Surviving Oppikoppi: How not to become “that” girl

Going to Oppikoppi is, like I’ve stated before, something every person has to experience at least once.

But, due to extremely dusty conditions and a 1:1000 shower ratio, going to Oppikoppi can get tricky for a girl.

You can survive Oppikoppi and look great (for a prawns) with a few simple and easy hacks.

Here are some clever tricks that I’ve learned through experience that will get you through Oppikoppi, so that you can have the best time without worrying that you look like World War III has arrived.

• Looking your best at Oppikoppi

1. Dry Shampoo:

Washing your hair at Oppi can be hard – there’s always a queue at the showers and your hair will turn into mud the moment it comes into contact with water.

Dry shampoo is an amazing solution to washing your hair – your hair looks clean and smells like a fresh little flower.

I recommend Batiste Dry Shampoo, it’s the best brand I’ve used by far.

2. Hair Bands:

After the second day, dry shampoo might not be enough to hide that do of yours. You can easily draw attention away from your hair with a hair band.

3. Make Up:

Many girls think wearing make up at Oppikoppi is unnecessary, but it is nice to have something to slap onto your face if things get a bit rough.

I usually take minimal make up to Koppi – a nice foundation, some powder, mascara and eye liner.

The make up I’m taking with me this year is Charlie’s Foundation – it has an SPF in which comes in handy, Essence anti-bacterial powder – it prevents pimples which is good since your face will have a layer of dust on it, Revlon Lash Potion and Maybelline’s Colossal Kajal eye liner.

4. WIPES:

Written in CAPS because these are crucial to surviving. You might have heard rumours that wet wipes replace showers at Oppikoppi. I can confirm that these rumours are true. I recommend taking two tipes of wipes: Dettol anti-bacterial wipes, and wipes that are soothing enough to use on your face.

Trust me, do not go to Oppikoppi without wet wipes. Under any circumstances.

5. Bandana / Scarf:

Dust. Oppikoppi = Dust. After Oppikoppi your snot will be brown for two weeks. This might sound harsh but it’s true. Thousands of people smoshing through dust means that the air you breath is basically dust.

Pack in a bandana or a scarf to cover your mouth and your nose when the dust gets too much.

6. Warm clothes and summer clothes:

Because Oppi is in August and in Limpopo, the days start warming up and it can actually get quite hot during the daytime. But do not let this fool you. It gets really, REALLY cold at night. Like you wake up and you can’t feel your feet cold.

So take warm clothes for the night and lighter clothes for the day.

Remember to pack in loads of socks to keep your feet warm at night.

Also, grab a beanie, it keeps your head warm and it hides your hair at the same time.

7. SUNGLASSES:

Almost as important as wipes. Sunglasses serve various purposes at Oppikoppi. Firstly, it hides the dark circles under your eyes after going to sleep at 4 am the previous morning. This will happen, whether you like it or not.

Secondly, you can look at weirdly-fantastically-oddly-whacky-dressed people without them noticing. This will also come in handy.

Thirdly, it keeps the glaring sun out of your face, especially if you had a little too much Mexican wine the previous evening.

• Life hacks to make your Oppikoppi experience the best – don’t just survive, thrive!

1. Water:

Be sure to take a lot of bottled water with you, and remind yourself to drink enough of it. It’s easy to dehydrate if you’re walking around in the sun the whole day. It will also just make you feel better in general.

2. Eating:

Try eating something healthy once a day. There are loads of food stalls at Oppikoppi and usually there’s something nutritious in the mix. Personally I prefer buying food at Oppikoppi – it takes up less space in your car and it’s way less PT.

3. PACE YOURSELF:

Try not drinking yourself to a point where you start making out with trees and then proceed to fall asleep next to one. A lot of people miss out on their favourite acts because they were a tad too thirsty.

4. Enjoy the experience:

Take pictures and make memories. I recommend watching the sunset from the top of the Koppi. It’s a serene and mythical experience.

Life might get hard for you at Oppikoppi, but the atmosphere and the people will make it all worthwhile.

If you want to get nostalgic or excited about Oppi, read My first time – When I broke my Oppikoppi virginity.

Categories: Blog Post, Uncategorized, Writing

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