Tours & Workshops

Tour Description: We visit two amazing destinations in the Pantanal of Brazil during this (9) 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 Southwild Pantanal 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 two nights at the Southwild Pantanal lodge, we will move to the Southwild Jaguar Lodge, where we will have (4.5) days and (5) 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 Lodge. 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 trip in Aug. 2010, we saw and photographed three different Jaguars and spent hours and 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 three years and this is why I am so excited to lead this trip every year while we can. 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—before heading back to the Southwild Pantanal Lodge where we spend the last two remaining nights.

- Financial Times, October 1, 2011 - Great article on our lodge from FT!

Tour 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.

Photo Tour Price Photographer: $6,490.00 (per person, double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $800.00
Non-Photographer: $5,950.00 (significant other or travel partner)

Includes:

• Lodging at Hotel Deville in Cuiaba on July 20, 2011
• Accommodation in mentioned lodges or similar ones, in standard rooms
• Meals as mentioned
• English-speaking local guides
• All tips (lodges, boat drivers, and guides)

Not Included:

• Round Trip air transportation to and from your destination to Cuiaba, Brazil
• Taxi shuttle from airport to Hotel Deville on July 20, 2011
• Other services not mentioned
• Personal expenses, travel insurance, etc
• Early check in or late check-out charges

Reservations and Payment: All deposits and balances should be paid via check.
To register by credit card, please contact Toft Photo. Please note: a credit card processing fee will be included:

Deposit and Payments: Due to popularity and limited lodge accomodations, $1,000.00 per person non-refundable deposit is required. Balance due no later than April 1, 2012.