Selfie before the cacti struck
Oasis Park Fuerteventura: An Adventure Among Giraffes, Cacti, and Blisters
There are many reasons to travel to Fuerteventura: Sun, beach, sea – and then there's green. Yes, green! That rare splash of color that is so refreshing to the eyes but as rare on this desert island as shady spots in August. But in Oasis Park, a botanical paradise with an animal program, you'll be welcomed by green in all its variations – mostly accompanied by thorns.
Our adventure began like any good expedition: with optimism, two cameras, a backpack full of water bottles, sturdy shoes, and light clothing – a decision we would later regret. The botanical garden lured us in with its subtropical and tropical zones, giving the impression that we had landed somewhere between the Amazon jungle and a cactus nightmare.
Sandra, "the Art of Flowergirl," photographed every plant as if she had already qualified for the World Nature Photography Awards – a competition she will, I'm sure, win one day. Ten meters in an hour: a speed that would make even sloths nervously tap their claws.
Then the animals. Giraffes, majestic and curious, stretched their long necks over fences to take a closer look at us and our snacks. "Up close and personal" took on a whole new meaning, especially when one giraffe decided to hold my camera for a particularly interesting branch. A touch of giraffe saliva on a Canon definitely gives the pictures character, but operating the camera became... challenging.
The park is large – huge. "Mega," as the youth might say. After four hours, countless photos, plenty of water, and the first cactus scratches, the search for toilets began. These, as the law of nature parks dictates, were located at the farthest corner of the grounds. Who needs a fitness app when you're rushing through Oasis Park with a full bladder?
At noon, we took a well-deserved break – along with our newly adopted "family," the Happy Hippos. A picnic with hippos may seem unusual, but we had much in common: figure, hunger, and a remarkable calmness when eating. Less calm was I when Sandra suddenly called out, "Look!" and pointed to a family of cacti. Their harmless appearance was deceiving – their thorns were anything but subtle and promptly found their new home in my calf.
The afternoon brought us salvation in the form of the "Little Train of Comfort." A small, puffing train that transported us uphill and gave us the illusion of having energy again, if only for a few minutes. Botanical garden, animal shows, wild animals, garden center – the impressions poured over us while the cameras clicked relentlessly.
Eventually, the air ran out, and we decided to head towards the exit. But Sandra still had one mission: the "perfect flower-cactus shot." Hours later, the camera battery was empty, our feet were utterly flattened, and my patience had run out.
In the evening, with a cold beer and plenty of tapas on the terrace overlooking the bay of Giniginámar, we dreamed of cactus forests, colorful flowers, and a particularly bold hedgehog that seemed to say with its gaze: "You'll be back."
Will we do it again? Well, that depends on how quickly the memories of cactus thorns and blisters fade – and whether the shoes are broken in by then. But rest assured: If we ever find ourselves back in Oasis Park, we'll be well prepared. Or at least better than this time. Maybe.
Tips:
Tickets for the Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura – an experience that will surely bring a smile to your face, especially when you meet the majestic giraffes.
And if you're already there, don't miss the typical local market held on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A place where you can enjoy fresh papas arrugadas and handmade souvenirs. Highly recommended if you want to experience Fuerteventura from a different perspective!
