This vast savannah lowlands
and wetlands extending between Cuiaba, Campo Grande and the Bolivian
border is one of the world’s great wildlife preserves. Parts
spill over into Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina to form an area
totalling approximately 100,000 km². Partly flooded in the
rainy season, the Pantanal is a mecca for wildlife tourism or fishing.
Seasonal variations make a great difference to the practicalities
of getting there and what you will experience. The animals and birds
are similar to those found in the Amazon basin but they are much
easier to spot in the Pantanal due to the lack of dense jungle.
The dry season between July and October is the ideal time to visit
as animals and birds congregate at the few remaining areas of water.
The Pantanal is above all a paradise for bird-watchers, ornithologists
and fishing enthusiasts. According to the season, you can see Jabiru
and American storks, Rosy spoonbills, toucans, parakeets and macaws.
These are just a few of the more than 700 resident and migratory
bird species found in the Pantanal. There are also many kinds of
animals and you may encounter Caimans, Tapirs, monkeys of various
kinds, deer, Capybaras, Giant river otters, anteaters, pumas and
jaguars. The lodges have excellent guides to take you out on excursions
by boat or horse back, on night safaris and canoe trips. We recommend
a minimum stay of 3 nights at either lodge.
Accommodation Pantanal
Pousada Do Rio Mutum Situated in the northern Pantanal between
the lakes of Sia Mariana and Chacorore within one of the most beautiful
regions of Mato Grosso. The pousada has been constructed according
to international standards taking into account the demands of modern
eco-tourism. There are 16 air-conditioned ensuite rooms with hot
running water and private verandas. Accommodation is provided on
a full-board basis with an excellent choice of regional dishes.
All excursions are included and these are on horse-back or by boat
to observe the exuberant wildlife of the Pantanal. You will also
have opportunity to take day and nocturnal safaris by jeep and an
early morning canoe trip on the Mutum river to view the sunrise
and listen to the dawn chorus. Close to this particular lodge there
is an excellent chance to see the giant river otters. Round-trip
transfers from Cuiaba airport in air-conditioned vehicles are also
included and the journey time is approximately 4 hours each way.
There is an outdoor swimming pool for relaxing in between your adventurous
trips out into the Pantanal.
Caiman Ecological Refuge
A working cattle ranch and ecological preserve of some 53,000 hectares
located in the southern Pantanal. The refuge is accessed through
Campo Grande airport and the journey time is approximately 4 hours
by jeep. There are four comfortable lodges scattered across the
farm property, all with their own pool and dinning room. The rooms
are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and hot running water.
The well structured programme of excursions includes guided walks,
horse-riding, safaris by open-sided truck, night drives, canoeing
and cycling. The friendly guides, good food and the out-door pool
to relax during the heat of the day all add to your Pantanal experience.
The Caiman Refuge is the headquarters for the Hyacinth Macaw Project
established in 1998 and there are now approximately 5,000 of these
spectacular and endangered birds living in the area and sightings
are commonplace.
