10 tips for surviving Nampo 2018

By Ané Theron

If this is the first time you're heading to the Bothaville region for the biggest agriculture show on the continent, you are in for a treat! Here are a few things to remember, to make your Nampo 2018 as fun and stress-free as possible.

1.Take the correct route

There are certain routes to Nampo Park that you'll need to avoid, which are particularly pothole-ridden or under construction! Last year we sustained damage to at least two company cars driving over potholes at quite the normal speed. Click here to read our route guide.

2. Get there early!

There are over 70 000 visitors that attend Nampo every year. If you think you've seen queues at an Afrikaans Is Groot concert, nothing has prepared you for Nampo! If you get stuck in the middle of it (or even worse, somewhere near the back), you can spend up to an hour just sitting in your car. The queues to get into Nampo park on foot are not for the faint-hearted either. Nampo's gates open at 7 am sharp.

3. Remember where you parked

If you're not flying in for the show, you will have to make a mental note of where you parked - there are fields full of cars. Google Maps now offers a feature that will lead you back to your vehicle. Just be sure to turn it on en route.

4. Leave by 3 pm

The getting-there queues are just as bad as the going-home queues, but the latter are worse because you will be tired and the kids will be grumpy. If you leave by 3 pm at the latest, traffic may still be flowing. If not... patience is a virtue! Make sure you have water in the car for the trip home.

5. Wear the correct gear

Farmers wear khaki cottons shirts and shorts for a reason - it's comfortable! And those pull-on caterpillar ankle boots with chunky socks? They keep a man's feet comfy. And don't forget your hat and sunblock! Ladies, this is not the place for those high heels - or even wedges!

6. Do dress in layers

Free state morning temperatures are chilly in May, but by noon you'll be sweating into your boots. Carry a backpack (for the layers you peel off) with extra space for all your purchases. The various stalls with all their cool branded merchandise will have you spending all your money in one day.

7. Bring enough cash

There are ATM facilities at Nampo and some stalls will have credit card facilities - but then again, many won't. Try explaining to the busy tannie behind the counter that you only have plastic to pay for that boerewors roll? Nah, we wouldn't attempt it either...

8. But not too much cash...

It's easy to get completely bamboozled by what's on offer. There are halls and halls full of stuff to buy. If you're prone to impulse buying, maybe set yourself a limit beforehand and don't bring all of that cash in the attic...trust us!

9. Be sure to wear your pedometer or fitness watch

You'll be raking in the steps. Last year we walked an average of 10 km per day. Good thing too, because it's hard to visit Nampo and not take advantage of all the lovely sosaties, curry and rice, the aforementioned boerewors-rolls and other assorted yumminess on offer. (Hence the need for comfy shoes and pants).

10. And finally...have fun!

Bring a positive attitude, enjoy the vibe, and make new friends. And most of all, look out for the AutoTrader Commercial team doing their thing and sharing it all on our AutoTrader Commercial's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Also in Afrikaans, nogal!