Wildlife of Oase
Oase is situated in the heart of the South Africa Lowveld. A region characterized by its diverse landscapes, ranging from open savannas to dense woodlands, an array of fascinating wildlife thrives.
In the 1950's Oase was used as a cattle farm, however the land around the area wasn't well suited to cattle. The sandy and rocky soils made it difficult to grow food for livestock and with the constant threat from predators, farmers soon abandoned their farms and sold off the land. From the 1970's through to 2020, the property was mostly left vacant with the then owners only occasionally using it for camping and hunting.
Over this period the land naturally recovered from its previous life as a cattle farm and became a pristine example of the Lowveld, which is today inhabited with many of the original flora and fauna that used to be found in the area.
Impala and Warthog
The impala, a common sight in the Lowveld, is a medium-sized antelope known for its graceful movements and distinctive lyre-shaped horns in males. These herbivores navigate the grassy plains with agility, often forming large herds as a defense against predators.
Warthogs, with their distinctive tusks and burrowing behaviors, are a common sight, contributing to the intricate web of life at Oase.
Cats, Hyenas and Jackal
The elusive leopard, a master of stealth and camouflage, prowls the Lowveld's woodlands. With its striking spotted coat, the leopard is a skilled and solitary hunter, adapting seamlessly to the region's varied terrains.
The regal lion, a symbol of strength and majesty, resides in the Lowveld as an apex predator, leading prides through the grassy plains. The caracal, a medium-sized wild cat with tufted ears, exhibits impressive agility, particularly when hunting birds.
Hyenas, known for their scavenging habits and distinctive vocalizations, are both hunters and opportunistic feeders, adapting to the dynamic conditions of the Lowveld. The side-striped jackal, with its nocturnal habits and striking markings, contributes to the lowveld's auditory and visual landscape.
A healthy population of Leopard and Hyena can be found on Oase and they are both seen very regularly. Lions and Caracal are seen on Oase, but not often. Lions do wander through the property on occasion, but normally only stay a week or so and pass on.
Giraffe
The iconic giraffe, the tallest land animal, gracefully roams the open landscapes of the Lowveld, utilizing its long neck to reach high branches. Its spotted coat provides effective camouflage, and these herbivores are often seen in small groups, peacefully browsing on acacia trees.
Oase has a considerable population of giraffe, many of which don't mind being viewed on foot (at a reasonable distance).
Wildebeest and Zebra
The wildebeest, with its distinctive appearance and annual migration, is a key player in the Lowveld ecosystem. These herbivores traverse the plains in large herds, showcasing the remarkable spectacle of their migratory patterns.
Zebras, with their black and white striped coats, add to the visual tapestry of the Lowveld's grassy expanses. Each zebra's unique stripe pattern serves as both a form of camouflage and individual identification within their social groups.
Eland, Kudu, Nyala, Waterbuck and Duiker
The eland, a majestic and large antelope with spiral horns, is well-suited to the diverse habitats of the Lowveld, from grasslands to woodlands. Similarly, the kudu, with its spiraled horns and vertical white stripes, is a striking presence in the region's wooded areas. Waterbucks, easily identified by their shaggy fur and the characteristic white ring on their rumps, are commonly found near water sources, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the Lowveld. Waterbuck and Kudu thrive on Oase and can be seen very regularly.
The elusive duiker, also known as the common duiker, is a small antelope with a reddish-brown coat, navigating the Lowveld's landscapes under the cover of darkness. In contrast, the steenbok, a small antelope standing on 45-60 cm to the shoulders, thrives in the region. Although the Duiker is a shy animal, we seem them very regularly as well along with Steinbock.
The nyala, a striking antelope with spiral horns and a distinctive shaggy coat, adds to the lowveld's biodiversity. Often found near water sources, they bring a sense of elegance to the landscape. Nyala's are often seen around the lodge and don't mind being viewed on foot.
Nocturnals
Nocturnal creatures like the porcupine and aardvark contribute to the ecological balance of the Lowveld. Porcupines, covered in sharp quills, forage for food in the darkness, while aardvarks, with their long snouts and large ears, emerge at night to feed on ants and termites.
The African wild cat, resembling domestic cats but larger, and the genet, a small carnivore with a spotted coat, are skilled hunters adapted to the region's varied habitats.
Galagos, or bushbabies, with their large eyes and long tails, are well-adapted to the Lowveld's nocturnal environment, leaping through trees in search of insects and fruits.
Oase has a very healthy population of all of these animal's and are regularly seen.
Other nocturnals
The honey badger, known for its toughness and fearlessness, is a stocky mammal that navigates the Lowveld's varied landscapes with resilience. Servals, medium-sized wild cats with slender bodies and large ears, are skilled hunters, particularly in the grassy habitats of the region.
Genets navigate the trees, contributing to the diverse canopy life, while civets, with their distinctive markings, forage on the ground.
Crocs and Hippos
Crocodiles, with their powerful jaws and streamlined bodies, lurk in the waterways, embodying the apex predator role in the Lowveld's aquatic ecosystems. Hippos, large semi-aquatic herbivores, often inhabit the rivers and lakes of the Lowveld, contributing to the aquatic biodiversity.
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Mongoose
Banded mongooses, social creatures living in troops, move dynamically through the landscape, contributing to the intricate web of interactions in the Lowveld.
Slender mongooses, agile and active during the day, are skilled hunters of small vertebrates and insects.
With a troop of mongooses living close to the lodge they can often be seen during the day foraging near guest rooms.
Wildlife of
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park, one of Africa's most renowned wildlife reserves, teems with an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers in northeastern South Africa, Kruger is a sanctuary for a plethora of species, both iconic and lesser-known.
At the heart of Kruger's allure are its "Big Five" - the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. These majestic creatures, once prime targets for hunters, now roam freely within the park's boundaries, symbolizing its commitment to conservation. The park's vast savannahs provide ideal habitats for these animals, offering ample grazing grounds and dense brush for cover.
Beyond the Big Five, Kruger boasts an impressive array of wildlife. Cheetahs sprint across open plains, their slender forms a blur of speed. Giraffes gracefully browse from the treetops, while herds of zebras and wildebeests migrate in search of fresh grazing lands. Impalas, kudus, and waterbucks dot the landscape, their presence adding to the park's rich tapestry of life.
Kruger's rivers and waterholes are bustling hubs of activity, attracting a multitude of species. Crocodiles lurk in the murky depths, waiting for unsuspecting prey to draw near, while hippos laze in the shallows, their massive forms belying their surprisingly agile nature. Birdlife is equally abundant, with over 500 species recorded in the park, including stately eagles, colorful kingfishers, and flamboyant bee-eaters.
But Kruger's allure extends beyond its larger inhabitants. From diminutive dung beetles to elusive chameleons, the park is home to a myriad of smaller creatures, each playing a vital role in the ecosystem's intricate web of life.
Visitors to Kruger National Park are afforded the rare opportunity to witness these wonders firsthand, whether on a guided safari drive, a leisurely bush walk, or simply by sitting quietly at a waterhole, observing the comings and goings of its inhabitants.
Oase offers regular Kruger full-day private tours, providing guests with expert guides who unveil the park's secrets and ensure an unforgettable safari experience. In Kruger, the wild reigns supreme, offering a glimpse into a world where nature thrives in all its untamed glory.
