Destinations
This is a partial self drive holiday. Part 1 involves driving to Bonito and exploring the watery delights on offer here. Bonito is one of the premier ecotourism destinations in Brazil and here you will find fantastic crystal clear rivers, dozens of caves and caverns, several stunning waterfalls and pristine nature. Part Two involves being driven deep into the Southern Pantanal, crossing a myriad of privately owned farms and benefitting from the local knowledge and the expertise of your driver, accompanied as well by your private naturalist guide. You will stay at two different lodges. There are some accessible lodges in the Pantanal which you can drive to in your own vehicle (please enquire), but we think a rather unique way of getting deeper into the Pantanal by road is to go with a local driver who knows the lie of this mostly private land, where public roads maps and signposts are rarities. Seeing the Pantanal this way will give you a real understanding of the area which is hard to gain by flying over it all.
You wil be met on arrival and privately transferred to your hotel for the next 3 nights. Casa Mama Ruisa is an elegant guesthouse tucked in the hills above Rio within the bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood, overlooking Guanabara Bay. Built in 1871 and exquisitely renovated by Frenchman Jean Michel Ruis, Mama Ruisa was once the home of the mayor of Rio, and is among the most historic mansions in this district.
Here you can enjoy a private guided tour of Rio's highlights, including a trip by cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain, the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer and a tasty BBQ lunch in a traditional Churrascaria. You also have a day at leisure in Rio to wander along the beaches or we can arrange further tours - for example a street art tour or perhaps a typical cookery class or take a private hike?
Fly to Campo Grande, pick up your rental vehicle and drive to Bonito. For the next 4 nights you will be based at Pousada Olho D'Agua. Bonito is one of the premier ecotourism destinations in Brazil and here you will find fantastic crystal clear water’s rivers, dozens of caves and caverns, several stunning waterfalls and pristine nature. Your hotel is 3km from the town centre, with air conditioned rooms spread out amongst 6 hectares of garden. There is a pool, and all rooms have a hammock and outside seating area. The restaurant serves all meals (breakfast and supper are included in the daily rate).
In the morning you will meet your English-speaking guide and will enjoy the day visiting Recanto Ecologico Rio de Prata - think crystal clear waters as you enjoy a unique 2 km downstream snorkel in this natural aquarium. After lunch drive to the Macaw's sinkhole, a natural crater with 124 meters deep and 500 meters diameter carved at the brazilian Cerrado where a large group of Red-and-Green Macaws nests and live.
For your last day, explore the Blue Lagoon Cave with your guide. Enjoy lunch at a nearby estancia by the Rio Mimosa and spend the afternoon birdwatching or swimming in the waterfalls, cascades and natural pools.
The hotel also offers a guided 4km hike through a beautiful and protected woodland, passing 10 waterfalls and several natural pools where you can take a dip. The trail ends at the highest waterfall on the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Drive back to Campo Grande for the night, hand back your vehicle. Enjoy the afternoon in Campo Grande or relaxing at your hotel.
Today you will have a driver to take you on a full day's overland transfer accompanied by your English-speaking guide to the Pantanal. There is also the option of a short flight, but by driving into the Pantanal, with a lunch stop enroute, you will really be able to appreciate the changing landscapes. A warm welcome awaits you at Fazenda Baia das Pedras, with time for a short nature walk around the farm. On a cattle farm of 17,000 hectares, this lovely house is very comfortable with just four guest bedrooms.
Enjoy A full day of immersion in the way of life on a remote farm in the Pantanal, activities include - walking, riding, 4WD safari, bird-watching and traditional activities with the local cowboys (pantaneiros).
Today you will enjoy a great 4WD safari crossing one of the most preserved areas in the Pantanal. With a delicious lunch at a bush camp along the way as you head to Barra Mansa Lodge. It is possible to sleep in hammocks at the bush camp for the night. Do let us know if you might be interested in this more relaxed option.
Early morning nature walks are a must here and you may be lucky enough to see a tapir, a giant anteater or even an elusive jaguar. Barra Mansa is in a peaceful location on the banks of the Rio Negro where giant otters swim. There are 6 very simple guestrooms in two separate blocks, with a dining area, hammocks dotted around the garden and a communal living area. The food is delicious, the wildlife is extraordinary. Activities here include riding on beautiful horses, canoeing on the Rio Negro and nature walks.
Barra Mansa Lodge, Southern PantanalA further full day to go in search of the wildlife, or let it come to you, go fishing, take a moto-boat excurison. Whatever you decide to do, your private English-speaking guide will bring The Pantanal and all its wonders to life fo you. With a trained eye it is incredible how much more you see.
Depart after breakfast for Campo Grande and your return flight home.
Having a good, quality vehicle is key to every self-drive journey. We work carefully with our local team to source you the best vehicle available for your self-drive journey.
All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.
Simply, because we care. Whether you have travelled in Africa with Safari Drive or whether this is your first journey with us, we will be working hard behind the scenes to support your trip and ensure sure you have a fantastic self drive adventure.
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We will create the perfect trip, at your own pace, to your budget.
All our team in Latin America live in-country and have travelled extensively. Their knowledge and input is key to a successful self-drive safari.
We don’t mark up for our services, we only take commissions from the suppliers we use. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive.
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
