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The Pantanal
The Pantanal is best described as a small window of Africa in the heart of South America, without the big game! It is considered to be the world’s biggest wetland area, covering an area the size of Belgium and is situated between the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul (to the north of Iguazu) and extends into Bolivia and Paraguay, with the majority of the Pantanal lying inside Brazil.
With an elevation of between 80-150 metres it is surrounded by higher plateaus, which in turn creates a drainage basin for the water runoff. Originally thought to be an inland sea until explored when they named it "O Pantanal", which in Portuguese means "The Swamp", but in reality it is a floodplain.
Every year during the wet season, November to April, over ¾ of this area becomes inundated by the complex river system and the rivers are not able to cope, overflowing their banks. During this season only islands and forests on higher elevations remain dry. During the season, May to October, the floodplain drains into the Paraguay River, and as the month’s progress the wet lands subside. This leaves behind small pockets of water, trapping the fish, which in turn attracts large numbers of migratory birds and resident mammals.
The vegetation of the Pantanal is a mixture between three of the most important eco-systems of South America; the Chaco with its dry forest, the savannah-like Cerrado to the east and the Amazon jungle to the north. This diversity draws the highest concentration of wildlife in all of the Americas.
The Pantanal contains around 700 species of birds including 26 species of parrot. It is also one of the last refuges for many threatened South American mammal species such as jaguar, puma, ocelot, manned wolf, giant otter, giant anteater, giant armadillo, marsh deer and tapir. The most characteristic mammal of the Pantanal is the capivara - the world's largest rodent, which live in herds of up to 100 individuals. The Brazilians have a saying: "o Pantanal é vida" – "the Pantanal is life". WHEN TO VISIT
WET SEASON - December through March
Due to intense rain the Pantanal gets flooded. The vegetation is dense and humidity is high. Mammals seek refuge on higher grounds formed by tall trees, which are locally known as "Cordilheiras". This is the nesting time for many species of resident birds. INTERMEDIATE SEASON - April to June and October to November In April the water levels begin to recede and fish get trapped in ponds and small lakes, attracting thousands of birds. The peak of the dry season is October when the Pantanal resembles a dry African Savannah. DRY SEASON - July through September The best time for wildlife observation because wildlife gathers around watering holes. Dry fields make for good grazing areas, bringing wildlife out
Recommended lodges in this area:
Pantanal
This is the newest lodge in the Pantanal and is certainly one of our favourites. With only 4 rooms available it makes any stay here feel very homely yet extremely professional at the same time. The rooms have been beautifully decorated
Pantanal
This is one of the best lodges within the vast Pantanal flood plain. Each lodge has its own characteristics but all are superbly decorated and well appointed. All excursions are personalised to your requirements
Pantanal
A stay at the Fazenda Barranco Alto is the ultimate remote wildlife experience in Brazil, located deep in the Pantanal Jungle on the edge of the Rio Negro this lodge is a mecca for wildlife.
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