Touching down at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, the largest thatch building in Africa, immediately gives the feeling of starting a special safari adventure. What lies ahead is a truly unique experience and Oasis Water, as the proud sponsor of the Skukuza Half Marathon, is a big part of it all. But Oasis Water is not only directly supporting every runner of this iconic race: it’s also playing a key role in conservation efforts in the Kruger National Park.
A Rare And Exclusive Opportunity
It sounds like a Hollywood movie plot, but for one special day every year, those with treasured entries to the Skukuza Half Marathon get to run on a course that winds its way between Africa’s wildest animals roaming free in the heart of the Kruger National Park. Every other day of the year, stepping outside your vehicle is completely off-limits due to the abundance of wildlife. Running in this untamed landscape, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature is something countless runners aspire to.
Entries sell out in a flash. A charity entry ensures a ticket, with the fees going towards excellent causes, while regular entries go into a lucky draw – creating tremendous anticipation for receiving one of the 1 500 coveted race numbers. This high demand reflects the race’s exclusivity and places it up there as one of South Africa’s most sought-after running events. Successful entrants are rewarded with a unique opportunity to challenge themselves in an extraordinary setting while supporting important conservation work within the park.
Community Upliftment
Oasis Water recognises the same values and sense of community as Skukuza Half Marathon and revels in getting deeply involved. Staff members, Oasis Water guests and partners get enthusiastically entrenched as runners and supporters each year, knowing they are in for an exciting mix of adventure and purpose. Along the route, Oasis Water provides refreshingly cold water sachets for all the runners via festive, eco-conscious volunteer water tables to ensure no sachet is left behind.
Oasis also has an enthusiastic water table of their own, full of energy, urging runners forward on their final kilometres. At the finish line, the runner support continues for those who have not spent all their bravery dodging lions, buffalo, hippos and leopards – and have some to spare to receive one of those excruciating but deliciously satisfying post-run massages under the Oasis Water Gazebo.
Oasis Water’s Commitment
Founded in 2003, Oasis Water is South Africa’s original refill water company, with over 360 stores across Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. Known for its high-quality water and adherence to strict standards, Oasis Water has built a solid reputation for reliability.
The Goal
The brand offers more than just refill water: it also provides pre-packaged water, ice and health shots to meet various customer needs. Oasis Water’s goal is to deliver clean, safe drinking water in a way that is friendly to communities and the planet. This commitment extends to their notable presence in the Kruger National Park. With two refill stations at Satara and Skukuza Rest Camps, Oasis Water provides more than 64 000 litres of water each year. This effort helps prevent around 128 600 single-use plastic bottles from ending up as litter or in landfills. By putting sustainability at the centre of their business, Oasis Water supports the park’s conservation goals and shows a strong commitment to protecting the environment.
READ MORE: Embarking on the Wildest Half-Marathon Adventure on Earth
A Sustainable Partnership
Since 2015, Oasis Water has been a proud sponsor of the Skukuza Half Marathon, exhibiting almost a decade
of steady support. Since its inception in 1989, the Half Marathon has played a crucial role in raising funds for nature conservation projects, supporting key initiatives such as the Northern Plains Project and anti-poaching efforts. In 2024, approximately R500 000 was donated to the Kruger National Park. This commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Oasis Water’s purpose and highlights the important role the Half Marathon plays in preserving the park’s natural beauty. Ultimately, this creates a great feeling for each runner who lines up to head into the wild: they know their participation is helping create a greener, more sustainable future for the Kruger National Park and its remarkable ecosystem.
For more information on how to enter, visit krugerparkmc.co.za. For more details regarding Oasis Water’s dedication to sustainable and healthy living, visit oasiswater.co.za.
