Discovering the Birds and Maned Wolf Safari at Emas National Park, Brazil
- Jo O
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Nestled in the heart of Brazil’s Cerrado, Emas National Park is a biodiversity hotspot that feels like stepping into a living documentary. Spanning 1,320 square kilometers across Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a unique safari and birding experience focused on the enigmatic maned wolf and a dazzling array of bird species. If you’re drawn to the call of vibrant macaws or the sight of a “fox on stilts” prowling the grasslands, this is the adventure for you.
The Maned Wolf: A Star of the Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado)
The maned wolf, South America’s largest canid, is the undisputed star of Emas National Park. Standing three feet tall with long, slender legs and a reddish coat, it’s often described as a fox crossed with a gazelle. It always reminded me of the "Imperial Walker" from Star Wars as well! Unlike true wolves, maned wolves are solitary, roaming vast territories in search of small rodents, birds, and even berries. Their distinctive black mane and loping gait make them a thrilling sight, especially at dawn or dusk when they’re most active.
Birding is the World Brazil offers Safaris tailor made to maximize bird and wolf viewing with open safari vehicles to traverse the park’s fire roads, giving you an elevated view over the treeless savanna. Early morning drives are ideal, as the wolves hunt in the cool hours, often near termite mounds where prey is abundant. For photographers, the park’s golden grasslands provide a stunning backdrop, especially during the dry season (April to October) when visibility is high. It's important to know that we try to be as least invasive as possible. We are guests in this vast landscape and we should be polite and respectful.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Emas National Park is a birder’s dream, boasting over 350 bird species, including many endemic to the Cerrado. The park’s mosaic of grasslands, gallery forests, and wetlands creates diverse habitats that attract a kaleidoscope of avian life. Some highlights you might encounter are the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, Emas hosts one of the largest concentrations of these vibrant parrots outside the Amazon, the amazing Toco toucan, the rare and striking flycatcher Cock-tailed Tyrant, the flightless giants Greater Rhea, the endangered Hyacinth Macaw and much more!
Our tour to this unforgettable place combine vehicle safaris with short walks to explore different habitats. The park’s fire roads make it easy to access prime birding spots, and our local guides are "bird whisperers" and can help you spot elusive species like the Coal-crested Finch or White-winged Nightjar, the Maned wolf, Brazilian tapirs and more. The final cherry on top of the cake is that we conduct our tours in September. Why? Because this is when the termite mounds glow with bioluminescent beetle larvae—a surreal backdrop for nocturnal birding.
Ready to explore the wild? Join us on an unforgettable Maned Wolf Safari and Birding Tour!
Click and learn more: Maned Wolf Safari and Birds: in the Heart of the Brazilian Savanna, 2026
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