Packing for a photographic trip to Brazil: Part 1

Going on a photographic trip to the Pantanal in Brazil is exciting, daunting and a bucket list trip not to be missed. You’re imagining all the photographic opportunities while jumping through hoops to get there. One of our clients, Abri De Bruin, recently ventured on such a trip and gave us the inside scoop on how to get there and what to pack.

How to get there?

There are various ways to reach your destination from South Africa. The shortest trip is with TAAG/LATAM – you fly from South Africa to Angola, to Sao Paulo and then Campo Grande. The second option is to fly with Qatar Airlines. You fly from South Africa, to Doha, Doha to Sao Paulo and then Campo Grande.

Please be aware that there is more than one local airline in Brazil and for some of them your luggage is not included in the price. You will have to pay extra for your luggage for the two local flights but they are about R300 for a bag. (Luggage is included when flying with Latam.) Booking well in advance is advised as the costs climb significantly the closer you get to your departure date. When you arrive in Sao Paulo, you have to collect your bag even if your luggage has been booked through to the final destination and check it in on the local flight to Campo Grande. He didn’t need to collect it in Sao Paulo on the return flight, but it is imperative for the incoming flight.

You don’t need a Visa for Brazil as a South African citizen, but proof of insurance is a must and your passport should be valid for at least six months after your return to South Africa. You also need three months bank statements, proof of COVID vaccination and proof of a Yellow Fever test upon your return. Proof of accommodation is also necessary.

Pro tip: Make a booking at booking.com, “get the evidence” then cancel the booking in time for you not to pay cancellation fees. If you’re taking any prescription medications, remember to take more than enough, and take your prescription with you in your carry-on luggage.

Make sure you declare all of your gear before departure, otherwise they can give you a hard time upon your return and insist you pay taxes on the undeclared goods. No one wants that kind of hassle. Download the form from the website, because the customs office isn’t always open when you leave the country.
The travel time from the airport in Campo Grande to the hotel is a short drive and you can use a local taxi; that is if TUSK-photo is not there to collect you. They do this, but not everyone arrives at the same time in Campo Grande.

Local currency is Reals, and it’s best if you draw cash at the airport in Sao Paulo as ATM’s are as rare as vegan food options on your tour.

What to pack?

Comfort is key! Although the Pantanal gets blazing hot during the day with 100% humidity, it gets cold at night and early mornings on the boat can get uncomfortably cold. You’re going to want to be prepared for both temperatures, as well as rain – a poncho is a must.

Layering up is a good idea. Your shirt, then a warm fleece or puffer, and then a wind-and waterproof jacket as your outer layer. You don’t have to go buy the same clothes you would for a trip to see the Northern Lights, clothing from local South African stores will do.

Short sleeve shirts with UV sleeves. You’re going to be in the sun, A LOT! Abri discovered that UV resistant fly fishing type shirts work best. With regards to pants, the ideal will be zipper pants. “They’re just so practical.” You can buy them online from Columbia Sportswear, either online or at a store like Sportsmans Warehouse or your local fly fishing store. NosiLife anti-insect shirts and pants are also an excellent choice for a trip like this. There is no need for hiking shoes, flip-flops and comfy sneakers are all you need for your trip to the Pantanal.

You’re going to need a buff around your neck, a wide-rim hat and polarised sunglasses to protect you from the sun. Fly fishing gloves help prevent sunburn from the reflection of the sun from the water. (Your hands are out in the sun all day.)

Last but not least, toiletries. You can just pack the basics, but don’t forget your bug spray. Abri’s advice is that you take something stronger than Peaceful Sleep because the bugs in Brazil will “laugh at you”.

Your hand luggage is crucial – it is advised that you pack clothing for two days. You never know what can happen, flights get delayed, bags get lost or arrive late and you end up stuck without your belongings.

Pro tip: Take a photo of what your bag looks like as well as the contents of your luggage prior to leaving home, just in case your bag gets lost. Abri’s was misplaced for 5 days and they want to know exactly what was in your suitcase – so just take a picture with your phone and this will make claiming from insurance so much easier and transparent.

PS: The food there is amazing! You can expect lots of meat, fish and potatoes. Vegetarians and vegans are in for a rough ride. You’ll be eating potatoes.