Brazils’ Pantanal region is home to an immense variety of wildlife, from jaguars to jabiru storks, making the Pantanal one of the worlds unmissable wildlife destinations.
We create tailor made safari itineraries to suit your travel dates and pocket, or alternatively you could join our popular small group ten day cruise/safari which departs on selected dates in July (details below).
A small cruise boat style safari provides an ideal platform from which to maximise wildlife sightings. The beauty of this form of safari is that as you traverse the major rivers there are no daily schedule constraints. Mother Nature dictates the schedule. If wildlife sightings are particularly good in one area you can stay longer, or alternatively if things are a little quieter, then you can move on in advance of the expected schedule to find better locations.
Each day you will enjoy morning and game viewing outings from tender boats which will take you closer in to river banks and navigate the smaller channels for an intimate and often exclusive experience, enjoying game viewing in a region that is famous for sightings of Jaguar and many other resident species.
Of-course game viewing doesn't stop when you return to the cruise boat where the breathtaking scenery, birds and large mammals provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy as you go along.
This EXCLUSIVE CRUISE will take you through an impressive variety of environments inside the Grand Pantanal. You will cruise along the Paraguay and Cuiabá rivers, in a comfortable Motor Vessel with only 07 cabins, exploring four different Nature Reserves: the Pantanal National Park, Acurizal Private Reserve, the Meeting of the Waters State Park and the Transpantaneira Park Road in search of its fascinating and rich wildlife as the elusive jaguar, the playful giant river otters, the numerous caimans sunning along the sand bars, the enchanted ‘Victoria Regia’ giant water lilies as well as the thousands of diverse birds that compose the wildest South American Sanctuary.
DAY 1 : CAMPO GRANDE
On arrival at Campo Grande Airport (CGR), you will be met by a member of our team and transferred to your hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, allowing time to rest and relax after your international flight. Should you require additional pre-nights in Campo Grande due to flight arrival times/dates, then this can be arranged.
Campo Grande is the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul and is the gateway into the Southern Pantanal. Although Campo Grande probably isn't high on your wish list, for those who have the time, it’s worth spending a day or two to give further insights into the history, nature and culture of the Pantanal.
Meals : none
DAY 2 : CAMPO GRANDE TO CORUMBÁ
After breakfast and checking out, your journey starts at 12:00 noon from where there is a drive towards the town of Corumbá, 423km (5 to 6 hours on paved road). Lunch enroute. We’ll board the vessel by the end of the day, for dinner and rest. Overnight navigation towards Serra do Amolar
Meals : B/L/D
DAY 3 : CRYSTAL WATER RIVER & LOCAL COMMUNITY
After breakfast you will take a motorboat to view wildlife along the river. For those who wish it is possible to swim and snorkel down the stream in this area in crystal clear water.
You’ll return to the vessel for lunch onboard. Mid-afternoon departure for a visit to the riverside women artisans of Barra do São Lourenço. Return to the vessel for dinner. The vessel will continue to navigate the river arriving around midnight at Acurizal Private Reserve.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4 : SOUTH TRAIL & ACURIZAL LOOKOUT
Early breakfast and disembark to visit the Acurizal Private Reserve at Serra do Amolar located on the border with Bolivia. Morning activity will be the South Trail (6km one-way, flat terrain, easy level), passing through open fields and into the woods. There is the possibility of spotting the Titi Monkey and the Robust Capuchin Monkey (including other mammals), besides bird species and butterflies. At the end of the trail, reach the Acurizal Valley. The return journey is your choice you can opt to cycle or our transport. Lunch and free time to rest. Late afternoon, depart with seat on top kayaks to watch the sunset over Acurizal Bay. Dinner and overnight at the vessel.
Meals : B/L/D
DAY 5 : PANTANAL NATIONAL PARK & CUIABÁ RIVER
Early navigation start to be at Pantanal National Park just after breakfast. This park is only accessible by boat and still very remote and away from the crowds. After this quick visit you will take a motorboat up the Cuiabá River exploring some Corixos (small tributary rivers) searching for wildlife. Return late morning to the vessel. Lunch navigating and rest. In the mid-afternoon you take another a small boat trip up the Cuiabá River game viewing and exploring some more Corixos (small tributary rivers). After sunset we will return to the main vessel in time for dinner. Navigating along the night if necessary.
Meals : B/L/D
DAY 6 : APPROACHING PORTO JOFRE, KNOWN AS JAGUAR LAND
Morning river safari exploring the ‘Negrão’ and ‘Negrinho’ Rivers, while the Vessel keeps cruising upriver towards the Porto Jofre. Lunch on board. After lunch leave the main boat to do our first exploration at ‘Meeting of Waters’ State Park and its labyrinth formed by the waters of the Piquiri, Three Brothers and Cuiabá Rivers. After the sunset return to the vessel for dinner. Overnight at Porto Jofre Area.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7 : MEETING OF THE WATERS’ STATE PARK
After an early breakfast you’ll take a morning river safari exploring the ‘Meeting of Waters’ State Park. Returning to the main boat for lunch on board. Mid-afternoon another river safari exploring the ‘Meeting of Waters’ State Park Meet the Vessel for dinner and rest.
Meals : B/L/D
DAY 8 : PORTO JOFRE - CUIABÁ
Today marks the end of your cruise. The Group will disembark after breakfast (8am) at Porto Jofre and continue the journey by road in an air-conditioned vehicle for approx. 147 km on the amazing Transpantaneira Road to the town of Pocone to transfer to Aymara Lodge (in a standard room) taking a break enroute for lunch.
Activities on offer : Trekking with a local guide (in English), perhaps a canoe trip, or a safari from a vehicle or motorboat, a bike safari.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9 : AYMARA LODGE
There is a full day at Aymara Lodge. After breakfast there will be a range of activities available. Trekking with a local guide (in English), a canoe trip, a safari from a vehicle or motorboat, a bike safari or just enjoying your surroundings.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 10 : AYMARA LODGE TO CUIABÁ
This morning you will depart after breakfast to travel to Cuiaba Airport (approx 3 hours / 129 km). Timings to be advised. Should additional accommodation be required in Cuiaba due to flight departure times/date, this can be arranged.
Meals: B
As the boat accommodation is sold ‘per cabin’ the rate is being offered on
sharing occupancy.
INCLUDED :
Transfers as shown
Accommodation based on two people sharing.
Meals (as shown)
Local Guides
EXCLUDED:
International flights
Domestic flights
Visa or visa fees
Personal travel/medical insurance
Drinks
Personal expenses/services
Gratuities
Wildlife conservationists Will and Carol Fox founded On Track Safaris to give back to nature, offering a range of ethical safari experiences that provide amazing wildlife sightings and quality accommodation, all backed up by On Track Safaris belief in customer service.
