Land of the Jaguar Photographic Safari

Search for the largest and most elusive predator in the Americas

The Pantanal straddles the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia and is the world's largest wetland region. Its plains and low forests are home to over 700 species of bird and 300 different mammals, including tapirs, anteaters, Jabiru storks and the striking Hyacinth macaw. Concentrating on the incredibly rich northern Pantanal in the southwest of Brazil, the time is divided between two lodges, and we journey deep into the Pantanal in search of the jaguar, the largest and most elusive feline in the Americas. These solitary predators, as well as being formidable opponents on land, are strong swimmers and are known to frequent the waterways near Porto Jofre, and this safari will spend a full seven days in boats hoping for a rare glimpse of this most beautiful of New World hunters.

Visa

Brazil

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Brazil. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/brazil
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/brazil
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html

Vaccination

Brazil

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, rabies, tuberculosis and yellow fever. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic about the need for antimalarials.

Additionally, zika and dengue fevers, which are both spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available; therefore, we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Meals in the Pantanal are buffet‐style and plentiful, with a focus on local specialities. Breakfast usually consists of a variety of cold meats, hot dishes, bread and fruits, while for the other meals there will be a wide range of hot and cold dishes, soups and fruit.

Meat is a staple part of the Brazilian diet, but vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements, especially since the remote nature of the lodges means that special supplies can be difficult to obtain without prior arrangement.

Weather

The Pantanal has two clearly defined seasons. The dry season lasts from May to October, and the region experiences little rainfall at this time of year. This is generally considered to be the best time for viewing animals and birds. The wet season runs from November to May, and much of the annual rainfall occurs during these months. Temperatures are generally around 25ºC, but there can be large seasonal variations and temperatures can easily reach the high 30s in the dry season.

Weather Charts

Cuiaba

Is this trip for you?

This trip as an activity level grade of 1 and a safari rating of 5.

Although the accommodation used on this trip is of a good standard, you should note that we are in a remote area with limited access to luxuries. The trip involves several long drives on dirt roads - these roads are generally in good condition (although sometimes bumpy) during the dry season when this trip operates, but in heavy rain journeys may be significantly delayed.

We spend much of the trip in boats, and those with seasickness should be aware that these small vessels have a relatively shallow draft which means any movement would be more noticeable than in larger vessels, though the likelihood of feeling nausea is much lower on rivers than open water. The area’s rich wildlife also includes lots of insects such as mosquitoes so good repellent is a must. When on excursions there are specific spots where we will be able get off the boats but only accompanied by the guides. Mosquitoes are always plentiful in the Pantanal so you should come prepared with long sleeves and adequate repellent.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.