Paradise in the Pantanal

Paradise in the Pantanal

In October 2018, I’m pleased to be able to offer an unique, combined water and land-based photo-focused safari to capture some of Brazil’s most iconic wildlife (mammals, reptiles and birds) in the Pantanal. We’ll make use of two of the best animal-focused lodges located on the famous Transpantaneira Highway – the road that bisects the most productive part of the Pantanal region for wildlife – as well as a floating lodge high up in the river system from where each day we’ll launch ourselves onto a network of waterways in search of giant otters, caiman, capybara, tapir, bird life of all shapes and sizes…and the ultimate prize…the Jaguar. When on the water, we will commandeer a specialized photo boat, equipped with purpose-built camera mounts, and with the seats in a linear format to ensure everyone has space to work and all-round visibility. The larger size of our vessel compared to the other tourist boats also gives us a height advantage, plenty of power to get up and down the rivers when the radio crackles through a siting, and also the opportunity for you to hand-hold your cameras and change your angle by moving up and down the boat (to a degree!). It’s a fantastic way for us to search the rivers and gives us fantastic advantages when we get into viewing situations. Of course, you don’t have to be a photographer to love this trip: if you are simply a wildlife enthusiast you will also get the great benefit from being surrounded with like-minded individuals who are not simply on a bird-ticking exercise or with limited attention spans! The trip is designed by me to give you maximum time in the field to photograph the wildlife in a variety of situations, as well as provide some high quality viewing and observation.

When on land, we will make use of an open Safari Truck (with canopy fitted) that gives us a high vantage point from which to view the expansive wetlands as we spend 4 nights making our way to and from the river. These days will be no-less special than the others, as we will be out on terra firma, observing a wide range of wildlife from Anteaters and Coatis to Ocelots and Tapirs and all things in between. Whilst there can be no guarantees of what we will come across, we will work tirelessly to put ourselves in the best places at the best times. This will undoubtedly give us some spectacular photo opportunities, and I’ll be on hand throughout the trip to make sure we are making the most of them…as well as having a great time into the bargain! After all, I want this to be fun for you just as much as I want you to capture an image that you will be forever proud to show your friends, family or wider circle!

Photographically, this trip will be unsurpassed, and one that will provide the opportunities of a lifetime. For full information on this exciting adventure, download the factsheet from the website or drop me an email. With just six spaces, this trip will fill extremely quickly.

In summary, the headlines are:

Price:              UK£5,195; US$6,850 (price per person, based on double occupancy)*

Start/End:     6-16 October 2018 (11 days, 10 nights)               

Start point:   Cuiaba airport, Brazil

End point:     Cuiaba airport, Brazil

*single accommodation is possible; please enquire at time of reservation for details on any applicable supplement.

Note: guests are responsible for all travel to/from the start end points, but all travel is included from airports to hotels and accommodation and back to the end point. If you would like to extend your trip, this can also be assisted with – please enquire at the time of reservation.

Booking: to secure your place on this trip, a 50% deposit is required by 31 August 2017, with the remainder payable 90 days before the trip is scheduled to take place. However, please confirm your intention to take part as soon as possible as I have very limited openings on this trip and a long waiting list.

Included:

  • Airport meet and greet in Cuiaba, and transfer to pick-up point for our specialized Safari truck
  • 2 nights accommodation at Southwilds Pantanal Lodge (all meals included)
  • Road safari down the Transpantaneira Highway to Porto Jofre where we pick up our boat
  • 6 nights accommodation on the “Jaguar Flotel” (all meals included)
  • 6 days of boat-based safaris in our specialized “Photo Boat”
  • Road safari to Pousa Alegre in the Safari truck
  • 2 nights accommodation at Pousa Alegre (all meals included)
  • English-speaking naturalist throughout
  • Full photographic assistance and tuition throughout
  • Use of camera mounts on the Photo Boat
  • Transfer to Cuiaba airport for onward flights, or downtown if preferred

Not included:

  • Visa fees if applicable
  • International and internal flights to Brazil and Cuiaba (we can advise on which flight to book)
  • Gratuities
  • Laundry and items of a personal nature
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (however water and soft drink will be provided on road transfers/the photo boat)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Excursions, meals or travel not detailed above

Of course, you can always be crammed into a minibus or car, staring through dark windows as the Pantanal’s riches race past; stay in Porto Jofre and waste 2-3 hours a day “commuting” to the wildlife-rich reaches of the upper river system; not have the option to “stay all day” in the field and stake out a sighting; be wedged into a low-slung boat with countless others who have no patience compared to you and miss out on the chance to capture some of the region’s most iconic wildlife in an unhurried, and photo-focused set-up. It’s your choice!

I hope you can join me on this exciting South American odyssey and visit one of the most exciting regions that Brazil has to offer.

For more information, click on the links at the bottom of the page.

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE (ONLY 6 AVAILABLE), SIMPLY SEND AN EMAIL IN THE FIRST INSTANCE DIRECTLY TO ME on ANDY@FAUNAVISTA.COM

YOUR INTEREST WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED, AND A BOOKING FORM DESPATCHED WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. SPACES ARE THEN AWARDED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS ON RECEIPT OF FORMS WITH DEPOSITS.

BRAZIL FAQ 18

BRAZIL ITINERARY 18