In a world that is currently very divided, we should celebrate that we have Oppikoppi Festival! What better way to bring people together than putting them in the middle of nowhere with great music, food and copious amounts of alcohol?
However, for those who are not accustomed to the dust, extreme contrasting temperatures and harsh camping environment that comes with it, Oppikoppi can be rather daunting.
Lucky for first time Oppi-goers and the veteran dust prawns who just haven’t managed to get it right in previous years, we here at The Metalist za have decided to break down all the essential items needed to make your festival experience as enjoyable as possible.
Before we even get into surviving Mordor, there are some important things to remember: DO NOT FORGET THESE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!
1 OPPIKOPPI FESTIVAL TICKET
No ticket means no entry. Simple as that. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE GATE
2 ID/DRIVER’S LICENSE
You might not be asked for it at all, but should you be asked and fail to provide it, you might run into some problems. We would just like to remind everyone that Oppikoppi is not a place for underage drinking, but rather an adult playground. (Nobody wants to see fifteen/sixteen-year-olds who can’t hold their alcohol)
3 LINEUP TIMES FOR EACH DAY
There will be a board in the stage area with the lineup on, but to save the walk, and just because it is convenient, we suggest having your own copy.
You are going to be walking a lot, and may never make it back to your camp. In which case, there are some things you will need to have on you at all times. These are the most essential items needed to have a good time:
1 BACKPACK
Obviously you are going to need somewhere to put all these items, we suggest a backpack because it is comfortable and easy to carry.
2 WET WIPES
They are a great shower substitute for cleaning all the dirt and dust off your face, hands, and well pretty much everywhere!
3 DUST MASK/BUFF
The only way to prevent yourself from going home with the Oppikoppi Brown Lung is to protect your mouth and nose from the dust when walking around.
4 DEODORANT
Its going to be hot, and you are going to sweat. Stay fresh with some antiperspirant and keep yourself smelling good.
5 CHEWING GUM
It’s not always convenient to carry around a toothbrush, so keep some mint chewing gum on you in case of bad-breath emergencies. No one wants to kiss a smelly mouth.
6 SUNGLASSES
Everyone knows the bright sunlight hurts a hangover, save yourself the discomfort.
7 LIPICE
Stay moisturized! The contrasting temperatures, dust and wind can be hell on your lips.
8 SUNBLOCK
Sunstroke is a real thing, don’t let sunburn ruin your party, stay protected!
9 CONDOMS
Or love domes as we like to call them. Just remember if you are planning on using them, No Hook ups after day 1 unless you know both parties have showered! It’s just gross!
10 WATER BOTTLE
Whether it is filled with water or booze, it is essential. No Glass allowed in the stage area. Water bottles on sale for R50, with unlimited refills.
11 CIGARETTES+LIGHTER
essential for smokers (cigarettes are very rare and valuable items by day 3)
12 MONEY/OPPIKOPPI CARD
If you plan on buying anything (food, booze from bars etc.) then you need both of these. Please note: Oppikoppi cards can be purchased at the festival and loaded either by cash or card.
13 CAMERA (OPTIONAL)
Everyone wants to capture their favourite moments, but this is only optional as we, The Metalist za, along with many others, will be capturing it all for you (but as much as we try, we can’t be everywhere)
Your campsite is your home for the 3 to 5 days you are at the festival so you want to make it as comfortable as possible. These are the essential camping items we recommend:
1 TENT
You might never sleep in it (because you may never find it again, or end up sleeping in someone else’s tent, but it is essential to have one none the less).
2 PILLOWS
After all the head-banging to AUGUST BURNS RED, your neck is going to need some support, keep it comfy with some pillows!
3 SLEEPING BAG/BLANKETS
No matter your level of intoxication, the freezing Oppikoppi temperatures will find you! Stay warm in your tent with a sleeping bag or some blankets.
4 MATTRESS
As much fun as ‘sleep where you drop’ sounds, the thorny Northam veld is not the most comfortable of resting places. Bring a mattress along to avoid a sore body, and remember a pump if you bring an air mattress.
5 CAMPING CHAIR
the only alternative is sitting on the floor, not only will it be hard, dirty and thorny but there are a bunch of things you don’t want crawling into your pants.
6 GAZEBO
Shade is rare!!! Fight the scorching sun with a simple gazebo, trust me you will need it!
7 CAMP LIGHT
Battery powered LED lights work best, as they aren’t a fire hazard and don’t require charging. (REMEMBER BATTERIES!)
8 FIREWOOD/LIGHTERS
Firewood will be sold at Oppikoppi, but remember to bring some fire-lighters or else it will be difficult to start your fire. (Remember you are in the dry bushveld, and all fires should be kept small and controlled).
It may be difficult to stay clean in the Oppikoppi environment, but these items will stop you from being that gross dust prawn no one wants to be near:
1 TOOTHBRUSH + TOOTHPASTE
Chewing gum only takes you so far, keep your teeth fresh as you would if you were at home.
2 TOILET PAPER
There are around 20 000 people at Oppikoppi, chances are they’re going to run out of toilet paper, don’t be caught unprepared! The consequences are too siff for words.
3 SOAP/SHOWER GEL (OPTIONAL)
Those who choose to make use of the cold showers, you will need your own soap. We recommend shower gel over soap, it’s just easier.
4 SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER (OPTIONAL)
Again, this is for people using the showers. Trust me, there is no better feeling than washing the dust out of your hair.
5 MAKEUP (OPTIONAL)
I know there are some ladies (and perhaps some guys too) who won’t be seen without their makeup. To those people, I say goodluck.
6 TAMPONS (GIRLS ONLY)
I shouldn’t have to explain this…
Oppikoppi is a place where you basically poison your body for three days, how can you expect to stay healthy? Here are some must have medical items to ensure a safe party environment:
1 HEADACHE TABLETS
The medical teams don’t have time for your hangover-induced headache, they will not give you anything unless it is an emergency! Bring your own!
2 PAINKILLERS
Should you really hurt yourself, don’t let pain ruin the party. Nip it in the bud with some painkillers (BUT BEWARE OF MIXING WITH ALCOHOL).
3 LIVER TABLETS/ANTIHISTAMINE
If you are drinking hard, avoid permanent damage to your liver by bringing along some Essentiale or Cruciale liver tablets. If you have any allergies or just feel like getting some sleep, antihistamine will do the job.
4 EFFERVESCENT VITAMINS
Keep your immune system strong by drinking an effervescent multi-vitamin every morning.
5 PLASTERS
You are bound to graze up against a thorn tree or maybe even bail down the koppi? Sort out cuts with handy plasters.
6 ANTISEPTIC CREAM
On that note, make sure all cuts are kept clean with antiseptic. You don’t want to party with an infection.
Oppikoppi folks believe clothing is optional, but unless you want to freeze your sexy parts off, or leave with blisters and possible diseases, we recommend bringing along these things:
1 SUMMER CLOTHES
Shorts, t-shirts, and dresses for the ladies. It’s going to be scorching during the days
2 WINTER CLOTHES
As soon as the sun goes down, so does the temperature. Prepare yourself for freezing cold nights.
3 GUMBOOTS (OPTIONAL)
A good pair of wellies goes a long way, but this is for the more extreme campers.
4 COMFORTABLE SHOES
You are going to walk a lot, make sure your shoes are comfortable.
5 FLIP FLOPS (OPTIONAL)
This again for the showers, who knows what germs are on that floor.
6 HAT
Protect your face from sunburn! Nobody wants to look like an actual prawn.
6 SWIMMING COSTUME (OPTIONAL)
Should you choose to shower, you should bring a costume along, unless of course you like being naked in front of people, in which case you should do the naked run!
We encourage minimal use of electronics at Oppikoppi, however they are always necessary in case of emergencies:
1 CELLPHONE
Not very useful as no one will be answering their phones, but you can use them to follow our live Instagram feed!
2 CELLPHONE CAR CHARGER WITH CABLE
Just one option of keeping your phone in working order.
3 BACK UP PORTABLE BATTERY PACK
A more convenient option…
Familiarize yourself with this map, it won’t necessarily save you from getting lost, but it will at least let you know how lost you are.
CHECK OUT ‘DUST IN YOUR EYES’ – THE SONG MADE FOR BROADWAY WROTE FOR OPPIKOPPI
Oppikoppi Festival Details:
OppiKoppi: For the lovely young taken to THE UNSEA brought to you by Windhoek, Red Bull, Jose Cuervo, Chevrolet, MTV, Limpopo Tourism, Department of Arts & Culture and Hilltop Live
Dates: 5, 6, 7 August
Venue: OppiKoppi Farm, Northam, Limpopo
Tickets on sale from 23 March
– Kreesmas Tickets: R650 (30 Nov – 24 Dec) – SOLD OUT
– Early Bird Tickets: R800 (valid until 1 April) – SOLD OUT
– General Admission: R850 (2 April – 31 July)
– Late Tickets: R950 (1 August – 7 August)
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE FESTIVAL
Tickets on sale here: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/d3cf9e1b-66f8-4973-89f9-c528d47d34d7
YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT WHAT OPPIKOPPI HEADLINERS, AUGUST BURNS RED, HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE UPCOMING SHOW
[INT. INTERVIEW]
‘AUGUST BURNS RED’ 2016
(CLICK TO VIEW)
Created by: Sammy SF (more from Sammy)
Shots fired by: Sammy SF Photography
Date: 26 July 2016
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