicopter Horizons (USD150 one-way) gets you to the festival site. Once your helicopter you will be notified of departure time the afternoon before. Minimum 2 pax and max 10kgs luggage.
- By Road: A 4x4 is recommended for the 40-minute sand track drive from the turn off heading North that lies just past Sitatunga and the Nxotega channel if coming from Maun to the festival parking site at Xudumela. See directions
- Shuttle Service: Game-drive vehicles offer transfers from The Duck Inn in Maun (2 minutes walk from the airport) for P500 return per person - please email [email protected] for transfers.
SHUTTLE SERVICE SCHEDULE for SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER (please book a slot as max capacity is 35 per shuttle)
Departs from the Duck Inn for arrival at Xudumela festival site
SAT 9 AM
SAT 12 PM
SAT 3 PM
MONDAY 29th - FESTIVAL DEPARTURE ;(
Departure shuttles from Xudumela for flight connections leave MONDAY 8:30 AM
Further shuttle services departing Xudumela at 12 PM and last carriages at 4PM.
DIRECTIONS
Directions to Xudumela’s Camp
GPS 20°02'32.7"S 23°05'10.4"E
If using Google Maps; simply type in "Xudumela".
Take the Ghanzi road out of town. Go past the Sitatunga Backpackers turn off and then go 1km past the Nxotega channel. Turn right at the borrow pit sign and follow the major cut line for the 25 kms, it leads straight to our farm . The first 4 kms of the cut line is tough 4x4 only section following the borrow pit truck tracks, for this first section of tough going there is a small 4x4 track parallel to the major cut line. Follow the signs for this.
After 15 km on the cut line you’ll cross the Kwapa channel. You will see a wooden bridge that indicates you are crossing the Kwapa Channel.
10 km later you’ll arrive on the edge of the farm. Go through the gate and follow the main track and 4 km later you’ll be on the Xudum channel at our camp.