Poachella 2026
Fri Oct 2, 12:00 - Sun Oct 4, 12:00
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 brings together world-class music and meaningful conservation impact—uniting people in one of Africa’s most extraordinary wild spaces. Magic in the Majestic Okavango!
"Your ticket does more than get you in — it helps protect one of the last wild places on Earth."
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)
Glamping: a range of accommodation options on offer, check them out on the accommodation tab
email: [email protected] to book accommodation after buying your tickets. Pre pitched tents are limited.
Poachella is a family-friendly festival combining music, conservation, and cultural experiences within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
YOUR TICKET MAKES AN IMPACT
All proceeds from Poachella support meaningful conservation and community initiatives through the Connect Trust
The Connect Trust works at the intersection of wildlife conservation, education, and community upliftment in and around the Okavango Delta.
Your ticket contributes directly to:
- Anti-poaching units protecting wildlife on the ground
- Community upliftment initiatives supporting local livelihoods
- Sustainable tourism development that benefits both people and nature
"By joining Poachella, you’re not just attending a festival — you’re actively helping protect and grow one of the world’s most important ecosystems."
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
- Dusty Human (South Africa)
- Matt Swallow (Kenya) – Live Solo
- DJ WitchDokta (Zimbabwe) – DJ
- Eat Sherbit (South Africa) – DJ
- DJ Quan - DJ (Botswana)
- Djembe Monks (Zimbabwe) – Live Percussion DJ
- Koolkat Motikyo (Botswana) – Live Band & Entertainment
- Bam Bam Madame - (Zimbabwe) – DJ
- Animals Family (Botswana) – DJ
- Mothership Base (Botswana) – DJ
More artists to be announced.
EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES
- Mokoro & Boat Cruises (subject to water levels - looking very good for 2026)
- Game Drives
- Delta Swim Spot - A safe, designated natural swimming area
- Conservation on Tap Tent - Thought-provoking talks and storytelling around protecting the Okavango
- RESET Lounge – by YOWNN Yoga - Wellness sessions, recovery space, herbal drinks
- Kids Camp - A dedicated space for younger adventurers
- Sky Web & Starbed Grove - Immersive nature-based installations
- Organic Farming Tours - Explore sustainable food production
- Helicopter Flights – by Helicopter Horizons - Scenic flips & 10-minute transfers from Maun
- Bars & Social Spaces
- Okavango Gin Tiki Bar
- Okavango Craft Brewery Cask Bar
- Ice Baths - Cold immersion experiences to boost mood and recovery
- Food by Dusty Donkey - Delicious local festival catering — please support them
TRANSFERS
- Maun 4x4 Shuttle (Duck Inn) – P500 return
- Helicopter transfers available
TICKETS
Early Bird (until 31 May) – P1,500
Standard (June – August) – P1,750
Last Minute (September) – P2,000
Under 12 – P750 (all phases)
Payments accepted in ZAR due to banking regulations.
ACCOMMODATION
- Free Camping (BYOT) included with your ticket
- Pre-pitched tents & glamping options available
See Accommodation Options for details.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book early — capacity is limited
- Arrange transport in advance (4x4 or helicopter)
- Stay hydrated — water stations available
- 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 & camping areas are electric-fenced
- Medical support on standby via Okavango Air Rescue
BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES
Follow official channels for updates as more details are announced.
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 14)
- 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 & LOGISTICS
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS – POACHELLA 2026
Getting There
By Air (Fastest & Most Scenic)
From Maun, enjoy a 10-minute helicopter transfer with Helicopter Horizons
USD 285 one-way
- Departure times confirmed the afternoon prior to travel
- Minimum 2 passengers
- Max luggage: 10kg per person
An unforgettable arrival over the Okavango Delta.
By Road (4x4 Recommended)
- Approx. 90 minutes from Maun
- Final stretch is a sand track — 4x4 essential
- Turn-off lies just past Sitatunga and the Nxotega Channel
Detailed directions to folllow
Shuttle Service (Easy Option)
Transfers available from The Duck Inn (Maun) (2-minute walk from the airport)
P500 return per person
Book via: [email protected]
SHUTTLE SCHEDULE
Arrival – Friday 2 October 2026
Departing The Duck In to Xudumela Festival Site
- 09:00
- 14:00
Please book in advance — max 35 guests per shuttle
Departure – Sunday 4 October 2026
Returning Xudumela ? Maun (for onward travel)
- 08:30 (ideal for morning connections)
- 14:00(final departure)
DIRECTIONS
Directions to Xudumela Camp
GPS 20°02'32.7"S 23°05'10.4"E
If using Google Maps; simply type in "Xudumela" but note the first 5 kms of the parallel road to the cutline directions below.
From Maun (Self-Drive – 4x4 Required)
- Take the Ghanzi Road out of Maun
- Pass Sitatunga Backpackers
- Continue ±1 km past the Nxotega Channel
- Look for Xudumela sign on your right next to a red bonnet marking a better road than the inital cutline section
First 5 kms of Dirt Road - Do NOT turn at the borrow pit sign
Instead:
- Continue ~200 metres further
- Look for a red bonnet marking a good road (through a small village)
- Follow this road and take the left fork (there is a sign pointing right — ignore it)
- After ~5 km of dirt road you’ll join the cut line
- Follow this straight for ~20 km
- The first section of the cut line is rough, which is why the red bonnet route is preferred
Key Landmarks
- After joining the cutline after ~10 km cross the Kwapa Channel via a wooden bridge
- Continue another ~10 km, you’ll reach the edge of the farm
Final Stretch (keep slow for the wildlife)
- Go through the main gate
- Follow the track for ~3 km
- You’ll arrive at Xudumela camp on the Xudum Channel
Good to Know
- 4x4 vehicle essential
- Allow ±1.5 hours from Maun
- Fuel up before leaving town
- Avoid driving after dark (wildlife + navigation)
- If unsure, rather book a shuttle or helicopter transfer