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About Breakaway Oasis


Discover the Western Cape Through Local Eyes

At Breakaway Oasis, we believe that travel is more than visiting places—it's about creating meaningful experiences, connecting with people, and discovering the stories that make a destination truly unforgettable.

Based in Cape Town, we specialize in guided cultural, nature, adventure, and sightseeing tours throughout the Western Cape. Whether you're exploring the breathtaking Garden Route, discovering the rich heritage of the Cape Peninsula, enjoying world-class wine estates, or uncovering vibrant street art, our goal is to provide authentic experiences that leave lasting memories.


Our Story

Breakaway Oasis was founded by Hazel Matipa, a passionate tourism professional with over 26 years of public service and leadership experience. Her vision was to create a tour company that combines professionalism, safety, cultural understanding, and genuine hospitality.

Hazel's love for South Africa's people, history, and natural beauty inspired her to build a tourism experience that goes beyond traditional sightseeing. Every tour is carefully designed to help guests connect with the destinations they visit while enjoying personalized service and local insight.




What Makes Us Different


Personalized Travel Experiences

Every Break Away Oasis tour features a dedicated, professional driver focused entirely on navigating safely, alongside a certified tourist guide dedicated 100% to sharing rich history, answering questions, and looking after you


Uncovering the "Hidden Gems"

Deep Heritage Storytelling & Authentic Culture. We don't just stop at the famous landmarks; we take you behind the scenes. From the vibrant, world-class mural art and living history of Salt River to the vast, untouched beauty of the Karoo, our tours emphasize cultural immersion. We connect you directly with local artisans, creators, and community storytellers for an authentic glimpse into local life.


Safety Comes First

Unlike many tour operators, Breakaway Oasis utilizes a dedicated Driver and Tour Guide model on selected tours. This allows our guides to focus entirely on guests while our professional drivers focus entirely on the road, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.


Authentic Local Knowledge

Our team doesn't simply guide tours—we share stories, history, culture, and local knowledge that help visitors experience South Africa from a unique perspective.


Itineraries That Breathe

100% Personalized to Your Pace. This is your journey, not a rigid schedule. Because our tours are personalized, the day adapts to your unique interests, energy levels, and curiosity. Whether you want to spend an extra hour exploring local street art or linger over a coffee, we curate the day around you.


Our Mission

To provide safe, professional, and memorable travel experiences that showcase the beauty, culture, history, and diversity of South Africa while building genuine connections between visitors and the communities they encounter.

Founder & Tourist Guide

Before transitioning into the tourism sector, Hazel built a distinguished 26-year career within a Labour Legislative Government department. This extensive tenure provided her with deep expertise in regulatory compliance, large-scale operational oversight, and stakeholder management.


Leveraging her profound understanding of organizational dynamics and human behavior, Hazel holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Her academic and corporate foundations allow her to apply high-level strategic optimization frameworks to her enterprise—including Kaizen continuous improvement principles, rigorous SWOT analyses, and value stream mapping to streamline operations and elevate client experiences.

Tourist Guide

Charmaine is a passionate and experienced Cape Town tourist guide with over 20 years of expertise in the tourism industry. Since 2006, she has been creating memorable travel experiences for visitors from around the world, sharing her deep knowledge of the region's history, culture, and natural beauty. Over the past decade, she has specialized in managing and guiding large-scale international and local milestone groups, ensuring seamless and enjoyable journeys for every guest. Her extensive practical experience is complemented by specialized international cultural training completed through UIMP in 2008 and 2009, enabling her to connect with travelers from diverse backgrounds and deliver authentic, enriching experiences throughout South Africa.

Tourist Guide

Sharon Paulsen is a passionate and dedicated tourist guide who loves introducing visitors to the beauty, culture, and hidden treasures of Cape Town and the Western Cape. With her friendly personality and extensive local knowledge, Sharon creates engaging and memorable experiences that allow guests to connect with each destination in a meaningful way. Her enthusiasm for people, history, and travel ensures that every tour is both enjoyable and informative.

Professional Driver

Francisco Bailey is an experienced and reliable driver who is passionate about providing safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journeys for every guest. With extensive knowledge of Cape Town and the surrounding regions, Francisco ensures that visitors travel with confidence while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. His friendly nature and commitment to exceptional service make every tour a memorable experience.