Packing for the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil isnât the same as preparing for a jeep safari in Africa or a trek in the Amazon. Here, youâll be gliding silently along winding rivers, surrounded by one of the planetâs richest ecosystems. The right gear can make the difference between comfort and frustration â and between a good photo and a great one.
At Yara EcoSafari, our guides and photographers have refined this list to help you travel light, smart, and sustainably.
The Photography Kit
Wildlife photography in the Pantanal is unique because most encounters happen at water level, from a boat. That means stability and versatility matter.
Essentials:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera body.
- Telephoto lens (100â400mm or similar) for jaguars and birds.
- Wide-angle or 24â70mm lens for landscapes and river scenes.
- Extra batteries (electricity may be limited in remote lodges).
- Plenty of memory cards â sightings are frequent!
- A dry bag or waterproof case to protect your gear from river spray.
- Lens cleaning cloths (humidity + dust = frequent maintenance).
Recommended extras:
- Monopod or bean bag for stability on the boat.
- Lightweight backup camera body â you donât want to miss the jaguar shot.
For professional tips, see How to Photograph Jaguars in the Wild.
Clothing: Function Over Fashion
The Pantanal climate is warm, humid, and sunny, with cooler breezes on early morning and late afternoon boat rides. Comfort and protection are key.
Recommended:
- Light, long-sleeve shirts (UV protection + bug barrier).
- Breathable trousers (zip-off styles are versatile).
- Wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses.
- Lightweight rain jacket (showers are common).
- Quick-dry socks and closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals.
Avoid flashy colors â earth tones like green, beige, and brown blend better with the environment and are less likely to spook wildlife.
For guidance on minimizing your footprint, see the International Ecotourism Society and WWF-Brazil.
Personal Essentials
These are the small items that make a big difference:
- High-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen (protects your skin and the rivers).
- Eco-friendly insect repellent â mosquitoes and horseflies are common.
- Reusable water bottle (we provide filtered refills).
- Personal medications in original packaging.
- Notebook or journal â many guests jot down species lists or reflections.
- Portable power bank for charging cameras/phones on the go.
What Not to Bring
Some items are best left at home:
- Drones â prohibited in most protected areas to prevent wildlife stress.
- Bulky suitcases â use duffels or soft-sided luggage instead.
- Bright clothing â reduces chances of close encounters.
- Too much gear â less is more on a boat.
Bonus Items You Didnât Know You Needed
- A light scarf or buff â useful for sun, wind, or sudden chills.
- Binoculars â for birdwatching (over 650 species here, according to BirdLife International).
- A book or e-reader for quiet lodge afternoons.
- Patience â nature moves on its own schedule, and thatâs part of the magic.
Why This Matters
Packing isnât just about comfort â itâs about responsible travel. By choosing reusable bottles, eco-friendly sunscreen, and lightweight luggage, you minimize your impact on one of the worldâs most delicate ecosystems.
Your preparation ensures the Pantanal remains pristine for the species that depend on it â from jaguars and giant otters to hyacinth macaws and jabiru storks.
