Entrepreneur turns lockdown blues into conservation gold

Posted on 23 January 2025
When the Covid-19 pandemic forced Christopher Tosi to shut his retail business in 2020, the Cape Town entrepreneur asked, “What now?”
After months of lockdown, he embarked on a transformative road trip from Cape Town to Crooks Corner in the Kruger National Park, initially planned for three weeks.

Picture: Christopher Tosi

That short getaway turned into an 86-day adventure, where he discovered a love for documenting Kruger’s wildlife. His blog, #86daysinKruger, quickly gained traction, amassing a combined 500 000 followers across social media. By 2022, his passion project became a full-time mission, with Tosi showcasing Kruger’s natural beauty while fundraising for the Smile Foundation.

Through raffles and partnerships with local lodges, Tosi has raised over R330 000, funding life-changing surgeries for children. His latest raffle offers stay at Skukuza Safari Lodge and Nkuhlu Tented Camp, with all proceeds going to the Smile Foundation.

‘I’m just showcasing the jewel of South Africa,’ Tosi said to News24.

‘This platform lets me live my dream while giving back.’

Now recovering from a back injury, Tosi plans to return to Kruger in March, aiming to raise R8.6 million for charity while sharing the park’s wonders with the world.

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