Caiman

The Pantanal, Brazil

Pioneering ecotourism

Brazil’s Pantanal is a region of extraordinary beauty, with vast seasonal wetlands and ancient woodlands. It is a completely unique biome, home to numerous wildlife species, including capybara, caiman, ocelot, the elusive jaguar, giant anteaters and the highest concentration of birds in South America.

Situated on a 53,000 hectare cattle ranch in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the Caiman Ecological Refuge is a pioneer in ecotourism in the Southern Pantanal. It is actively involved with environmental research and conservation projects including the Hyacinth Macaw Project, the Blue-Fronted Parrot Project, and a pioneering jaguar habituation programme, all done through partnerships with researchers, universities and the highly regarded NGO0, Onçafari.

Casa Caiman features 18 luxurious, boutique suites, which range from a vast 80m² Master Suite to the equally beautiful ‘standard’ suites, which stand at 45m² with a king-size double bed (or two single beds), a spacious bathroom and an outdoor terrace. The main lodge features an outdoor terrace, swimming pool, deck overlooking the bay, living room, courtyard, hammock area, a restaurant, sauna and gym all surrounded by extensive gardens which teem with birdlife, and reaching views across the landscape.

In addition to Casa Caiman, the 6-bedroom Villa Baiazinha is located 9 kms away and is available for private rental for small groups seeking more privacy. It has its own swimming pool with deck, loungers and hammocks, living room and dining area.

During your stay, discover the spectacular surroundings and wildlife during guided daytime and nocturnal jeep safaris, nature walks and canoeing trips, while horse riding led by the local community of cowboys has been added to the experiences on offer. Caiman  is also home to a 5,600 hectare Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony (RPPN), legally protected in perpetuity, and a permanent residents’ community for both lodge and ranch employees with their families.

Staying at the Caiman Ecological Refuge is a fantastic opportunity to support a pioneering ecological cause whilst also enjoying the indulgence of a luxury lodge. It provides the perfect base for experiencing the adventure of the Brazilian wilderness and offers the perfect sanctuary for relaxing in the beauty and tranquility of nature.

You will love

  • Beautiful luxury lodge immersed in nature
  • Pioneering conservation projects
  • Adventure meets tranquility
  • Rich, diverse wetland wildlife
  • High likelihood of jaguar sightings

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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