Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco

Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco is a protected area in Brazil.

Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco at a Glance

Location
Pantanal & Western Rivers, Brazil, Central & South America
Coordinates
-14.582006, -60.252550
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco

Nearest airport: Aeródromo de Roboré (RBO), 420 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco

The warmest temperatures in Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco occur in September, averaging 27.9°C (up to 34.4°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 23.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.7mm. Average humidity: 58.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.0°C (rainfall: 196.2mm)
  • February: 25.6°C (rainfall: 229.0mm)
  • March: 25.6°C (rainfall: 195.6mm)
  • April: 25.4°C (rainfall: 98.6mm)
  • May: 23.9°C (rainfall: 27.1mm)
  • June: 23.5°C (rainfall: 19.7mm)
  • July: 23.7°C (rainfall: 0.7mm)
  • August: 25.5°C (rainfall: 11.5mm)
  • September: 27.9°C (rainfall: 16.7mm)
  • October: 27.7°C (rainfall: 82.6mm)
  • November: 26.9°C (rainfall: 116.8mm)
  • December: 26.2°C (rainfall: 201.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco

The best months to visit Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco are August, September, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 25.98°C, rainfall 196.2mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • February: Good, temperature 25.63°C, rainfall 229mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 85.3%
  • March: Good, temperature 25.62°C, rainfall 195.6mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • April: Great, temperature 25.4°C, rainfall 98.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 81.3%
  • May: Great, temperature 23.92°C, rainfall 27.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 72.3%
  • June: Great, temperature 23.49°C, rainfall 19.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • July: Great, temperature 23.74°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 58%
  • August: Great, temperature 25.48°C, rainfall 11.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 53.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 27.86°C, rainfall 16.7mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 57.4%
  • October: Great, temperature 27.72°C, rainfall 82.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.85°C, rainfall 116.8mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 71.4%
  • December: Good, temperature 26.22°C, rainfall 201.8mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 82.7%

Wildlife in Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco

Home to 3 recorded species including 1 birds of prey, 1 tropical birds, 1 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco

Based on average temperature of 25.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 72%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 26°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco

2 safari lodges available.

budget

Similar Parks in Pantanal & Western Rivers

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Brazil

Travel advisory for Brazil

Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco FAQs

What is the best time to visit Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco for optimal wildlife viewing in Brazil?

The prime time to visit Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco for wildlife observation is typically during Brazil's dry season, which often spans from May to September. During these months, reduced rainfall means animals congregate more predictably around remaining water sources, making them easier to spot, and trails are generally more accessible.

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter in Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco, given its specific location in Brazil?

Visitors to Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco can anticipate a rich diversity of Brazilian fauna, potentially including iconic species like jaguars, tapirs, giant anteaters, and various primate species. The park's unique ecosystem, likely a transition zone between different biomes, supports a wide array of endemic birds and reptiles specific to this region of Brazil.

What specific health precautions should I take for a trip to Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco, considering its moderate malaria risk?

Given the moderate malaria risk in Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco, it is strongly advised to consult your physician about antimalarial prophylaxis well before your trip. Additionally, diligent use of insect repellent with DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, especially during dawn and dusk, and utilizing mosquito nets are crucial preventive measures.

What kind of visitor experience can I expect at Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco, considering its very low crowding level (1/5)?

With an exceptionally low crowding level of 1/5, visitors to Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco can anticipate a truly immersive and tranquil wilderness experience. This low visitor density ensures more intimate wildlife encounters, a profound sense of solitude, and the opportunity to explore pristine natural landscapes away from large tourist groups.

How accessible is Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco, and what are the typical logistical considerations or costs for visiting this protected area in Brazil?

As a protected area in Brazil with low crowding, Parque Estadual Serra de Ricardo Franco may require more involved logistical planning, often necessitating domestic flights to a regional hub followed by ground transport, potentially 4x4, to reach the park. Costs will primarily encompass park entry fees, local guide services (often recommended or mandatory for safety and conservation), and accommodation, which might be limited to eco-lodges or more basic facilities.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.