"The abundance of wildlife in the Pantanal was nothing short of amazing! We have never been to a place that had so much wildlife, both in variety and in sheer numbers. Even the journey from Cuiaba to the river was filled with wildlife that we had never seen before. We felt very priviledged to be able to see our first jaguar on the first morning after we arrived. As it turned out, we saw a different jaguar every day!"
- Lee & Sequoia Zook (Toft Scouting Trip, August 2009)
Pantanal, Brazil - August 2009 or visit our trip in 2005.
We visit two amazing destinations in the Pantanal of Brazil during this nine day adventure. Our first few days are spent watching and photographing some of the 350 species of birds that have been recorded around our first lodge. This special lodge is visited by a greater number of serious birders than any other lodge in the entire Pantanal. With bird feeders surrounding the gardens, as well as a 15 meter tower adjacent to a nesting Jabaru Stork, the bird photo opportunities are fantastic. We will also be spending time traveling along the river system in motor boats as well as electric catamaran platforms which are perfect for wildlife photography. Along the rivers we will have the opportunity to photograph five different species of Kingfishers, a large number of Herons, Egrets, and Storks. The mammals we will see include Brown Capuchin Monkey, Crab-eating Fox, Capybaras, and hopefully Tapir, Marmosets, Red Brocket Deer, and Ocelots. Several of these species we hope to photograph during our special night drive. Another mammal we will be spending some quality time with are the Giant River Otters. These six-foot long endangered mammals are considered the "wolves of the river" and spend their time fishing and playing in close proximity to our lodge. The otters here are extremely habituated to river boats and we will be able to photograph them at very close range (2-5 meters).
After three nights at the Pantanal lodge, we will move to the Jaguar Camp, where we will have four and a half days and five nights spent with the largest and most charismatic cats in the new world; Panthera onca, otherwise known as the Jaguar! By this time in the trip, after we will already have a hard drive full of amazing birds, monkeys, capybaras, and assorted subjects, we will be able to concentrate our efforts on finding and photographing Jaguars. The lodge researchers have documented 33 different Jaguars living in and around the maze of rivers which surround the Jaguar Camp. There are no other lodges or camps that are located in the heart of these Jaguars territories. This location (and the expertise of the boat drivers) give us the best chance for success in our quest for photographing this amazing cat. On my previous scouting trip in Aug. 2009, I saw and photographed three different Jaguars and spent a total of 15 hours in their presence - this was all in a four day period! This kind of success photographing Jaguars is a recent phenomena most notable within the last two years and that is why I am so excited to lead this trip next year. After we get several great Jaguar sessions under our belt, we will spend more time photographing the other amazing wildlife around these rivers - subjects include Hyacinth Macaws, Giant River Otter, Toco Toucans, Black-collared Hawks, etc.
This trip has so much to offer that it is difficult to really give it a good description so for more detailed information please contact Toft Photo Safaris.
View our recent video footage of Roy talking about photographing jaguars from a river boat.
Expectations
Our goal is to provide a successful nature experience with wonderful photographic opportunities of the extraordinary wildlife found in the Pantanal. Photographing wild Jaguars during that portion of the tour will be our highest priority. To meet these goals please consider the following:
Photographing wild animals involves dedication and patience. Expect to spend considerable time in a skiff (passenger boat) or on land, in shade or sun, searching and waiting for our subjects. Extended periods of time may be required in order to capture amazing imagery of wildlife in action.
Toft Photo Safaris (or anyone for that matter) can NOT guarantee 100% that jaguars will be spotted. In order to achieve the highest degree of success, we have chosen the best lodge, boat drivers and guides who in the last two years have a success rate for finding Jaguars of 95%. However, in addition to photographing many other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, consider a jaguar sighting above and beyond all other expections.
Workshop Cost
This includes daily photographic instruction by Roy Toft, experienced local guides, all transportation, lodging, and meals from the city of Cuiaba to return to Cuiaba. Clients will need to secure round-trip airfare to Cuiaba from Sao Paulo (approx. $500.00).
Photographer: $5,895.00* Non-photographer spouse or travel partner: $5,395.00*
* Round trip airfare from destination city to Cuiaba, Brazil and trip insurance is additional. All bar bills, activities offered by lodge (outside of workshop), gift shop, etc. are extras that are not included.
Reservation/Deposit/Payments Due to popularity and limited lodge accomodations, $1000.00 per person non-refundable deposit is required and second payment of $2,000.00 is due by January 1, 2010. Final payment due no later than April 1, 2010.
Note: spot will be lost if second payment is not received before January 1, 2010.
Credit card payment is available below.
A credit card processing fee will be included.
Alternatively, payment may be made via personal check or cashier's check made payable in U.S. funds to:
If you have questions about reservations, please do not hesitate to contact Toft Photo Safaris.
Cancellation Policy
Deposit of $1,000 is non-refundable. The second and third payment are non-refundable unless a replacement workshop participant is found. We strongly suggest Trip or Travel Insurance to all our guests to cover any unseen situations occurring prior to or during the trip which would cause losses not covered by our policy.
9-Day Jaguar Camp and Wildlife Photographic Workshop in Pantanal, Brazil
After three nights at the Pantanal lodge, we will move to the Jaguar Camp, where we will have four and a half days and five nights spent with the largest and most charismatic cats in the new world; Panthera onca, otherwise known as the Jaguar! By this time in the trip, after we will already have a hard drive full of amazing birds, monkeys, capybaras, and assorted subjects, we will be able to concentrate our efforts on finding and photographing Jaguars. The lodge researchers have documented 33 different Jaguars living in and around the maze of rivers which surround the Jaguar Camp. There are no other lodges or camps that are located in the heart of these Jaguars territories. This location (and the expertise of the boat drivers) give us the best chance for success in our quest for photographing this amazing cat. On my previous scouting trip in Aug. 2009, I saw and photographed three different Jaguars and spent a total of 15 hours in their presence - this was all in a four day period! This kind of success photographing Jaguars is a recent phenomena most notable within the last two years and that is why I am so excited to lead this trip next year. After we get several great Jaguar sessions under our belt, we will spend more time photographing the other amazing wildlife around these rivers - subjects include Hyacinth Macaws, Giant River Otter, Toco Toucans, Black-collared Hawks, etc. 
Expectations
Workshop Cost
Reservation/Deposit/Payments