Photographer-led
Highlights
- Two visits to Buraco das Araras for red-and-green macaw photography
- Giant anteater outings around Bonito
- Santa Teresa boat safari, subject to water levels
- Ocelot hide session at South Wild Pantanal Lodge
- Four full days of jaguar boat safaris from 3–6 September
- Final morning safari on 7 September before onward flights after 6 pm
Expedition rhythm
Day 01 · 28 AugustArrival in Campo Grande | Drive to Bonito
The expedition begins at Campo Grande Airport, the gateway to the Southern Pantanal. Following the arrival of all participants, we will drive towards Bonito.
Depending on our arrival time and the conditions along the way, we will keep an eye out for Giant Anteaters and other wildlife that inhabit this region. We reach Bonito by evening and check in to our hotel.
Stay: Pousada Olho d’Água, Bonito
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 02 · 29 AugustMorning at the Sinkhole | Afternoon with Anteaters
We begin the day with a visit to Buraco das Araras, a spectacular natural sinkhole surrounded by lush vegetation.
The sinkhole is home to several pairs of Red and Green Macaws, offering wonderful opportunities to observe and photograph these colourful birds as they fly across the open landscape and return to their nesting sites.
In the afternoon, we head out in search of Giant Anteaters and other wildlife inhabiting the surrounding grasslands and woodlands.
Stay: Pousada Olho d’Água, Bonito
Meals: All meals
Day 03 · 30 AugustAnteater Tracking | Evening at the Sinkhole
We dedicate the morning to searching for Giant Anteaters and other fascinating wildlife of the region. The open grasslands and surrounding habitats offer opportunities to observe species that are particularly characteristic of the Southern Pantanal.
In the evening, we return to Buraco das Araras for another opportunity to observe the Macaws and enjoy the changing light around this remarkable geological formation.
Stay: Pousada Olho d’Água, Bonito
Meals: All meals
Day 04 · 31 AugustTransfer to Campo Grande | Flight to Cuiabá
After breakfast, we drive back to Campo Grande Airport for our domestic flight to Cuiabá, the gateway to the Northern Pantanal.
The domestic flight is not included in the expedition cost.
On arrival in Cuiabá, we transfer to our airport hotel and prepare for the next leg of our journey into the North Pantanal.
Stay: Amazonas Aeroporto Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch only
Day 05 · 1 SeptemberJourney into the Pantanal | Boat Safari and Ocelot Hide
Today, we begin our journey along the famous Transpantaneira Highway, travelling deeper into the Pantanal. We will stop at a private ranch that has a number of photographic opportunities ranging from a tower overlooking a Jabiru Stork nest to a hide specialised for Ocelot photography.
The Transpantaneira is one of the most remarkable wildlife routes in South America, with opportunities to encounter Caimans, Capybaras, Marsh Deer and an extraordinary variety of birds along the way.
After reaching our lodge, we head out for an afternoon boat safari, exploring the waterways in search of birds, Tapirs and other wildlife.
As evening approaches, we visit a purpose built Ocelot hide. This offers a wonderful opportunity to observe and photograph one of the Pantanal's most elusive wild cats at close range. Boat rides are subject to water levels.
Stay: South Wild Pantanal Lodge, Santa Teresa
Meals: All meals
Day 06 · 2 SeptemberTransfer to Porto Jofre | Beginning of the Jaguar Expedition
After breakfast, we continue deeper into the Northern Pantanal towards Porto Jofre, travelling along the Transpantaneira Highway.
This region is particularly renowned for its Jaguar population and the exceptional opportunities it offers for observing these magnificent cats along the riverbanks.
On arrival, we check in to our lodge and prepare for the coming days of dedicated boat safaris.
Stay: Santa Rosa, Porto Jofre
Meals: All meals
Days 07–10 · 3–6 SeptemberFour Full Days of Jaguar Safaris
The next four days are dedicated entirely to exploring the waterways of Porto Jofre in search of Jaguars.
We venture out by boat across the river channels of the Meeting of the Waters state park, an area famous for its exceptional Jaguar sightings.
Our primary focus will be observing and photographing Jaguars in their natural habitat. We will explore different river channels, banks and stretches of the waterways, keeping an eye out for cats resting, swimming, hunting or interacting with one another.
Along the way, we may also encounter Giant Otters, Capybaras, Caimans, Kingfishers, Herons, Eagles and several other fascinating species.
A typical day begins early, with breakfast followed by a boat safari. Depending on wildlife activity and conditions, we may spend extended hours on the river, returning to the lodge for lunch and rest when appropriate.
The boats are equipped with shaded seating and facilities to make longer excursions comfortable. Packed lunches and refreshments will be arranged for full day outings.
Each day brings new opportunities to explore the river system and experience the extraordinary wildlife of the Pantanal.
Stay: Santa Rosa, Porto Jofre
Meals: All meals
Day 11 · 7 SeptemberFinal Morning Safari | Transfer to Cuiabá Airport
We begin our final morning with one last boat safari in search of Jaguars and other wildlife.
Following our return, we check out and begin the journey back to Cuiabá Airport, bringing our Pantanal expedition to an end.
Onward flights from Cuiabá should depart after 6 pm. Confirm the connection with Safari Crafters before booking.
Stay: No overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 10 nights and 11 days.
- Meals as specified in the final itinerary.
- Airport transfers and local ground transportation.
- Visit to Buraco das Araras sinkhole.
- Wildlife excursions around Bonito, including Giant Anteater tracking.
- Boat safari in the Santa Teresa region.
- Ocelot hide session at South Wild Pantanal Lodge.
- Boat safaris in Porto Jofre.
- Four full days dedicated to Jaguar safaris.
- Services of local guides and safari teams.
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights, including Campo Grande to Cuiabá.
- Brazil visa and related documentation.
- Yellow Fever vaccination and other personal medical expenses.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcoholic and additional beverages.
- Personal expenses and laundry.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Any activities not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
Field notes in photographs
From the field.
Wildlife encounters sit within a larger story of weather, terrain, patience and place.
Photography tour questions
Before you set out.
Practical answers to help you prepare for your photography tour.
Where should I arrive for the tour?
Arrive in Campo Grande on 28 August 2027 for the drive to Bonito. Wildlife outings on arrival day depend on the time available. Confirm the required arrival time with Safari Crafters before booking your flight.
Where does the tour finish?
The tour ends at Cuiabá Airport on 7 September 2027 after a final morning boat safari and road transfer. Book onward flights departing after 6 pm, and confirm the connection with Safari Crafters before purchase.
Should I book return flights from the same city?
The tour begins in Campo Grande and ends in Cuiabá. Plan your flights around those two gateways, including any connections needed for your international journey.
Are domestic flights included?
No. International and domestic flights are excluded. You will need a separate domestic ticket from Campo Grande to Cuiabá on 31 August, Day 4. Confirm the flight and timing with Safari Crafters before purchasing.
What is the maximum group size?
The expedition is limited to 6 guests. Bookings are open.
How much time do we spend looking for jaguars?
Day 6 is the transfer to Porto Jofre. Four full days, 3–6 September, are dedicated to jaguar boat safaris, followed by a final morning safari on 7 September. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
What other wildlife can we photograph?
Look for giant anteaters and other wildlife around Bonito, with two sinkhole visits for bird photography. The afternoon boat trip on 1 September focuses on birds, tapirs and other wildlife, followed by an evening ocelot hide session. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Are meals and local transfers included?
Airport transfers and local ground transportation are included. Day 1 includes lunch and dinner; Days 2–3 and 5–10 include all meals; Day 4 includes breakfast and lunch only; Day 11 includes breakfast. Flights and excluded beverages are additional.
Who leads the expedition and what equipment should I bring?
Gaurav Ramnarayanan is the tour leader and photography mentor. A tailored packing and camera note is shared before departure to help you prepare for the land and boat photography sessions.
What accommodation is planned?
The itinerary lists Pousada Olho d’Água in Bonito for three nights, Amazonas Aeroporto Hotel in Cuiabá for one night, South Wild Pantanal Lodge in Santa Teresa for one night, and Santa Rosa in Porto Jofre for five nights.
What is the expedition price?
The listed price is $6,950 per person on a double-sharing basis. Confirm the currency and any additional costs in your booking quotation.
Can the itinerary change?
The itinerary may be adjusted for weather, road conditions, wildlife activity and local operational requirements. Domestic flight schedules and transfers are subject to availability; the Santa Teresa boat ride depends on water levels.
What photography experience do I need?
Photography-led private or small-group safari. Share your experience and goals with the team so they can confirm whether this tour is suitable for you.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
Wildlife moves freely. Sightings depend on animal behaviour, weather and conditions in the field and cannot be guaranteed.
Before you book
Booking & payment details.
Journey proposals are personalised and subject to availability, local park rules, lodge policies and final confirmation by a specialist.
Payment schedule and cancellation conditions
30% of the total booking amount is payable at the time of confirmation. This advance is non-refundable.
The remaining 70% must be paid no later than 75 days before arrival.
More than 75 days before arrival: The 30% advance payment is non-refundable. Any additional amount paid towards the booking will be refunded.
61 to 75 days before arrival: 30% of the total booking amount will be retained as a cancellation charge. The remaining 70% will be refunded.
60 days or less before arrival: 100% of the total booking amount will be non-refundable.
Review these conditions and confirm any additional non-refundable costs in your booking quotation before making a payment.
What does the price cover?
Review the tour’s inclusions and exclusions and request a written quote for your travel dates, accommodation and group. Ask the team to confirm the currency, taxes and any optional or additional costs.
Expedition enquiry
Enquire about this trip.
Leave your details. Our team will help with availability and the next steps.
- Expedition
- The Pantanal Wetlands
- Departure
- 28 Aug – 7 Sept 2027
- Led by
- Gaurav Ramnarayanan