Big 7 coast to coast through South Africa

OVERVIEW

Group size: 8–14 guests
Duration: 22 days / 21 nights
Best season: April–October
Physical intensity: Moderate
Accommodation mix: Guesthouses, safari lodges, camps, national park chalets
Vehicle type: 12-seater overland expedition vehicle
 

DAY‑BY‑DAY HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1 – Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg. The tour officially starts at 09:00 in Parkhurst with a complimentary welcome breakfast and expedition briefing. Afternoon and evening at leisure with dinner at a local restaurant. (B / own dinner)

Overnight: Johannesburg

Days 2–3 – Kruger Region

Travel east toward the Kruger region. Time is spent exploring conservation, tourism and regional development around one of Africa’s most important wildlife economies. Game drives and relaxed evenings at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Overnight: Kruger area (2 nights)

Days 4–5 – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini

Cross into Eswatini and continue to Mlilwane National Park. Informal discussions around land use, conservation and small-scale enterprise. Breakfast at the guesthouse; dinners at guests’ own expense. (B / snacks provided)

Overnight: Mlilwane area (2 nights)

Day 6 – Hlane National Park

A short drive to Hlane, Eswatini’s largest protected area. Guided activities and shared meals around the campfire. (B, L, D)

Overnight: Hlane (1 night)

Day 7 – KwaMsholo Bushveld Safaris, Big Bend

Travel through Eswatini’s agricultural heartland to Big Bend. Afternoon at leisure and informal discussions. (B / own meals)

Overnight: KwaMsholo Bushveld Safaris (1 night)

Days 8–9 – Kosi Bay

Re-enter South Africa and head to the remote Kosi Bay system. Focus on community-based tourism, coastal ecosystems, local enterprise and maybe spotting one of the famous Leatherback or Loggerhead turtles laying eggs on the beach. Shared meals prepared by the expedition team. (B, L, D)

Overnight: Kosi Bay camp (2 nights)

Day 10 – Hluhluwe

Travel south into Zululand, overnighting near Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B / own dinner)

Overnight: Hluhluwe (1 night)

Days 11–12 – Drakensberg (Giants Castle Game Reserve)

Journey inland to the central Drakensberg. Time for walks, discussions and reflection in a high-mountain setting. Shared meals at camp. (B, L, D)

Overnight: Giants Castle area (2 nights)

Days 13–14 – Nieu-Bethesda / Mountain Zebra Area

Travel through the Karoo to the Eastern Cape interior. Explore small-town economies and conservation-linked tourism. Meals at local establishments. (B / own dinners)

Overnight: Nieu-Bethesda or Mountain Zebra area (2 nights)

Day 15 – Addo Elephant National Park

Continue to Addo. Afternoon wildlife viewing and relaxed evening. (B, L)

Overnight: Addo area camp or lodge (1 night)

Days 16–17 – Tsitsikamma

Follow the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma. Focus on eco-tourism, forestry history and coastal conservation. Shared meals prepared by the expedition team. (B, L, D)

Overnight: Tsitsikamma area (2 nights)

Day 18 – Overberg (Hermanus / Napier / Swellendam)

Travel west into the Overberg. Dinner at a local restaurant and evening at leisure. (B / own dinner)

Overnight: Hermanus, Napier or Swellendam (1 night)

Days 19–20 – Cape Town

Final drive to Cape Town. The expedition concludes with time for meetings, city exploration and a closing dinner. (B / own dinners)

Overnight: Cape Town (2 nights)