The highly anticipated weekend kicked off on Friday, 11 September 2026, with the arrival and registration of enthusiastic campers. After setting up their campsites, participants gathered for a warm welcome and vital safety briefing before immersing themselves in a tranquil evening outdoor experience designed to foster connections with nature and fellow outdoor lovers.
Energy levels soared early on Saturday morning, 12 September 2026, as adventurers joined in for sunrise aerobics and a warm-up session.
This prepared them for the main physical challenges of the weekend, which featured scenic hiking trails spanning 3.6 kilometres, 5 kilometres, and 10 kilometres through the reserve’s pristine terrain.
During the official opening address, Tebogo Ramone, the Assistant Director for Local Economic Development (LED), Marketing, and Tourism, delivered an inspiring speech on behalf of the municipality.
She emphasised that Kwalata has grown into something far greater than a standard recreational gathering, describing it as a powerful platform that unites diverse communities, encourages healthier living, and fosters a deep appreciation for environmental protection.
Ramone further stressed that events like Kwalata act as vital lifelines for the local economy. She noted that incoming visitors inject valuable capital directly into Matlosana by supporting accommodation establishments, restaurants, transport operators, informal traders, and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). She stated that the municipality remains dedicated to showcasing its premier tourism assets while ensuring that the resulting economic opportunities directly benefit local communities.
“When visitors come to Matlosana, they support our local businesses and contribute to our local economy. Through programmes such as Kwalata, we want to showcase our tourism assets while ensuring that tourism creates opportunities for our communities,” said Ramone.
The social atmosphere peaked on Saturday afternoon with the traditional Potjiekos Competition. This culinary showdown added a rich cultural element to the weekend, giving campers a chance to display their teamwork and culinary creativity in a spirit of friendly rivalry, with top chefs walking away with exciting hampers and goodies.
The event drew to a responsible close on Sunday, 13 September 2026, which featured optional birding walks and trail runs for the early risers.
True to its conservation goals, the final programme included a “Leave No Trace” environmental clean-up operation, ensuring the reserve was left spotless before camp breakdown and final departures.
The immense success of Kwalata 2026 was made possible through strong public-private collaborations.
The City of Matlosana Local Municipality extended its deepest appreciation to corporate and government sponsors, including Red Bull, 4×4 World, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Volkswagen (VW), Silverkruin Guesthouse, Samambou, and Overland Cash and Carry.
Key stakeholders like Injula Tours and the Matlosana Hiking Club were also highly praised for their invaluable support, reinforcing the municipality’s long-term commitment to using eco-tourism as a tool to drive local business and environmental awareness.
