Revelers from far and wide have already converged in their masses to Northam in Limpopo and as the tents begin to rise so do the levels of excitement.
Last night’s fires have turned to ash and preparations for the first day of action is well underway.
Offering one of the more mediocre line-ups in comparison to recent years, the stages kick into gear this evening with skanking delights of Fuzigish and psychedelic offerings of Isochronous being the highlight for most.
But as always everyone soon realises the music isn’t always the main attraction.
Waking up after your first night you soon realise why Oppikoppi is expecting up to 16 000 people this year. The diversity of the crowd has certainly increased with the rush for self-expression coming to the fore.
The competition for the loudest, proudest and most original attire offers every fan their own chance to let loose in their own way: orange jumpsuits, floral galoshes and heart shaped sunglasses are the order of the day.
Things are a little different in comparison to past trips to the thorns and dust of Northam though. Where you used to get by with a couple of blue buffalos and red lions, this year you need to join a snaking queue to load your festival card with funds.
Powered by Standard Bank, Mimoney hopes to reduce the risk of losing all your cash and finding yourself begging under a bush for a couple of coins to score your next beer.
But, the die-hards with several festivals under their belts will be waiting to see if it actually enhances your festival experience.
Also, whereas wet wipes used to get you a long way, you can even get a hot shower this year, provided you join the AA — that’s the Automobile Association and not Alcoholics Anonymous if you thought otherwise.
A membership not only ensures you’ll get your car dragged out of a ditch on the way to and from the festival, but you can soap yourself down in relative luxury — a true treat when the grime gets to much.
So for now it truly is the cure before the storm for you only really arrive at Koppi when you wake up with a parched palate wondering why you look and feel like you made love to a thornbush.