Travel With the Zoo in 2027

Day 1: USA → San Jose/Heredia

Fly to San Jose. Upon arrival, transfer to Heredia, where colonial charm meets modern life amid lush mountains. Continue to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight: Bougainvillea Hotel (No Meals)

Days 2/3: Tortuguero National Park

Journey through lush landscapes to La Pavona, then cruise by speedboat along Tortuguero’s canals. Spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs, and caimans, explore rainforest habitats, and visit Tortuguero village for a guided cultural walk and local insights. Next day, cruise Tortuguero’s canals by electric boat, spotting crocodiles, iguanas, and vibrant birds like toucans and macaws. Glide through lush rainforest waterways, discovering diverse habitats and remarkable wildlife in this immersive jungle experience. Overnight: Mawamba Lodge (B,L,D Daily)

Days 4/5: Arenal Volcano National Park

Travel to Arenal Volcano, a striking conical peak surrounded by rainforest and diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, coatis, jaguars, and capuchin monkeys. Explore Arenal Volcano National Park with a naturalist guide, discovering its geology, ecosystems, and wildlife along scenic trails. Later, unwind at Ecotermales in La Fortuna, soaking in mineral-rich hot springs surrounded by lush vegetation, before enjoying a relaxing dinner in this tranquil setting. Overnight: Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails (B,L; B,D)

Days 6/7: Monteverde

Depart Arenal, cruise Lake Arenal, then continue to Monteverde’s cloud forests, rich in wildlife like quetzals and bellbirds. After dark, enjoy a guided night walk, spotting nocturnal creatures including frogs, insects, reptiles, and mammals. Experience the Treetopia Sky Walk in Monteverde, crossing suspension bridges above the cloud forest canopy. Spot orchids, bromeliads, and towering trees while learning about the ecosystem from a guide as mist drifts through the treetops. Overnight: Sibū Boutique Hotel (B; B)

Day 8: Sarchi Town Visit/San Jose

Return to San José with a stop in Sarchí, the cradle of Costa Rican handicrafts. Explore colorful streets, artisan workshops, and UNESCO-recognized oxcarts, including the world’s largest. Continue to your hotel for leisure time and a farewell dinner. Overnight: Bougainvillea Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 9: San Jose → Return Home

Transfer this morning to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Say goodbye to beautiful Costa Rica after an unforgettable journey. (B)

Included in your journey

• All ground transfers by air-conditioned motorcoach or minibus, depending on number of participants.
• Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• Alejandro Barrantes, a naturalist guide, will accompany the group. If less than 10 people, he will also be the driver.
• An escort from Louisville Zoo will accompany the group with a minimum of 10 travelers on the main program and 6 travelers on the extension
• All meals as specified above.
• All tours as indicated above.
• All park entry fees.
• All applicable hotel and lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• Complimentary reusable water bottle.
• Complimentary evacuation insurance.

Post-Extentsion

Centric Pacific

Extend your journey into Costa Rica’s wild Pacific lowlands, where crocodile-filled rivers, vibrant birdlife, and lush rainforest await. Explore the biodiverse Carara Biological Reserve, home to Scarlet Macaws and monkeys, before continuing to Manuel Antonio National Park, where jungle trails meet pristine beaches. This immersive extension blends rich wildlife, coastal beauty, and relaxed exploration in one unforgettable experience.

Alejandro Otoya Barrantes
is a certified General and Naturalist Tour Guide with 13+ years of experience in Costa Rica. Trained at INA in volcanology and ornithology, he is CPR-certified and leads diverse groups. Raised in Sarapiquí, he began in eco-tourism at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Passionate about nature, adventure, and conservation, he shares Costa Rica with enthusiasm.

Days 1/2: USA → Cape Town

Fly to Cape Town. Overnight: The Commodore Hotel (Meals Aloft)

Day 3: Cape Town – Table Mountain/Bo-Kaap/Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Ascend Table Mountain by cable car for panoramic views, birdlife, and wildflowers. Continue through Cape Town’s historic center, passing Parliament, the Slave Lodge, and Bo-Kaap with lunch. In the afternoon, visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens showcasing South Africa’s rich indigenous flora. Overnight: The Commodore Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4: Cape Town – Cape peninsula

Embark on a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula to Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, passing coastal towns, cliffs, and dramatic landscapes. At Cape Point, spot wildlife including Cape fox and zebra. Enjoy lunch at Harbour House, then visit Boulders Beach to see African penguins before returning to Cape Town. Overnight: The Commodore Hotel (B,L)

Day 5/6: Hermanus

Drive to Hermanus via Harold Porter Gardens in the Cape Fynbos region, traveling the Whale Coast and Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Route with a stop at Betty’s Bay penguin colony. Arrive in Hermanus, known for land-based whale watching. Next day, enjoy a whale-watching cruise spotting southern right whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, sharks, and seabirds, with optional shark cage diving in Gansbaai. Afternoon is at leisure, followed by dinner at Burgundy restaurant. Overnight: Windsor Hotel (B,L; B,D)

Days 7/8: Winelands

Head to Stanford for a Klein River birding cruise aboard the African Queen, spotting diverse wildlife and mountain views. Continue to Stellenbosch winelands for Lanzerac Wine Estate wine tasting and lunch. The next day, visit Rickety Bridge, explore Stellenbosch, and end at Blaauwklippen Estate for relaxed wine tasting. Overnight: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa (B,L; B,L)

Days 9/10/11: Kruger National Park

Return to Cape Town and fly to Kruger National Park, home to extraordinary wildlife diversity. Explore vast ecosystems with expert guides, learning about its rivers, forests, and species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and rich plant life. Overnight: Imbali Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 12/13: Kruger/Johannesburg → Return Home

Capture a final sunrise before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg and connecting onward to the USA. (B; Meals Aloft)

Included in Your Journey

• Flights between Cape Town/Skukuza/ Johannesburg on the main program.
• Flight between Johannesburg /Victoria Falls/Johannesburg on the post extension.
• Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• All meals while on safari. Other meals as specified in the itinerary.
• All wildlife viewing by 4X4 open vehicles, driven by professional rangers
• An escort from Louisville Zoo will accompany the group with a minimum of 10 travelers on the main program and on the extension.
• A specialist guide will accompany the group with a minimum of 10 travelers.
• Complimentary bottled water in vehicles.
• All applicable hotel and lodge taxes.
• All park entry fees.
• Complimentary reusable water bottle.
• Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.

Post-Extension:

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Fly to Victoria Falls – known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke that Thunders” – which reveals its immense power during a guided walking tour. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a visit to a local village and conclude with a festive farewell dinner at the Boma. This extension blends culture, wildlife, and one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes for a not to be missed experience.

Graham Johansson
is a professional guide and wildlife photographer leading safaris across Africa since 1994. Born in Zambia and based in Cape Town, he combines deep naturalist knowledge with photography expertise and engaging wildlife interpretation for guests.