Packing for the Pantanal is a little different than packing for other adventures. Unlike a traditional land-based safari, most of your time here is spent on the river. That means long days under the sun, early mornings that start before sunrise, and a lot of quiet waiting with your camera at the ready.
We learned quickly that the right gear makes all the difference between being distracted by discomfort and being fully immersed in the moment when a jaguar slips out of the reeds or a family of giant otters surfaces alongside your boat. Here’s everything we brought – and what we’d recommend if your planning your own Pantanal adventure.
Clothing and Comfort
When you’re on the water for hours, breathable fabrics are everything.
- Sun Shirts: Light, long-sleeved, and breathable to keep cool while protecting from sun exposure.
- Leggings: I lived in leggings for comfort and flexibility
- Safari Pants: My husband swore by lightweight, quick-dry safari pants.
- Swim Suits: Perfect cooling off at the hotel pool between game drives.
Pro Tip: Even though September is dry season, the Pantanal is still humid Pack clothes that don’t hold onto sweat and can be worn multiple times
Sun & Heat Protection
The Pantanal sun is no joke. The right gear means you can focus on wildlife, not the heat.
- Wide-Brim Hat
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Lightweight Scarf/Shawl for Extra Coverage
- Neck Gator for Dust and Insects
We reapplied sunscreen mid-morning on the boat – and were grateful we had it with us.
Health & Hydration
You’ll be out for 5-6 hours at a stretch, so keeping hydrated and fueled is essential.
- Life straw Bottle + Filter: Easy, safe water access anywhere.
- Electrolyte Packs: We used LMNT to replace minerals lost in the heat.
- Snacks: Chomps sticks were perfect for protein on the go
Think of these as your lifeline during the long mornings: they’re small but make a big difference.
Gear & Photography
If there’s one place you’ll want your camera, it’s the Pantanal.
- Camera Body: We brought our Canon with a versatile everyday lens.
- Telephoto Lens (100-500mm): A must for jaguars and birdlife.
- Backup Batteries + Memory Cards: You don’t want to miss a sighting because of dead gear.
Note on renting lenses: if you don’t already own a big wildlife lens, consider renting. Many travelers (us included) use services like LensRental to borrow professional telephotos for the trip. It’s a cost-effective way to make sure you’re prepared without investing thousands up front.
Travel Essentials
Beyond the safari itself, there are a few items you’ll need every day:
- Passport & eVisa: Brazil requires a tourist visa (for some countries), and having multiple copies (printed and digital) is wise.
- Daypack: For carrying water, snacks, sunscreen, and gear comfortably on the boat.
- Light Layers: Mornings can be cool before the sun heats the river.
- Swimsuit & Casual Clothes: For downtime back at the lodge.
- Power Adapters & Converters: Brazil uses a mix of 0plug types (primarily N and C) and 127/220V depending on region. A universal converter ensures your camera batteries, phones, and laptops stay charged.
Final Thoughts: Packing with Intention
What you bring to the Pantanal is more than a packing list – it’s your toolkit for comfort, safety, and fully experiencing one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
Pack light buy pack smart. Choose breathable fabrics that work, and invest in hydration and sun protection, and make sure your camera is ready when the wildlife shows up.
And above all, travel kindly. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, avoid single use plastics where you can, and book guides who respect the wildlife and don’t crowd sightings. Thoughtful packing not only makes your trip easier, it helps protect the vary place you’ve come to see.