Roads through the bush
In August 2019, my wife and I embarked on a regular journey to Africa, blissfully unaware that this trip would mark the inception of something extraordinary. Our discussions about investing in Southern Africa led us to explore potential properties in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Having inspected promising sites in Botswana earlier that year, we found ourselves drawn to the idea of discovering our perfect haven. Little did we know that Hoedspruit, a town we had visited before, would capture our hearts.
Driving through Hoedspruit during that August trip sparked a desire to return and explore the surrounding areas for potential properties. After a fantastic journey through North Eastern Botswana and back to South Africa, the allure of Hoedspruit lingered. Four weeks later, we found ourselves back in Hoedspruit, extending our stay to dedicate more time to property exploration. From operational lodges to undeveloped land, our search was exhaustive. As fatigue set in, an unexpected mention of a seemingly unattractive property piqued our interest.
Approaching the overgrown property, skepticism lingered, but curiosity prevailed. Battling through dense vegetation, we reached the main gate, revealing a landscape obscured by wilderness. Undeterred, guided by a capable 4x4, we ventured through challenging terrain, unsure if the elusive road even existed. After 45 minutes, we stumbled upon a clearing leading to the remnants of a camp and the breathtaking view of the Blyde River. In that moment, Oase was conceived – a vision that promised hard work but held the potential for unparalleled beauty.
In January 2020, we returned to Oase to embark on our adventure. Our initial task was to carve a road to reach the old campsite, utilizing a TLB (Tractor, Loader Backhoe) purchased in anticipation of the challenges ahead. Armed with satellite images, we discovered an old road along the north boundary and, with meticulous effort, transformed it into our main access route. However, just as our journey gained momentum, the world faced the upheaval of COVID-19.
With construction on hold, I seized the opportunity to create game-viewing roads using the TLB. Delving into satellite images and exploring the property on foot, I meticulously built a network of 70 km of two-track game-viewing roads. The name "2 tracks" aptly captures their eco-friendly design, winding around natural features without disturbing the landscape. This period of pause allowed us to craft a space where nature and wildlife could coexist harmoniously.
The birth of Oase is a testament to the unexpected turns life can take. From a seemingly unremarkable property emerged a wilderness haven, a testament to perseverance and a deep connection with nature. As we continue to build and shape Oase, our journey unfolds, driven by the promise of an untouched, wild paradise that beckons both us and the wildlife that calls it home.