lioness reclining on wood

Pantanal

The Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland and one of the best places on the planet to see and photograph jaguars in the wild. Vast floodplains, endless waterways and an extraordinary density of wildlife create a destination that feels completely different from the African savanna — and delivers some of the highest jaguar sighting rates anywhere.

Pantanal Highlights

During the dry season, jaguars hunt along the riverbanks and are frequently observed from boats at close range — often in golden light or dramatic storm light. Giant otters, capybaras, caiman, anteaters, tapirs and an astonishing diversity of birds (including hyacinth macaws) complete a cast that is both exotic and highly photogenic. Both the North Pantanal (Porto Jofre region) and South Pantanal offer outstanding opportunities. The combination of boat-based viewing, high mammal density and tropical light makes this a true bucket-list destination for serious wildlife photographers and adventurous travellers. Ideal for dedicated wildlife photographers, jaguar enthusiasts, and adventurous travellers looking for a completely different kind of wilderness experience.

Best time: July–October is the peak dry season, with the highest jaguar sighting rates and easiest access; the wet season transforms the landscape into a vast inland sea but makes travel more difficult and sightings less predictable.

Highlights: Exceptional jaguar viewing (often at close range from boats), giant otters, caiman and capybara, giant anteaters and tapirs, spectacular birdlife including hyacinth macaws, and both North and South Pantanal options.

Pantanal Highlights

During the dry season, jaguars hunt along the riverbanks and are frequently observed from boats at close range — often in golden light or dramatic storm light. Giant otters, capybaras, caiman, anteaters, tapirs and an astonishing diversity of birds (including hyacinth macaws) complete a cast that is both exotic and highly photogenic. Both the North Pantanal (Porto Jofre region) and South Pantanal offer outstanding opportunities. The combination of boat-based viewing, high mammal density and tropical light makes this a true bucket-list destination for serious wildlife photographers and adventurous travellers. Ideal for dedicated wildlife photographers, jaguar enthusiasts, and adventurous travellers looking for a completely different kind of wilderness experience.

Best time: July–October is the peak dry season, with the highest jaguar sighting rates and easiest access; the wet season transforms the landscape into a vast inland sea but makes travel more difficult and sightings less predictable.

Highlights: Exceptional jaguar viewing (often at close range from boats), giant otters, caiman and capybara, giant anteaters and tapirs, spectacular birdlife including hyacinth macaws, and both North and South Pantanal options.

Pantanal Highlights

During the dry season, jaguars hunt along the riverbanks and are frequently observed from boats at close range — often in golden light or dramatic storm light. Giant otters, capybaras, caiman, anteaters, tapirs and an astonishing diversity of birds (including hyacinth macaws) complete a cast that is both exotic and highly photogenic. Both the North Pantanal (Porto Jofre region) and South Pantanal offer outstanding opportunities. The combination of boat-based viewing, high mammal density and tropical light makes this a true bucket-list destination for serious wildlife photographers and adventurous travellers. Ideal for dedicated wildlife photographers, jaguar enthusiasts, and adventurous travellers looking for a completely different kind of wilderness experience.

Best time: July–October is the peak dry season, with the highest jaguar sighting rates and easiest access; the wet season transforms the landscape into a vast inland sea but makes travel more difficult and sightings less predictable.

Highlights: Exceptional jaguar viewing (often at close range from boats), giant otters, caiman and capybara, giant anteaters and tapirs, spectacular birdlife including hyacinth macaws, and both North and South Pantanal options.

Why choose a Pantanal safari?

Why choose a
Pantanal safari?

Why choose a Pantanal safari?

When is the best time to visit the Pantanal for wildlife?

Is the Pantanal the best place to see wild jaguars?

What other wildlife can I see in the Pantanal?

What is the difference between the northern and southern Pantanal?

Can I visit the Pantanal without being a wildlife photographer?

When is the best time to visit the Pantanal for wildlife?

Is the Pantanal the best place to see wild jaguars?

What other wildlife can I see in the Pantanal?

What is the difference between the northern and southern Pantanal?

Can I visit the Pantanal without being a wildlife photographer?

Looking for something different?

We plan and execute privately guided photographic tours in the top safari destinations worldwide, from the heart of Africa to the jungles of Asia, South America, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious private safari, a dedicated photographic workshop, or eager to take part in a hands-on conservation project, we can create an experience tailored for you.

Looking for something different?

We plan and execute privately guided photographic tours in the top safari destinations worldwide, from the heart of Africa to the jungles of Asia, South America, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious private safari, a dedicated photographic workshop, or eager to take part in a hands-on conservation project, we can create an experience tailored for you.

Looking for something different?

We plan and execute privately guided photographic tours in the top safari destinations worldwide, from the heart of Africa to the jungles of Asia, South America, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious private safari, a dedicated photographic workshop, or eager to take part in a hands-on conservation project, we can create an experience tailored for you.

See the world with Panthera

Owner Operated

Founders Kirstin and Lance are hands-on throughout your travel process and are present during your privately-guided journey.

Africa Based

We are located in the hub of the safari scene, in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. Working from Africa and in Africa is the secret to our success.

First Hand Knowledge

We’ve explored our own back yard and we’ve jetted to the small corners of the earth to discover our natural world. Let our first-hand knowledge guide you.

Copyright 2026 Panthera Photographic Safaris

See the world with Panthera

Owner Operated

Founders Kirstin and Lance are hands-on throughout your travel process and are present during your privately-guided journey.

Africa Based

We are located in the hub of the safari scene, in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. Working from Africa and in Africa is the secret to our success.

First Hand Knowledge

We’ve explored our own back yard and we’ve jetted to the small corners of the earth to discover our natural world. Let our first-hand knowledge guide you.

Copyright 2026 Panthera Photographic Safaris

See the world with Panthera

Owner Operated

Founders Kirstin and Lance are hands-on throughout your travel process and are present during your privately-guided journey.

Africa Based

We are located in the hub of the safari scene, in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. Working from Africa and in Africa is the secret to our success.

First Hand Knowledge

We’ve explored our own back yard and we’ve jetted to the small corners of the earth to discover our natural world. Let our first-hand knowledge guide you.

Copyright 2026 Panthera Photographic Safaris