THE OKAVANGO DELTA
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IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GOOD ENOUGH
29 May 2025THE OKAVANGO DELTA
22 May 2025IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GOOD ENOUGH
29 May 2025JAGUARS OF THE PANTANAL
THE WILD EYE PODCAST
I visited the Pantanal in Brazil for the second time in September last year and, honestly, I’m still riding the high from it. You know when a trip leaves such a mark on you that you keep randomly grinning every time you think about it or look at some images and videos? Yep — that’s me right now. I’ve done my fair share of safaris over the years, but this place has completely stolen my heart. Hands down, it’s my new favorite safari destination… and that’s saying a lot.
So, let’s talk logistics first because getting there is half the adventure. You’ll need to fly into São Paulo, then catch a connecting flight to Cuiabá, and from there, it’s a solid 4-6 hour drive down to Porto Jofre. Sounds like a trek? It is. But trust me, every single minute of that journey is worth it.
What makes the Pantanal so different is that it’s not your typical African-style game drive experience. Here, it’s all about the water. Safaris happen by boat, and the main attraction is one animal: the jaguar. Now, I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. How often do you really see these famously elusive cats when you’re confined to a boat? Turns out — constantly.
In six days, we clocked an insane 35 different jaguar sightings. Thirty-five! These cats are everywhere, especially during the dry season when they come down to the riverbanks to hunt capybara and caiman. And let me tell you, watching a jaguar dive headfirst into the water after a caiman is something you never forget.
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If lions are the kings of the African savannah, jaguars are the barroom brawlers of the animal kingdom. They’ve got this raw, don’t-give-a-damn attitude that’s both intimidating and completely captivating.
Best time to visit? August through September — when water levels drop, giant sandy beaches emerge, creating perfect jaguar highways and unbeatable photo ops. Yeah, it’s getting more popular these days, and sometimes there’s a crowd of boats. But with a good guide, you learn how to work around that. Plus, Brazil has this fantastic rule where the first boat to spot a jaguar gets prime viewing — no one’s allowed to block your view. Love that.
I’m already booked to head back next September. Safe to say, the Pantanal worked its magic on me. If you’re even remotely into wildlife adventures, add this one to your list. Trust me on this.
START PLANNING YOUR SAFARI TODAY
Contact Wild Eye today, and let’s craft the perfect adventure tailored to your budget and expectations!