Travel and Arrival
Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe is the closest airport, approximately a three to four-hour drive from the festival site. Plan your travel to allow for safe driving and adhere to road laws.
We recommend hiring a car, booking a reputable private taxi transfer, or reserving a space on a shuttle bus service. More details will be provided soon. For safety, try to travel during daylight hours and allow ample time for the journey.
The 2024 festival opens at 4pm on Friday, with no site access before then. Live music starts at 5pm. Consider arriving earlier and staying at nearby lodges along the central lake-shore or in Nkhotakota National Park. Contact African Parks Malawi for more information.
The festival programming concludes early Monday morning. Guests can camp at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge beyond Monday but must arrange and pay directly with the lodge.
Daytime travel is generally safe. Avoid long-distance travel at night due to road conditions and driving habits. The main roads to Nkhotakota have recently been upgraded. Check them out in our video below!
Tickets and Admission
The festival is limited to 2,000 attendees. Ticket sales have begun in Malawi and online. Purchase your tickets early to secure your spot.
Those in Malawi: https://bit.ly/3WfJqPW
Those Within Africa (Except Malawi): https://bit.ly/3S25sDc
International Booking: https://bit.ly/3LipfdT
Up to two children under 16 can attend for free with a full-paying adult. Children over 16 require a full-price ticket.
Yes, with an untampered festival wristband valid for your ticket duration. For example, a 3-day ticket is required for access from September 6th, while a 2-day ticket is valid from September 7th.
Accommodation and Parking
Yes, you can book camping space and glamping options [here](link to camp and glamp options and contacts).
Yes, but space is limited. Book and pay early as it’s first come, first served. Contact lakeofstars2024@gmail.com, Attention Lumbani Wellani, and specify Campervan or Rooftop Tent with Van. Campervans will not be allowed to exit the festival until Sunday at 6pm, unless arranged with the Festival Campsite Teams.
Parking is available at designated spots 500m from the festival gates, managed by the local community for a nominal fee. Park at your own risk.
Food and Drink, Community and Support
There will be bars with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, diverse and affordable festival food, including vegetarian/vegan options. Water stations will be available. No outside food or drinks (except water for medical reasons) are allowed. Bag searches may be conducted, and unopened containers confiscated.
The festival engages in various community initiatives, including repurposing wood into school desks, organizing outreach programs, clean-up operations, and hosting a free ideas festival for local students. Contact us to donate, contribute, or participate.
Currency and Payments, Healthy and Safety
The Malawi Kwacha (MWK) is used. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns. Credit cards are not widely accepted; Visa is more common than Mastercard. Lodges and hotels may accept US Dollars. The festival site accepts cash (MWK) and POS at main bars, food stalls, and the box office.
Yes, vaccinations are recommended. Consult your GP or travel clinic well in advance. Anti-malarial tablets are also advised, as Malawi is a malarial area.
Sani Beach, Nkhotakota is bilharzia-free. If traveling elsewhere, there may be a small risk of bilharzia from swimming in Lake Malawi. Medication is available over the counter. Malawi has high HIV rates; take appropriate precautions.
During August and September, expect temperatures between 22°C and 35°C, with the lake at around 28°C. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.