Safari in Central Cerrado & Highlands
Experience the vast savannas and unique rock formations of the Cerrado biome, from the stunning waterfalls of Jalapão to the ancient caves of Peruaçu.
Central Cerrado & Highlands Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Central Cerrado & Highlands
Central Cerrado & Highlands Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Central Cerrado & Highlands
APA - Área de Proteção Ambiental dos Pireneus
APA - Área de Proteção Ambiental dos Pireneus is a protected area in Brazil.
Monumento Natural Municipal Cidade de Pedra
Monumento Natural Municipal Cidade de Pedra is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Lapa Grande
Parque Estadual da Lapa Grande is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra de Jaraguá
Parque Estadual da Serra de Jaraguá is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra dos Pireneus
Parque Estadual da Serra dos Pireneus is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra Dourada
Parque Estadual da Serra Dourada is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Grão Mogol
Parque Estadual de Grão Mogol is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Montezuma
Parque Estadual de Montezuma is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Paraúna
Parque Estadual de Paraúna is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Sagarana
Parque Estadual de Sagarana is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Terra Ronca
Parque Estadual de Terra Ronca is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Pau Furado
Parque Estadual do Pau Furado is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Serra das Araras
Parque Estadual Serra das Araras is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Serra Nova e Talhado
Parque Estadual Serra Nova e Talhado is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu
Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina
A stunning park in Bahia characterized by its dramatic table mountains, deep canyons, caves, and numerous waterfalls. While not a 'safari' park, it offers incredible nature tourism with opportunities to spot various bird species, monkeys, and small mammals amidst its unique landscapes.
Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães
Known for its impressive red sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse Cerrado vegetation, this park offers beautiful landscapes and wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot various bird species, monkeys, and small mammals, with the Véu de Noiva waterfall being a major highlight.
Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros
A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Cerrado biome, known for its ancient rock formations, stunning waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can encounter giant anteaters, maned wolves, pumas, and a rich variety of birds amidst its dramatic landscapes.
Parque Nacional das Nascentes do Rio Parnaiba
Parque Nacional das Nascentes do Rio Parnaiba is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional das Sempre-Vivas
Parque Nacional das Sempre-Vivas is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional de Boa Nova
Parque Nacional de Boa Nova is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional de Brasília
Parque Nacional de Brasília is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional de Pacaás Novos
Parque Nacional de Pacaás Novos is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional do Araguaia
Parque Nacional do Araguaia is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas
Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas is a protected area in Brazil.
RPPN - Fazenda Arruda
RPPN - Fazenda Arruda is a protected area in Brazil.
RPPN Reserva Ecológica Vargem Grande
RPPN Reserva Ecológica Vargem Grande is a protected area in Brazil.
Compare Parks in Central Cerrado & Highlands
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Central Cerrado & Highlands
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros | - | 295 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-2208 (16km) |
| Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina | - | 356 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | CHD (20km) |
| Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães | - | 473 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-3071 (18km) |
| APA - Área de Proteção Ambiental dos Pireneus | - | 279 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SB06 (13km) |
| Monumento Natural Municipal Cidade de Pedra | - | 279 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SB06 (18km) |
| Parque Estadual da Lapa Grande | - | 338 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | MOC (15km) |
| Parque Estadual da Serra de Jaraguá | - | 279 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-1121 (11km) |
| Parque Estadual da Serra dos Pireneus | - | 279 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SB06 (15km) |
| Parque Estadual da Serra Dourada | - | 174 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-0135 (17km) |
| Parque Estadual de Grão Mogol | - | 231 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SNSS (63km) |
| Parque Estadual de Montezuma | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-0230 (4km) |
| Parque Estadual de Paraúna | - | 125 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-2478 (9km) |
120 species recorded in Central Cerrado & Highlands6 threatened
We love the sheer, untamed vastness of the Cerrado. Standing on the edge of a canyon, the wind whipping through the tall grasses, you feel a profound sense of ancient wilderness. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues over the endless savanna. We recommend taking time to explore the hidden waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers; they are the lifeblood of this incredible ecosystem and offer moments of pure, breathtaking beauty.
Terrain & Altitude
Expansive, rolling savannas stretch across a high plateau, punctuated by dramatic sandstone formations and deep river valleys.
700-1,500m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by grasslands and scattered trees, the vegetation transitions to gallery forests along rivers and unique, stunted scrub on rocky outcrops.
Water Sources
A network of clear rivers carve through the landscape, feeding into stunning waterfalls and forming vital waterholes during the dry season.
Unique Features
The region is renowned for its striking 'ferruginous' rock formations, ancient cave systems, and crystal-clear, naturally filtered springs.
Getting to the Central Cerrado and Highlands requires a bit of grit, but the rewards are immense. While Brasília is the most logical gateway, don't underestimate the charm of arriving by a small charter flight directly into the heart of the region, especially if heading to the more remote Jalapão. We always recommend securing a reliable 4WD vehicle for exploring the vastness; the unpaved tracks are part of the adventure, but can be unforgiving.
Nearest Airports
Brasília International Airport (BSB)
400km / 5hr drive
Extensive domestic and some international flights
Salvador Bahia Airport (SSA)
750km / 10hr drive
Good domestic connections
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Brasília
A mix of paved highways and unpaved roads. We strongly advise a 4WD vehicle, especially during the rainy season, as some routes can become challenging.
From Goiânia
This route involves longer stretches of unpaved roads. Consider breaking the journey in a smaller town if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
Temperature
22.7°C
73°F
Rainfall
215.1 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
78%
Sunshine
9.9 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
Planning tools for Brazil
Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Brazil