Safari in Pantanal & Western Rivers
Witness the incredible wildlife spectacles of the Pantanal wetlands and the rich ecosystems along the mighty Paraná River.
Pantanal & Western Rivers Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Pantanal & Western Rivers
Pantanal & Western Rivers Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Pantanal & Western Rivers
Área de Proteção Ambiental Lagoa do Jacaré
Área de Proteção Ambiental Lagoa do Jacaré is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Ambiental Bernardo Berneck
Parque Ambiental Bernardo Berneck is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Ecológico Escondidinho
Parque Ecológico Escondidinho is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Ecológico Tanque do Fancho
Parque Ecológico Tanque do Fancho is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Ibicatu
Parque Estadual de Ibicatu is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Prosa
Parque Estadual do Prosa is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Mãe Bonifácia
Parque Estadual Mãe Bonifácia is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Massairo Okamura
Parque Estadual Massairo Okamura is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo
Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco
Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Zé Bolo Flô
Parque Estadual Zé Bolo Flô is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Municipal Flor do Ipê
Parque Municipal Flor do Ipê is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional das Emas
A UNESCO World Heritage site protecting a significant portion of the Cerrado biome, known for its vast grasslands and termite mounds. It's one of the best places to see giant anteaters, maned wolves, rheas, and a spectacular display of bioluminescent termites during the wet season.
Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena
Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande
Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
Parque Nacional do Iguaçu is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional do Pantanal Matogrossense
Located in the heart of the Pantanal, this park is a prime destination for spotting jaguars, capybaras, caimans, and a vast array of birdlife. Its seasonal flooding creates a unique wetland ecosystem, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around remaining water sources.
Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado
Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional Serra da Cutia
Parque Nacional Serra da Cutia is a protected area in Brazil.
Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Estância Ecológica SESC-Pantanal
Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Estância Ecológica SESC-Pantanal is a protected area in Brazil.
Compare Parks in Pantanal & Western Rivers
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Pantanal & Western Rivers
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parque Nacional do Pantanal Matogrossense | - | 340 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SSZM (22km) |
| Parque Nacional das Emas | - | 403 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-0969 (20km) |
| Área de Proteção Ambiental Lagoa do Jacaré | - | 473 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | CGB (2km) |
| Parque Ambiental Bernardo Berneck | - | 473 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | CGB (5km) |
| Parque Ecológico Escondidinho | - | 105 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SWMZ (3km) |
| Parque Ecológico Tanque do Fancho | - | 473 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | CGB (2km) |
| Parque Estadual de Ibicatu | - | 34 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SSUW (2km) |
| Parque Estadual do Prosa | - | 258 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SSKG (7km) |
| Parque Estadual Mãe Bonifácia | - | 473 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | CGB (8km) |
| Parque Estadual Massairo Okamura | - | 473 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SWXJ (7km) |
| Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo | - | 343 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-3293 (20km) |
| Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco | - | 55 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SWQU (14km) |
124 species recorded in Pantanal & Western Rivers8 threatened
We love the Pantanal for its sheer scale and the dramatic transformation it undergoes each year. Standing here, the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming water lilies, and the soundscape is a symphony of birdsong and croaking frogs. We recommend visiting during both the wet and dry seasons to truly appreciate how the landscape shifts, revealing new perspectives and wildlife concentrations. The sunsets are sensational, painting the vast skies with fiery hues that reflect endlessly on the water's surface.
Terrain & Altitude
Vast, low-lying alluvial plains, largely flat and seasonally inundated by the annual floodwaters.
Generally 80-150m above sea level, making it one of the world's largest freshwater wetlands.
Vegetation
A mosaic of grasslands, savannas, gallery forests, and semi-deciduous forests, all adapted to the dramatic annual flood cycles.
Water Sources
Dominated by the Paraguay River basin and its numerous tributaries, forming an intricate network of permanent rivers, seasonal lakes, and vast floodwaters.
Unique Features
Its defining feature is the annual flooding cycle, which transforms over 80% of the land into a shallow inland sea, creating unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Pantanal is immense, and we cannot stress enough the importance of internal flight connections or pre-arranged transfers. While driving offers a sense of adventure, chartering a small plane from Campo Grande or Cuiabá directly to your lodge's airstrip is often the most efficient and scenic way to arrive, maximizing your precious safari time. We always recommend confirming your transfer logistics well in advance with your lodge or tour operator to ensure a seamless journey.
Nearest Airports
Campo Grande International Airport (CGH)
Varies greatly depending on your lodge, typically 3-6 hours drive or short charter flight.
Daily connections from São Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG) on LATAM and GOL.
Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB), Cuiabá
Varies greatly depending on your lodge, typically 2-5 hours drive or short charter flight.
Daily connections from São Paulo (GRU) and Brasília (BSB) on LATAM and GOL.
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Campo Grande
Accesses the southern Pantanal. Roads can be paved initially but quickly turn to gravel or dirt. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended, especially during the wet season (December-May) when roads can flood, making the journey an adventure.
From Cuiabá
Accesses the northern Pantanal, often via the famous Transpantaneira Highway. This unpaved road is an adventure in itself, with numerous wooden bridges. A 4WD vehicle is essential, and we recommend traveling with an experienced local driver who knows the terrain intimately.
Temperature
26.8°C
80°F
Rainfall
180.6 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
77.3%
Sunshine
9.9 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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