Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - South Africa Conservation Safari

Join Lily Maynard, Vice President of Conservation Impact, for a conservation-focused journey in South Africa, where extraordinary wildlife, remarkable biodiversity, and the country’s complex human history come together.

Begin in Cape Town, where the dramatic landscapes of the Cape Peninsula provide the setting for a closer look at the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered African penguins and other seabirds with SANCCOB. Then observe a wild penguin colony at Boulders Beach and explore the unique fynbos landscapes of Cape Point. Visits to Robben Island and Bo-Kaap add important historical and cultural context, while a day in the Cape Winelands introduces the agricultural traditions, gardens, and flavors of the Western Cape.

Next, fly to the Greater Kruger ecosystem for a safari in MalaMala Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most respected private reserves. Game drives with expert rangers offer exceptional wildlife viewing and insight into this remarkable ecosystem. Here, meet with CZBG partner Cheetah Outreach Trust for an in-depth look at its conservation efforts.

Conclude in Johannesburg with a special visit to VulPro, one of the country’s leading vulture conservation organizations, then explore the landscapes and birdlife of Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Finally, examine South Africa’s modern history at the Apartheid Museum and gain a local perspective on Soweto through art, memory, and community storytelling.

Throughout the program, examine wildlife conservation in tandem with the people, institutions, and historical forces that shape South Africa today, gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to protect biodiversity in a country where conservation, culture, science, and community are closely connected.

Extend your journey to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe