The vast Pantanal wetland covers part of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia and is over half the size of France. More than 50% of the area is within Brazil. During the dry season (July through September) the water drains from the wetlands leaving dry grassland, small wooded islands and fish filled pools where animals and birds congregate to drink and feed. This makes for incredible wildlife viewing (think Amazon rainforest without the trees!) and during the dry season many of the 700 species of birds, 100 mammal species and 80 reptile species can be seen.
There are many ranches within the Pantanal offering accommodation, but Tribes tends to use 3 in the southern Pantanal and one in the northern Pantanal we think offer particularly good wildlife experiences in a sustainable manner. Caiman Ecological Refuge and Refugio da Ilha are within a few hours drive of Campo Grande whilst Fazenda Barranco Alto is a smaller, more remote ranch reached by a drive and light aircraft flight. Pantanal Wildlife Centre at Fazenda Santa Teresa can be reached via the town of Cuiaba and the Transpantaneira. Most of the activities available are common to all 4 ranches and include horseriding, hikes, canoe rides, photographic safaris and animal night spotting.
CAIMAN ECOLOGICAL REFUGE: 4 days/3 nights £495 pp based on twin share (departs Thursdays).
REFUGIO DA ILHA: 4 days/3 nights £590 pp based on twin share.
FAZENDA BARRANCO ALTO:4 days/3 nights £865 pp based on twin share.
PANTANAL WILDLIFE CENTRE:4 days/3 nights £390 pp based on twin share.