South Africa Adventure

Team up with the Saint Louis Zoo for a unique adventure in South Africa. This trip features superb wildlife viewing in some of southern Africa's premier game parks and wilderness areas. It also brings together the hospitality of superb lodges and camps with the friendliest of peoples: the Swazi, Zulu and Xhoza.

Your safari will include visits to five outstanding South African wildlife parks and reserves -- chosen to encompass the diverse mammal and bird life that inhabits the country's renown landscape. Expect to see more than 30 species of mammals including the "Big Five" -- leopard, lion, rhino, cape buffalo and elephant. You'll also encounter cheetah, African wild dogs, hippos, many antelope and other hoofstock, and a myriad of birds. Experience the culture and history of the people with expert guides who know the rugged landscape and all its inhabitants.

The optional nine-day extension will take you along the fabled Garden route to scenic Cape Town. Here you'll visit unusual parks that were set up to preserve endangered wildlife and can view these animals in unique ways. Join a ranger-led trek to track elephants, see threatened primates at a free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary, and have a close encounter with cheetahs at a breeding facility. You'll also see fur seals and sea birds -- maybe even penguins -- along one of the world's most beautiful coastlines.

This is a very easy trip. There will be occasional walking at some camps, but overall no physically-taxing activity. Most wildlife viewing will take place from the comfort of a van.

Escorted by Zoo Director Dr. Bill Boever.