Nyege Nyege Festival 2026: Dates, Music, Tickets & Uganda Guide

The Nyege Nyege Festival 2026 takes place on 19–22 November 2026 at a brand new home: Adrift Overland Camp at Kalagala Falls on the River Nile, near Jinja, Uganda. This is the 11th edition of Africa’s most talked-about underground music festival — the “Wakaliwood Edition” — promising 300+ artists from over 40 countries across 7 stages over four days and three nights. Whether you are planning your first time or coming back for more, this guide covers everything you need: dates, tickets, the new venue, how to get there, where to stay, and how to add a Uganda safari before or after the festival.

Nyege Nyege Festival 2026: Dates, Venue and Key Facts

What Is the Nyege Nyege Festival?

Nyege Nyege Festival is an international music and arts festival founded in 2015 by Derek Debru and Arlen Dilsizian, the people behind the Hakuna Kulala record label. What began as a small gathering on the Nile has grown over 11 editions into one of the most respected underground music events on the continent — celebrated for the diversity of its programming, the quality of its curation, and the atmosphere of the Nile-side setting.

The name “Nyege Nyege” comes from Luganda and means an irresistible urge to dance, which is an accurate description of the experience. The festival programmes music that spans experimental electronic, gqom, amapiano, afrobeats, traditional East African, jazz and dancehall, consistently booking artists who are pushing boundaries in their own regional scenes alongside international names.

Seven stages run simultaneously across the site, with programming that continues through the night. The 3 AM sets are often as well-attended as the prime-time ones. Art installations, elaborate costumes and creative expression are woven through the whole event.

The New Venue: Adrift Overland Camp at Kalagala Falls

The 2026 edition moves to a brand new home. Nyege Nyege 2026 will be held at Adrift Overland Camp, Kalagala Falls on the River Nile — a dedicated outdoor camp located approximately 35 minutes from Jinja town and 2 hours from Kampala. The organisers describe this as “a new home for the 11th edition,” with an improved on-site campsite managed by Adrift.

Kalagala Falls sits on one of the most dramatic stretches of the Nile, with the white water of the falls creating a backdrop visible from parts of the festival site. The Adrift camp is well established as a base for Nile adventure sports — the same company runs some of the best white water rafting and kayaking operations in Uganda — so the infrastructure is more developed than most festival fields.

Nyege Nyege Festival 2026 Lineup: 300+ Artists Across 7 Stages

The full lineup for Nyege Nyege 2026 features 300+ artists from over 40 countries. The festival is known for mixing established names with emerging East African artists who are often performing to their largest international audiences at Nyege Nyege.

Confirmed for the 2026 edition:

• Luke Hekate (United Kingdom) — confirmed headliner; experimental / hip-hop / electronic
• Masaka Masaka (Uganda) — featured artist
• ODERA (United Kingdom) — featured artist

The Saturday night “Peak Night” is headlined by surprise acts, which is a Nyege Nyege tradition — the organisers announce headline sets on the night to preserve the element of surprise. The full lineup continues to be announced in waves in the weeks before the festival; check the official Nyege Nyege website for the latest additions.

Tickets: Where to Buy and What to Expect

Tickets for the Nyege Nyege Festival 2026 are sold through three official platforms depending on your location. The organisers strongly advise against buying from any other source, as unofficial tickets have been fraudulent in past years and are not honoured at the gate.

The festival pass covers all four days and nights. Camping is booked separately through Adrift Overland Camp. Day passes for individual days have not been announced for 2026. Ticket prices are set by each platform and increase as phases sell out — early bird tiers are the most affordable.

Buy early. Early bird tickets for Nyege Nyege sell out within days of going on sale. Sign up to the official Nyege Nyege mailing list and buy as soon as early bird opens.

How to Get There from Kampala, Nairobi and Beyond

From Kampala: The venue at Adrift Overland Camp is approximately 2 hours from Kampala by road. Hire a private transfer or take transport to Jinja and arrange a shuttle the remaining 35 minutes to the Kalagala Falls site. Festival shuttle services are typically arranged by Kampala operators during the festival weekend.

From Jinja town: The venue is approximately 35 minutes from Jinja town. Boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), private hire and festival shuttles all run this route.

From Entebbe Airport: Allow approximately 2.5 hours from Entebbe International Airport to the venue. A private transfer directly to the festival site is the most practical option.

From Nairobi: Fly Nairobi (NBO) to Entebbe (EBB) — approximately 1.5 hours flying time — then transfer to the festival site by road. Total journey from Nairobi: approximately 4 hours door to door.

Uganda visa: Most nationalities require a visa, available as an e-visa online before travel. See our Uganda visa requirements guide for current entry requirements.

Where to Stay: On-Site Camping and Jinja Hotels

On-site camping at Adrift Overland Camp is the most popular option and is booked separately from the festival ticket. Adrift is an established operator with better-than-average festival camping infrastructure — proper facilities, camp staff and a developed waterfront setting. Bring your own tent and sleeping gear.

For those who prefer a bed, Jinja town (35 minutes away) has a growing range of accommodation:

Book everything early. Jinja is a small city. All accommodation — camping and hotel — sells out well before November. The earlier you book, the more options you have.

What to Pack for Four Days on the Nile

Things to Do in Jinja and Around Kalagala

The Kalagala Falls venue sits in one of the most dramatic stretches of the Nile — and Jinja is Uganda’s adventure capital. Build a day or two around the festival for activities on the river:

• White water rafting on the Nile: Grade 4–5 rapids run by Adrift (the same operator as the festival venue). One of the best rafting experiences in East Africa. USD 90–150/person.
• Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding: Available on calmer sections of the Nile, for all skill levels.
• Bungee jumping: The Nile High Bungee platform sits over the river near Jinja. One of East Africa’s iconic adrenaline experiences. USD 115–130/person.
• Source of the Nile boat trip: A short boat ride to the point where Lake Victoria feeds the Nile. Calm and scenic.
• Quad biking: Guided trails around Jinja and along the Nile banks.

For a full guide, see our top things to do in Jinja.

Adding a Uganda Safari Before or After the Festival

Nyege Nyege Festival falls in late November — and Uganda in November is good for wildlife, with national parks accessible and generally uncrowded. A trip that combines the festival with a safari is one of the most complete ways to see the country:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi: 8–9 hours from the Jinja area. November is a good month for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Book your permit well in advance — they sell out months ahead.
• Murchison Falls National Park: 5–6 hours from Jinja. The boat cruise to the base of the falls and the game drives are excellent. See our Murchison Falls guide.
• Kibale Forest chimpanzee trekking: 6 hours from Jinja. See our Kibale chimpanzee trekking guide.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: 7 hours from Jinja. Excellent for tree-climbing lions and large herds. See our Queen Elizabeth NP guide.

Typical combined itinerary: fly in 3 days before the festival, 1–2 Jinja activity days, 4 days Nyege Nyege, 3–4 night safari extension, fly home. Total: 10–12 nights. We specialise in exactly this kind of itinerary — get in touch and we will build the right plan around your festival dates.

Nyege Nyege Festival 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Nyege Nyege Festival 2026?
Nyege Nyege Festival 2026 takes place from Thursday 19 November to Sunday 22 November 2026. Gates open at 4 PM on Thursday 19 November.

Where is Nyege Nyege 2026 held?
The 2026 edition (the 11th edition) moves to a new venue: Adrift Overland Camp at Kalagala Falls on the River Nile, approximately 35 minutes from Jinja town and 2 hours from Kampala.

How many stages does Nyege Nyege 2026 have?
Seven stages, running simultaneously across the site with continuous programming through the day and night.

How do I buy tickets for Nyege Nyege 2026?
Buy through official channels only: Resident Advisor for international buyers, MTN MoMo Ticketing or Tag Ticketing for Uganda and East Africa, and Tag Ticketing Kenya for Kenya. Do not buy from unofficial resellers — fraudulent tickets will not be honoured at the gate.

Is camping included in the festival ticket?
Camping is not automatically included — for 2026 it is booked separately through Adrift Overland Camp, which manages the on-site campsite at Kalagala Falls.

Is Uganda safe for the Nyege Nyege Festival?
Yes. Jinja and the festival site are safe, and Nyege Nyege has a strong code of conduct and inclusive community culture. Standard festival precautions apply — protect your valuables, stay hydrated and use mosquito repellent. Take malaria prophylaxis before and during your trip.

Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most nationalities require a Uganda e-visa, applied for online before travel. See our Uganda visa requirements guide for current requirements by nationality.

Can I combine Nyege Nyege with gorilla trekking?
Yes — and it makes for an exceptional Uganda trip. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is 8–9 hours from Jinja by road. Book your gorilla permit well in advance. See our gorilla trekking guide for everything you need to know.

What is the weather like at Nyege Nyege in November?
November falls at the tail end of Uganda’s short rains season. Expect warm days (24–28 degrees C), the possibility of afternoon or evening showers, and cooler nights by the river. Pack a light rain jacket and a warm layer for the late-night sets.