In the heart of Africa’s wilderness, where the flat-topped acacia trees dot the horizon and wildlife shapes the rhythm of daily life, Oasis Water has carved a reputation beyond just providing hydration. As the official sponsor of the Skukuza Half Marathon held in South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, the brand not only energizes runners but is also actively involved in supporting critical conservation and environmental initiatives.
A Legacy of Sustainability
Founded in 2003, Oasis Water has established itself as a household name for clean, safe drinking water across Southern Africa—with more than 360 outlets, including branches in Namibia, Botswana, and Eswatini. The company’s reputation for consistent quality and safety standards mirrors its dedication to the communities it serves and the land on which it operates.
Oasis Water’s commitment to sustainability is clear: it doesn’t stop at refill stations. The brand also offers packaged water, ice, and specialized health drinks—always mindful of eco-friendly solutions. Their guiding principle is straightforward: deliver pure water in a manner that protects the environment and serves communities, including marginalized and rural populations.
This sustainability pledge is especially relevant in the Kruger National Park, a vital conservation area. At Satara and Skukuza Rest Camps, Oasis Water’s refill stations provide over 65,000 litres of drinking water annually. These stations support efforts to eliminate single-use plastics, preserving the park’s delicate ecosystem. The strategy has gained support among local environmental groups and park officials, who say it aligns closely with the park’s larger conservation goals.
A Decade of Supporting Conservation
For nearly ten years, Oasis Water has backed the Skukuza Half Marathon, a race that started in 1989 as a local event to fund conservation work. Over its history, the race has helped fund vital initiatives, such as the Northern Plains Initiative, and has been instrumental in anti-poaching operations aimed at protecting endangered wildlife.
During the most recent event in 2025, organisers reported meaningful contributions that directly benefited the Kruger National Park’s ongoing conservation work. For context, similar community-backed sporting events across Africa often serve as key funding sources for local wildlife reserves, and this marathon has grown into one of the most successful models of its kind.
36 Years of the Skukuza Half Marathon
From modest beginnings, the Skukuza Half Marathon has transformed into an internationally recognised event, drawing athletes from Nigeria, Ghana, and across the rest of the world. The event’s festive spirit is reflected in the participation of local schools, community groups, and entrepreneurs offering everything from food stalls to crafts, creating an atmosphere that Nigerians and Ghanaians familiar with our own bustling marathon scenes will recognise.
Oasis Water adds a unique twist to the day by hosting the Best Water Table Competition. Their dedicated teams set up vital hydration points—including a key station just 5km from the finish line. Runners vote on their favourite water stations, motivating volunteers to be creative and energetic while serving weary athletes at their most critical moments.
An Unforgettable Adventure
What sets the Skukuza Half Marathon apart is its setting: participants have the rare chance to race through the heart of the Kruger National Park, an area normally off-limits for foot traffic due to wildlife. This one-day privilege attracts thousands of runners, and tickets often sell out months in advance—a pattern seen with exclusive sporting events across the continent, from Lagos to Accra.
Runners soak in the environment—literally running alongside the sounds of nature rather than city crowds or vuvuzelas. Many participants and conservation experts comment that every step serves a purpose: supporting vital conservation initiatives while experiencing one of Africa’s natural treasures firsthand. For many West African runners making the trip or following online, the race serves as an inspirational example of blending adventure with environmental stewardship.
Running Towards a Greener Future
As the Skukuza Half Marathon continues to grow in popularity, Oasis Water’s ongoing support is a model for how private enterprise can champion both community wellness and environmental conservation. The company’s eco-driven practices, commitment to local empowerment, and practical action within protected areas have attracted praise from environmental advocates and local leaders alike.
Participants—the majority from South Africa, but increasingly from West African nations—know that running this course is about more than competition. Their entry fees and involvement directly support efforts to maintain and protect Africa’s wildlife heritage for generations to come.
If you are interested in participating or supporting, visit krugerparkmc.co.za for the latest details on entries. To explore Oasis Water’s wide-ranging sustainability initiatives and presence in Southern Africa, head to oasiswater.co.za.
Events like the Skukuza Half Marathon not only strengthen international ties between African nations but also exemplify how sport can be harnessed to address urgent conservation challenges. As Lagos-based sports analyst Tolu Fashola expressed, “We need more events like this that use sport to build awareness and create real impact for communities and the environment.”
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