11 - 20 September 2026
Jaguars The jaguar needs no introduction. It is the only extant Panthera species native to the Americas and it is the third-largest feline after the tiger and lion. The jaguar’s present range extends from Southwestern United States and Mexico across much of Central America and south to Paraguay and northern Argentina. Brazil is a stronghold and the Pantanal is the best place in the world to see these otherwise elusive big cats.
This spotted cat most closely resembles the leopard physically, although it is usually larger and of sturdier build and it’s behavioral and habitat characteristics are closer to those of the tiger. While dense rainforest is its preferred habitat, the jaguar will range across a variety of forested and open terrains. Its preferred habitats are usually swamps and wooded regions, but jaguars also live in scrublands and deserts. The jaguar is notable, along with the tiger, as a feline that enjoys swimming. The jaguar is a near threatened species and its numbers are declining. Threats include loss and fragmentation of habitat. While international trade in jaguars or their parts is prohibited, the cat is still frequently killed by humans, particularly in conflicts with ranchers and farmers in South America. In Pantanal the Jaguar is safe and easily viewable in and around the Ciuaba River. It is here that we will spend 4 nights doing river safaris for the best chance of not just viewing the Jaguar but also witnessing and photographing some rare behavior.
The Pantanal The Pantanal encompasses the world’s largest tropical wetland area. It is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Moto Grosso do Sul. It sprawls over an area estimated at between 140,000 and 195,000 square kilometers.
The Pantanal is home to one of the largest and healthiest Jaguar populations anywhere on Earth. Among the rarest animals to inhabit the wetland of the Pantanal are the Marsh Deer and the Giant River Otters. Parts of the Pantanal are also home to the following endangered or threatened species: the Hycanth Macaw, the Crowned Solitary Eagle, the Maned Wolf, the Bush Dog, the South American Tapir and the Giant Anteater. Common species in the Pantanal include the Capybara and the Yacare Caiman. With over 10 million Caiman the Pantanal is the place with the highest crocodilian density anywhere in the world.
In Total the Pantanal ecosystem is thought to be home to 1,000 bird species, 400 fish species, 300 mammalian species, 480 reptile species and over 9000 different subspecies of invertebrates making it one of the most bio-diverse wildlife habitats in the world. We will spend 9 nights in this magical wilderness and will attempt to see its rare and elusive wildlife.
Duration – 10 days (From Cuiaba to Cuiaba) Places of stay – Amazon Aeroporto Hotel or Slaviero Slim Cuiaba, Pousada Piuval, Jaguar Flotel or Jaguar Suite, South Wild Pantanal Lodge
Arrival in Cuiaba airport and private transfer to the hotel (Our service includes a private transfer for each passenger from airport to the Amazon Aeroporto Hotel or Slaviero Slim, done by a Portuguese-speaking driver using a closed, air- conditioned vehicle. This transfer does not include an English-speaking guide).
After breakfast, transfer from Cuiabá to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge, passing through Poconé, the gateway to the Pantanal. Enjoy lunch upon arrival, followed by afternoon wildlife activities on the lodge’s grounds. Explore the rich biodiversity of the region. Dinner and overnight stay at the SouthWild Pantanal Lodge.
Spend the morning exploring the surrounding area with guided wildlife activities at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge. Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by more afternoon excursions focused on the region’s unique flora and fauna. Enjoy dinner in the evening and overnight stay at the SouthWild Pantanal Lodge.
After breakfast, transfer from SouthWild Pantanal Lodge to Porto Jofre in a closed vehicle, enjoying scenic views along the Transpantaneira. Upon arrival in Porto Jofre, continue by boat to reach Jaguarland. Settle in and enjoy lunch onboard. In the afternoon, head out on a boat safari in search of jaguars along the riverbanks. Return in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at the Jaguar Flotel.
Breakfast followed by morning and afternoon boat outingsdaily to search for Jaguars and Giant Otters on the various river channels of “Jaguarland”. These channels include the Three Brothers, the Black Channel, the Cuiaba and the Piquiri. Lunch and dinner included will be at the lodge. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Jaguarland (Jaguar Flotel) Upgrade to Jaguar Suites on request.
Transfer from Jaguarland to Porto Jofre by boat, followed by a road transfer in a closed vehicle to Pousada Piuval. Lunch will be served upon arrival. Afternoon activities are scheduled, followed by dinner. Overnight stay at Pousada Piuval.
Enjoy morning activities at the lodge, immersing in the natural surroundings and wildlife. Return for a freshly prepared lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, continue with scheduled activities designed to enhance your experience of the region’s unique ecosystem. Dinner will be served in the evening, offering local flavors and hospitality. Overnight accommodation at Pousada Piuval.
Depart from Pousada Piuval and proceed with a comfortable transfer to Cuiabá Airport. The journey offers a final glimpse of the region's landscapes as you conclude your stay. All necessary arrangements will be made to ensure a smooth and timely arrival at the airport, in accordance with your flight schedule.
Expedition on a map
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Pantanal, where nature’s wonders await at every turn. Immerse yourself in the heart of South America’s largest tropical wetland and uncover its hidden gems on an exclusive safari experience. From vibrant wildlife sightings to captivating landscapes, each moment in the Pantanal is a new adventure waiting to be lived. Let the rhythm of nature guide you as you traverse this unique ecosystem, filled with rich biodiversity and unparalleled beauty. Join us on this extraordinary escapade and create memories to last a lifetime in the captivating wilderness of the Pantanal.
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Wildlife and the wilderness has been a passion for Aly ever since childhood. This passion for wildlife inspired him to work with his family to set up and run Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, one of the finest wilderness camps in India. At Reni Pani Aly has been heading the naturalist team for over 7 years and in this time his passion for wildlife has been instilled in the ethos of the lodge atmosphere. A trained naturalist and ornithologist, he has travelled across the country and has been involved with wildlife in various localities. His deep involvement with Satpura since his childhood has been a motivation to protect and conserve wildlife in this landscape. Aly inspired Reni Pani’s camera trap studies in the reserve forest area outside the park that revealed breeding population of several large carnivores like leopards, wild dogs and sloth bear and also the presence of a young male tiger. His passion for research and conservation has also taken him to Panna National Park where he worked with renowned small cat expert and scientist Shekhar Kolipaka for the Caracal Research and Conservation Project in 2014. Aly is also involved in leading wildlife expeditions both within India and abroad.