By Santiago Bejarano
I spent the entire month of July in the Brazilian Pantanal. The area is the largest wet land area in the world – the size of England, Wales and Ireland combined.
The Pantanal has one of the most spectacular concentrations of wildlife on Earth, with relatively easy and common sightings of rare and endangered species. These are almost impossible to see elsewhere, which means that the Pantanal is rapidly gaining worldwide recognition as a must-visit wilderness region.
Unlike the Amazon, where the thick jungle obscures the view, the Pantanal lays out open flooded savanas and river banks where iconic animals of South America can be seen in the greatest abundance on the continent. The wetland is home to species such as Jaguars, Giant River Otters, Giant Anteater, Armadillo, Anacondas, Marsh Deer, Crab Eating Foxes, Capuchin Monkeys, Howler Monkeys together with 661 species of birds.
Our two groups of adventurers were organized by Think Galapagos a company (based in the UK) and Bravo Brazil (based in Campo Grande Brazil).
When I planed this trip, I decided to get as many days possible around the area of the state park Encontro das Aguas in the Northern Pantanal, in order to get the best chance of seeing the native Jaguars as they thrive in this area.
Individuals can be seen along the river banks, resting or actively hunting for large numbers of Caimans or Capybaras. The predators seem to be used to the presence of humans and boats, and boatmen respectively keep a good distance from the large cats.
We based ourselves in Porto Joffre Hotel at the end of the Transpantaneira – it was incredible! We averaged about three sightings every day of at least 8 or nine different Jaguars, and each sighting was different. You can never tire of seeing such an iconic animal.
As well as the Jaguars you can see many exotic birds, families of Giant Otters fishing or just having fun, Jaribu Storks, together with Kingfishers and Egerts. We also spent five nights in the southern Pantanal were our high lights were Giant Ant eaters, Ocelots, Armadillos and snorkeling in crystal clear waters of the Bonito area.
The Nosi life range worked like a dream! I used both the Nosilife Pro and Nosilife Convertible range ( I only wish I had also had Nosilife socks too!). The Polo long sleeve top was great for the evenings and gave a good classic look and protected me well against the mosquitos.
I also used the Elgin Hood Jacket on night safaris with the Davenport vest. I was very happy with the gear and highly recommend when traveling to the tropics!
