Welcome to the untamed beauty and incredible wildlife of Venezuela’s savanna. A place where adventure and biodiversity await.
Going to Venezuela for a safari sounds somehow unnatural. Safaris are always in Africa and the idea of a safari in South America makes no sense, right? Well, Venezuela offers a unique safari experience in the sprawling savanna regions known as Los Llanos.
This area, rich in biodiversity, is dotted with various hatos (ranches) that provide immersive wildlife experiences. From all of them, I chose Hato El Cedral for its size and biodiversity. However, there are several hatos across Los Llanos where you can embark on this wild adventure.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your safari in Venezuela, including the best time to visit, how to get there, and the activities you can enjoy.
Understanding a Safari in South America
The Llanos, or plains, of Venezuela and Colombia are renowned for their rich biodiversity and offer a unique safari experience. Unlike the savannas of Africa, where the first images that come to mind are elephants and lions, South American safaris focus on different species and landscapes. Big cats like jaguars and pumas roam around, as well as other unique species from South America like anacondas or piranhas. While the chances of seeing a jaguar are almost zero, with some luck, you might spot a puma, especially during the dry season.
I did a “South American safari” already in Guyana, and I loved the experience of being a cowboy for a day. Now in Venezuela, I get to fulfill that dream again.
Safari in Africa vs. Safari in South America
African safaris are famous for the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). In contrast, a South American safari in Los Llanos offers a different but equally fascinating array of wildlife:
- Capybaras: These giant rodents are commonly seen in large groups near water. Spotting over 1,000 capybaras in a single outing is not uncommon.
- Orinoco Crocodiles: These endangered crocodiles are a highlight of the region.
- Anacondas: One of the largest snake species, often spotted in the wetlands.
- Birds: With over 350 bird species, including the striking scarlet ibis and jabiru storks, birdwatching in Los Llanos is unparalleled.
- Pumas: While rare, the possibility of spotting a puma increases during the dry season when water sources are limited.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Los Llanos for a safari largely depends on what you want to experience:
- Dry Season (November to April): Water levels recede, making wildlife more visible around water sources. It’s the best time for game viewing and anaconda spotting. However, temperatures can be high, and the landscape is less lush. The dry season also increases the chances of spotting elusive pumas as they come closer to the water sources.
- Wet Season (May to October): The savanna transforms into a lush, green landscape. This season offers stunning scenery, but wildlife is more dispersed due to the abundance of water. Horse riding through flooded plains and witnessing the vibrant birdlife are unique experiences during this time. The wet season also brings an influx of migratory birds, adding to the already impressive avian diversity.
How to Get to the Venezuela Savanna
Reaching the Venezuelan savanna, particularly the hatos in Los Llanos, requires careful planning. I’m not going to make it sound easy because its not. Getting here was a pain in the ass and this would be the only reason, why I would think twice to come back here again. Here are your main options:
By Air + Taxi
Flights from Caracas to Barinas or San Fernando de Apure cost around $70-$90 USD one way and can be booked online. From these cities, you can hire a taxi to Hato el Cedral or other nearby hatos. A one-way ride costs about $150-$200 USD and can be arranged independently or through the hato itself.
Hato el Cedral gave me the contact from someone who charges 200 USD one way. However, I was able to negotiate a better price with another driver after my arrival.
INSIDER TIP:
I can provide a contact for a reliable taxi via Instagram. The drive from Barinas takes approximately 3 hours, while from San Fernando de Apure, it’s about 2 hours.
By Public Transport
Getting to Hato el Cedral from anywhere by public transport is not an easy task. My friend and blogger Joan Torres from Against the Compass did it, but I need to warn you that this is an experience that requires time and most of all, nerves!
Getting to el Hato is already a nightmare from the nearby cities. There might be a connection with 2-3 buses to get there, but you would require to plan at least 1 day to travel only 150 km. To get there, hire a taxi. However, you can travel from the hato to Caracas by bus. This connection takes around 16 hours and costs $25-$30 USD. These buses are a cost-effective option, but they can be uncomfortable and time-consuming.
You can arrange everything directly at the Hato you want to stay.
By Private Transport
Rent a Car
Renting a car is not recommended as rental companies typically do not allow crossing state borders. If you are traveling with a local, your chances of finding a company that permits this are higher. However, it is crucial to verify the terms and conditions before renting.
I wish I could have rent a car, as this seemed to be the easiest choice. Unfortunately, no company let us leave the region we rented the car.
Hire a Taxi
Hiring a taxi from Barinas to Hato el Cedral costs around $150-$200 USD for a one-way trip. The drive takes about 3 hours. I found a driver who took me and a friend from Merida to Hato el Cedral (an 8-hour trip), waited for us for 2 days, and then returned us to Merida for $500 USD. Although it was impractical to return to Merida, we had already bought tickets from Merida to Caracas.
Which Hato is the Best for You?
Here are some notable hatos in Los Llanos, each offering a unique experience:
- Hato El Cedral: Known for its extensive wildlife and raw adventure, Hato el Cedral offers a three-day safari package (2 nights) for around $300 for foreigners and $150 for locals. This hato focuses heavily on wildlife conservation and provides guided tours to see a variety of animals.
- Hato El Frio: This hato is famous for its luxury accommodations and extensive conservation programs. It offers a more comfortable stay with modern amenities.
- Hato Piñero: Combining wildlife experiences with agricultural tours, Hato Piñero provides an educational experience about sustainable farming practices alongside wildlife viewing.
- Hato Masaguaral: Focused on research and conservation, Hato Masaguaral offers unique opportunities to learn about ongoing ecological studies and participate in conservation efforts.
Most hatos accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry some cash in case of any issues with card payments.
Read more: How money works in Venezuela
What Activities Can You Do?
Los Llanos offers a variety of activities that allow you to experience its diverse wildlife and landscapes.
Horse Riding in the Water
During the wet season, horse riding through the flooded plains is a unique and picturesque experience. This activity allows you to explore areas that are otherwise inaccessible and offers a different perspective of the landscape.
Game Drive
Game drives are essential for spotting wildlife such as capybaras, caimans, anacondas, deer, and numerous bird species. The dry season is particularly good for these drives as animals congregate around the remaining water sources.
Boat Rides
Boat rides provide opportunities to see river dolphins, birds, and Orinoco crocodiles. Sunset rides offer a chance to observe nocturnal animals starting their activities. These boat rides are serene and offer a close-up view of the aquatic life in the region.
Crocodile and Alligator Feeding
Feeding sessions are both thrilling and educational, offering close encounters with these powerful reptiles. Guides typically feed the animals while explaining their behaviors and ecological roles.
Anaconda Search
Anaconda searches are best during the dry season when water levels are low, making these giant snakes easier to spot. Guided tours increase your chances of finding these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
Farm Activities
Participating in farm activities provides insight into the traditional way of life in the savanna, including cattle herding and sustainable farming practices. These activities are educational and offer a hands-on experience.
Birdwatching
With over 350 bird species, Los Llanos is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times for birdwatching tours. The region’s diverse birdlife includes many colorful and exotic species that are a delight to observe.
Read more: How to get a visa for Venezuela as an American
Is It Worth It?
This section of Venezuela is extremely remote, and with Venezuela being isolated, you need a strong desire to see these wildlife experiences. The inaccessibility and the fact that car rentals do not allow crossing state borders add to the challenge. However, Los Llanos is one of the most beautiful remote areas of South America. If you want to experience nature with few others around, this could be for you.
While I prefer safaris in Africa, Colombia might have potential to compete with this kind of experience in the near future. Until then, Venezuela offers a unique adventure.
As I also mentioned, Guyana was another place where I got the chance to do a South American safari. However, prices in Guyana easily double or triple and the wildlife experience is not as special as it was in Venezuela.
Los Llanos offers a unique and rewarding experience, showcasing the region’s incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Despite the challenges of accessibility and limited infrastructure, the opportunity to see rare wildlife and immerse yourself in a remote and pristine environment makes it a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts.
Read more: Internet in Venezuela – How to be connected at all times.
Stay Connected
I got a local SIM card, which worked well in big cities but had no signal in nature. Hato el Cedral offers basic Wi-Fi services, but do not expect high-speed connectivity. It’s advisable to inform your contacts about limited connectivity before heading out.
Health and Safety
Due to Venezuela’s isolation, you can be detained and questioned as tourism is almost non-existent. My American friend and I were detained for an hour, which was a bit annoying but manageable. Always carry identification and be prepared to explain your travel plans.
Read more: How to get around in Venezuela
A safari in Venezuela’s Los Llanos offers a unique and rewarding experience, showcasing the region’s incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Despite the challenges of accessibility and limited infrastructure, the opportunity to see rare wildlife and immerse yourself in a remote and pristine environment makes it a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure and a chance to experience the wild side of South America, Los Llanos is worth the journey.
