ABOUT US
Click the above image to see a video presentation of Viva Safaris' operations
Viva Safaris was established in 1991 by people that love wildlife. Family-owned and wholly South African, our aim has always been to enthusiastically share that love and passion with the thousands of satisfied tourists that have been through our hands. We do not aim for exclusivity - we have made our packages accessible to a wide range of pockets.
Lions on a kill made approximately 200 metres from Tremisana Lodge
We are aware that current tourists are a lot smarter, more price-conscious and have high expectations for their money. If one compares our tariffs to other safari operators, it is evident that our safaris are not only eminently affordable but also offer our guests a value-filled product with a personal touch. There can be no doubt that our safari products constitute the very best value for money tours to the Kruger Park.
Dining room overlooking Breakfast Dam at Marc's Treehouse Lodge
Viva Safaris is in the unique position of owning its own accommodation establishments. We are thus able to guarantee levels of excellence expected by our valued international guests. We offer a wide spectrum of products that are affordable to backpacker and bush connoisseur alike.
TREMISANA GAME LODGE is our flagship establishment and is relatively upmarket. It is the largest and leading Big Five game lodge in the Balule section of Kruger Park.. We have 15 chalets as well as a 2-bedroom guesthouse. All units are en suite and airconditioned. The exquisite gardens and water features make this camp a veritable oasis. Guests at Tremisana enjoy the best of both types of safaris : the traditional lodge operation includes a four hour bush walk and three hour sunset game drive on open Landcruisers while our guests will also enjoy a full day open vehicle safari in Kruger.
The water feature at Tremisana Lodge
MARC’S CAMP consists of 2 separate camps: Marc's Treehouse Lodge along the Klaserie River and our renovated Adventure Camp. Marc's Camp offers so much and it is very easy to understand why it has become a favourite venue for the ardent nature-lover.
Marc's Treehouse Lodge is a unique lodge beautifully positioned along the banks of the perennial Klaserie River. It is situated in the Motlala Game Reserve which has 3 of the Big 5 : Black and White Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard. The rustic treehouses are romantic and restful and blend perfectly into the bush.
One of the treehouses at Marc's Treehouse Lodge
Marc's Adventure Camp consists of 8 en suite chalets. The chalets have overhead fans, tiled floors and are supplied with towels and soap. There is a central Boma and swimming pool as well as a covered entertainment and lounge and dining room. It is a great favourite amongst the backpacking fraternity.
Chalets near pool at Marc's Adventure Camp
Safaris staying at the Adventure Camp are extremely well priced. The chalets constitute unbelievably good value accommodation when compared to other budget safaris offering small tents.
THE CHEETAH INN offers 21 airconditioned en suite comfortable rooms and thatched rondawels in idyllic bush surroundings. It is game-fenced and has antelope and small game. Beautifully manicured gardens, large long-established bushveld trees, a pond with local endemic fish and an aviary with South African finches all add to the wildlife experience.
Front patio at Cheetah Inn
SAFARIS TO TREMISANA LODGE, MARC'S TREEHOUSE LODGE, CHEETAH INN AND MARC'S ADVENTURE CAMP COMPARED - A SIMPLIFIED GUIDE FOR OUR GUESTS
Viva Safaris tourists regularly request advice as to which destination, Tremisana Lodge, Marc’s Ttreehouse Lodge, Cheetah Inn or Marc's Adventure Camp they should book a safari. We are often asked why there is a significant difference in tariffs.
At the outset, we should profile the guests staying at the four camps :
Guests at Marc's Treehouse Lodge and Marc's Adventure Camp are adventurous and young at heart. They are prepared to forfeit certain luxuries in the pursuit of a real African bush experience. They certainly are not afraid of frogs and spiders. The Treehouse Lodge is unique and caters for tourists of very differing financial means whereas the Adventure Camp is designed for backpackers.
Guests at Tremisana are generally more mature and are accustomed to simple luxuries. Of course they are still in the bush and may also encounter frogs and spiders, but these are unlikely to be in the chalets. Guests at Tremisana appreciate the compactness of the camp as well as the easy accessibility of all features and amenities.
Guests at Cheetah Inn are attracted by the cheaper tariffs. The Cheetah Inn has limited animals and has less of a ‘bush’ feel. It is most suitable for families with young children.
Guests enjoy the open country feel of the camp.
Tremisana is electrically fenced as elephant are common. On the other hand, the animals at Marc’s are free to move throughout the camp. Nyala and buffalo are often seen grazing below the treehouses and outside the chalets of the Adventure camp.
Elephants at front gate of Tremisana
Accommodation is very different. The treehouses at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge are made of canvas and reed walls as opposed to the conventional brick and mortar walls at Marc’s Adventure Camp, Tremisana and Cheetah Inn. As a result there is reduced climate control in the treehouses. If it is cold and windy, then the reed walls offer limited protection. Tremisana and Cheetah Inn chalets all have air conditioning, so that in the very hot summer months between October and March, the chalets are pleasantly comfortable. Air conditioning also has another advantage : mosquitoes do not like cold air, so once the air conditioner is switched on, the mosquitoes along with all other insects, disappear. Our clients tell us that the fans and mosquito nets in the treehouses are just as effective. Chalets at Marc’s Adventure Camp also have fans and mosquito nets.
Mosquito net over bed at Treehouse Lodge
The treehouses are not completely insect-proof or even frog- proof insofar as there are small gaps between the reeds and the thatched roofs, but this adds to the adventure !
In the Tremisana and Cheetah Inn chalets, there are no gaps between walls and roofs. The doors have rubber at their bases to keep out insects and other creepy-crawlies. The windows of the chalets are burglar-proofed and are covered by insect-proof screens whereas the windows of the treehouses have a roll-up canvas cover.
There are other differences : The Tremisana and Cheetah Inn chalets have a tea/coffee station. Tremisana chalets are supplied with shampoos and insect repellant and have mats over the tiled floors. The finishes at Tremisana are generally better and the beds are more comfortable. All the chalets at Tremisana, Cheetah Inn and Marc’s Adventure Camp have en suite ablutions. Four of the twelve treehouses ( the original treehouses ) at Marc’s have private, but not en suite, ablutions, as do the four tents. This means that people booking a safari to Marc’s Treehouse Lodge cannot be guaranteed en suite facilities, but will probably enjoy showering under the stars !
Interior of Tremisana chalet
Tremisana has a better wildlife prestige status insofar as it is Big Five. It is part of Kruger Park as there are no fences to Kruger, whereas Marc’s is in a Big Three ( Rhino; Buffalo and Leopard ) enclosed reserve. Cheetah Inn has sightings of Leopard every now and then.
Meals at Tremisana are generally better and the overall tone of the lodge is upmarket compared to Marc’s Treehouse Lodge, Cheetah Inn and Marc's Adventure Camp. Marc’s Treehouse Lodge has a better “ bush ” feel about it, whereas the manicured gardens at Tremisana and Cheetah Inn lend a different dimension to the experience.
Guest takes a brilliant photo of close-up elephant
Perhaps the most important difference is in terms of activities. At Tremisana there is an additional game drive, the “Sunrise ” morning drive. The 4h bush walk is only offered to clients doing all our 4,5 and 6 day safaris. This appeals to guests who appreciate the opportunity of encountering lion and elephant on foot.
Tremisana safaris also include a 3h Game Drive at the Big Five Tshukudu Game Reserve which is always very productive in terms of Big Five sightings.
Viva Safaris believe that all our lodges offer exceptional value for money. When compared to other operators, we are convinced that all of our safari experiences offer way better wildlife experiences.
In summary :
Budget-conscious backpackers should be encouraged to book safaris staying at Marc’s Adventure Camp or the four tents at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge.
Adventure-minded tourists who are seeking a real African bush experience should be encouraged to book safaris staying at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge.
Budget-conscious tourists who are seeking comfortable en suite chalet accommodation should be encouraged to book safaris staying at the Cheetah Inn.
Tourists looking for Big Five lodge accommodation and who enjoy a little pampering both in terms of game-viewing activities and relatively upmarket facilities should be encouraged to book safaris at Tremisana Game Lodge.
Unless they request otherwise, all Fly-In safaris are accommodated at Tremisana Lodge.
MAP OF OUR LODGES
Click above to view a map of the area. Our lodges are highlighted with a white asterisk
GPS COORDINATES
Marc’s Camp
Lat = S24° 29.79'
Long = E31° 4.47'
Cheetah Inn
Lat = S24° 29.56'
Long = E31° 5.07'
Tremisana
Lat = S24° 13.65'
Long = E30° 52.15'
MAIN REASON FOR VIVA SAFARIS' SUCCESS
Travel agents that have been supporting us for over 20 years advise that the reason they continue to support Viva Safaris is to be found in the VARIETY of the wildlife experiences we offer. Big Five game drives in private reserves; Big Five walks accompanied by armed rangers; full day Kruger Park safaris on open vehicles; safaris at Tshukudu Game Lodge and visits to Moholoholo Rehab Centre combine perfectly to produce an unforgettable wildlife experience.
BLACK EMPOWERMENT
Viva Safaris has always sought to look after its staff, especially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. To this end, we employ a labour law specialist to implement all the latest Government labour regulations pertaining to conditions of employment and wages.
In addition, we have an unequalled record in promoting our local staff. Through in-house training, we have succeeded in elevating members of our staff from humble positions such as carpenter, cleaner and cook to managers of our camps. At present the managers are as follows :
Marc's : Ronald Masango
Tremisana : Alice Ndebele
GENERAL INFORMATION
TRANSFERS to and from Gauteng to our accommodation establishments are in airconditioned Toyota Quantums. We offer you excellent security as we conduct door-to-door collection from your homes, hotels, hostels or Oliver Tambo Airport, thus ensuring your safety. Lunchstops are made at Dullstroom or Nelspruit.
THE SUNSET DRIVE affords you your first opportunity of seeing Africa’s animals. Our qualified guide will take you on our open 4 x 4 Landcruiser Game Drive. Stops will be made to photograph the stunning sunsets and to listen to the night sounds. Spotlights are used to locate elusive nocturnal animals.
Our open Gameviewer close up to an elephant
SAFARIS IN KRUGER are conducted on eight-seater or nine-seater open gameviewing vehicles. The open gameviewers offer elevated vantage positions from where your gameviewing and photographic opportunities are greatly enhanced. All our gameviewing vehicles are 4 x 4 conversions with access to all roads in all weather conditions.
Viva clients in close proximity to lions
THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON , including the THREE RONDAWELS, is visited on the return journey
Three Rondawels at Blyde River Canyon
TARIFFS include all transfers, all entry fees, all game drives and game walks and accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Excluded are lunches, drinks, gratuities and personal items. Tariffs are valid for the full calendar year.
WHY VIVA ?
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Our products offer unbeatable value for money
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No problem with your safety and security - we collect you from your home/ hotel/ hostel / airport
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Excellent accommodation in air-conditioned en suite chalets at Tremisana and Cheetah Inn and in fascinating treehouses and en suite chalets at Marc's Camp
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Daily departures
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Unequalled variety of wildlife experiences
Our armed ranger conducting a bush walk.
WHAT TO BRING ?
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Casual neutral-coloured clothes by day and a coat for sunset drive
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Sunhat, sunglasses, swimming gear, walking shoes
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Suncreen and insect repellant
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Flashlight, binoculars and photographic equipment
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Money for lunches, drinks and personal expenses
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A keen pair of eyes to help us spot all the animals !
INDEMNITY FORMS must be signed at the start of your safari. We recommend that you take out insurance against personal accident, medical expenses and baggage loss.
PRE and POST SAFARI ACCOMMODATION is available at our company guest lodge, MoAfrika Lodge. Contact Anthony on info@moafrika.com.
RECENT GUEST FEEDBACK
"This is the place for you if you want to be part of something really special"
Tremisana Lodge
Sara T - London
August 24, 2011
Staying at Tremisana with Viva Safaris was everything and more that I hoped for. Such value for money; there are no hidden extras and all is included except a few lunches, drinks and tips. I did the six day tour which I'd highly recommend as it includes an invaluable trip to a rehabilitation clinic which also offers education for local children about their local wildlife and protecting it from very real threats of poachers. Travelling on my own, I had new international friends every day, a real sense of community and family. By the time I left I had seen all the 'Big Five' & had delicious meals but I also felt like I was leaving old friends in the staff, the rangers (especially Pieter, Mayneth and Bongani) but also the ever smiling ladies who cooked and took care of me. The icing on the cake is the hostess whose enthusiasm, charm and natural good humour is infectious. Every morning I woke up excited for the individually tailored programme and learnt so much about the Bush, the wildlife and also why South Africans have so much to be proud of in their land and in their people. Don't think about it go, book and enjoy-you won't regret it.
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"An awesome African Wildlife experience"
Tremisana Lodge
Pat G - Durban, South Africa
October 5, 2011
My husband and I spent an absolutely awesome long weekend break at Tremisana Lodge. We both love the outdoors and getting as close as possible to wildlife is our passion so this was just what we needed as a break from the hectic city life - it is food for the soul. The accommodation was spacious and airconditioned and I absolutely loved the breakfast in the lapa and dinner tables in the outdoors right next to the fire. The staff are especially welcoming and friendly and I was amazed at the wealth of knowledge that they provided us with. The weekend was very full and exceptionally planned with such a variety of game viewing that there was never a dull moment. We had sundowner, sunrise and night game drives, a game walk and an amazing day trip to Kruger. There were many highlights for me and I make special mention of being within 3 metres of a roaring lion which made me really appreciate why he is the "king" of the jungle. Wimpie our guide managed to catch a night jar for us on the night drive so that we could experience the silky feel of his plumage - that was a real wow moment for me. We saw all the wildlife on our wish list with the exception of the elusive leopard. It was a real safari adventure and I can definitely say "Viva" to Viva Safaris and we will definitely be back next year.
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"Fantastic Kruger Experience"
Tremisana Game Lodge
Melbourne, Australia
Sep 17, 2010 | Trip type: Solo travel
I went to South Africa for the soccer world cup, and I thought what better way to fill the gap between the semi-finals and the final but to go on Safari. I booked my trip with Viva Safaris, and the customer service and experience was superb throughout.
I booked the trip about a month before the tournament, and was pleasantly surprised to see how Viva Safaris had not hiked up its prices for the tournament, which every other hotel and tour guide had seemed to do. With Viva Safaris’ attention to detail, they picked me up directly from my hostel in Jo'burg in the morning on time, with a driver full of character and extensive knowledge of the surrounding areas. It is a hefty drive up to Kruger (about 5 hours), so I would recommend flying if finances allow, but I found the journey enjoyable and an opportunity to meet new people who I am still in touch with now.
The lodge itself is very relaxed, with the rooms designed to provide a truly South African feel with the thatched roofs. The lodge is just inside the compounds of Kruger National Park, and comes with its unofficial resident monkeys that add to the whole safari experience. Every night the hosts would cook up local African cuisine that we would all eat in front of an open fire and discuss the sightings of the day. I really enjoyed the home-cooked food (such as impala stew), which really added to the experience of being away from a major city. The owners of the lodge would always join us for dinner and provide insights into recommendations and things to look for when out on the Safari.
The safari itself (I went on a sunset drive, a full day drive, and a sunrise drive) was one of the highlights of my trip; with the open top vehicles allowing you to get incredibly close to the animals. It’s a strange experience as you know you have seen most of the animals before in a zoo, but it makes it feel that much more special to actually find the animals in their natural habitat. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and in keeping the number in each car small, it allowed not only for a comfortable drive, but also for the guides to explore different areas of the park, and sharing knowledge about sightings during the day, allowing us to see as much wildlife as possible.
Overall, this was an amazing experience and this is all thanks to Viva Safaris - I recommend anyone to use this company when looking to go on Safari.
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"Tarzan and Jane style!!"
Marc's Treehouse Lodge
greefrogBrisbane - Brisbane, Australia
October 15, 2011
We wanted something different for our last week in Africa and chose the 6-day Viva Safari Kruger safari with 1 night/2 days at Tremisana Lodge (refer review), and 4 nights at Marc's treehouse lodge.
After Tremisana Lodge, Marc's was very basic but located in the real African bush - you really felt like Tarzan and Jane in the treehouses and it was so totally relaxing and serene with the nyalas wondering the grounds.
There are various treehouses scattered throughout their immense grounds - some overlooking the waterhole near the eating areas - which we were lucky to get (some may think unlucky) but we were very happy with number 10 with ensuite - double bed and 2 single beds so quite spacious for our time there.
There are many treehouses located further away and with early morning safaris you certainly don't want to forget something in your treehouse as it's a long way to go back to get what you leave behind when people are waiting for you.
Bea is the hostess at Marc's Treehouse and she's lovely and very accommodating. Breakfast is served overlooking the waterhole and consists of cereal, coffee/tea, juice, and alternates - one day you'll get fruit salad and the next eggs, bacon and baked beans.
Dinners are served in the Boma area and you get a 3 course meal every night with delicious homemade soup for starters. You won't be disappointed. A limited variety of wine/beer etc. can be purchased at a reasonable price from the bar.
In our Treehouse package, we were offered, 2 full days at Kruger NP which was amazing, 1/2 a day at the Moholoholo Rehab Centre which is a must do experience (if offered), a one hour early morning walk and a couple of sunset, afternoon safari drives. If you think you're coming here for a rest - think again - it's anything but - you are up really early - the monkeys make sure of that, then you eat breakfast at 7.15am, board the open safari vehicles by 8am and off you go. You return after 6pm most nights - in time for a shower, a drink and dinner!!!
You'd have to forfeit the safari activities if you wanted to laze around the pool - but you're in Africa to experience the safaris so who needs a pool ..... right????
The treehouses have everything you need including nets over the beds - we didn't experience many mosquitoes in October but as the wet season approaches I'm sure there'd be many. We took one of those plug in mozzie zappers just to be safe, as there are many gaps in between the floors, walls, roof etc and no glass on windows!!!! It's primitive so if you like 3 stars or more - go elsewhere. If you're adventurous and want something totally different this is the place for you.
Be warned, you'll have spiders, frogs and even monkeys ransacking your room if you leave food lying around but that's part of the fun of this place!!!
Buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, nyalas, monkeys are common throughout the grounds - this is a nature reserve and these animals may keep you awake at night with their sounds!!! We wanted something different for our last week in Africa and chose the 6-day Viva Safari Kruger safari with 1 night/2 days at Tremisana Lodge (refer review), and 4 nights at Marc's treehouse lodge.
After Tremisana Lodge, Marc's was very basic but located in the real African bush - you really felt like Tarzan and Jane in the treehouses and it was so totally relaxing and serene with the nyalas wondering the grounds.
There are various treehouses scattered throughout their immense grounds - some overlooking the waterhole near the eating areas - which we were lucky to get (some may think unlucky) but we were very happy with number 10 with ensuite - double bed and 2 single beds so quite spacious for our time there.
There are many treehouses located further away and with early morning safaris you certainly don't want to forget something in your treehouse as it's a long way to go back to get what you leave behind when people are waiting for you.
Bea is the hostess at Marc's Treehouse and she's lovely and very accommodating. Breakfast is served overlooking the waterhole and consists of cereal, coffee/tea, juice, and alternates - one day you'll get fruit salad and the next eggs, bacon and baked beans.
Dinners are served in the Boma area and you get a 3 course meal every night with delicious homemade soup for starters. You won't be disappointed. A limited variety of wine/beer etc. can be purchased at a reasonable price from the bar.
In our Treehouse package, we were offered, 2 full days at Kruger NP which was amazing, 1/2 a day at the Moholoholo Rehab Centre which is a must do experience (if offered), a one hour early morning walk and a couple of sunset, afternoon safari drives. If you think you're coming here for a rest - think again - it's anything but - you are up really early - the monkeys make sure of that, then you eat breakfast at 7.15am, board the open safari vehicles by 8am and off you go. You return after 6pm most nights - in time for a shower, a drink and dinner!!!
You'd have to forfeit the safari activities if you wanted to laze around the pool - but you're in Africa to experience the safaris so who needs a pool ..... right????
The treehouses have everything you need including nets over the beds - we didn't experience many mosquitoes in October but as the wet season approaches I'm sure there'd be many. We took one of those plug in mozzie zappers just to be safe, as there are many gaps in between the floors, walls, roof etc and no glass on windows!!!! It's primitive so if you like 3 stars or more - go elsewhere. If you're adventurous and want something totally different this is the place for you.
Bewarn, you'll have spiders, frogs and even monkeys ransacking your room if you leave food lying around but that's part of the fun of this place!!!
Buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, nyalas, monkeys are common throughout the grounds - this is a nature reserve and these animals may keep you awake at night with their sounds!!!
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“Fantastic - A real taste of Africa”
Marc's Treehouse Lodge
Katie Beardie, Scotland
Sep 19, 2010 | Trip type: Solo travel
Just returned from a 6 day stay at Marc's Treehouse Lodge. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who has a spirit of adventure. I was picked up from J'burg and transferred to Treehouse Lodge, the trip takes around 5 hours but you stop for lunch and a few comfort breaks. I stayed at Treehouse No.7 which was very spacious and is en suite. There is access to a balcony which provides an excellent view of the river which is used by buffalo and monkeys. No need for alarm clocks..the monkeys wake you up in time for Breakfast in the morning. Would recommend that you live out your rucksack during your stay as the monkeys will come into your treehouse when you are out if any food items are left lying around. I had no trouble with insects although the odd frog would pay me a visit. Treehouse No. 7 is approximately a 4 minute walk to the main reception area. Although the pathway has lighting I would suggest taking a small torch. There is electricity in each Treehouse and the showers are hot. The food was exceptional especially the soup. A hearty breakfast of cereal, eggs, bacon and beans with toast and muffins sets you up for your itineraries. Breakfast is at 7am and dinner is at 8pm. Alice is the perfect host and will always go that extra mile to ensure you have a perfect stay. I found it very well organised and the guides are very informative and amusing, especially Isaac. Although I travelled solo, I never once felt on my own. It is a great opportunity to meet other people from all over the world and we all bonded well. The whole setting is very peaceful and beautiful. Don't miss the bush walk or a trip to Moholoholo Rehab Centre. As your day starts early, most people retire just after dinner, we did however sit round the pit fire and drank a few beers before going to bed around 10pm or earlier. Game drives were excellent in the open vehicle and blankets are provided. Swimming pool is also great to cool down after your game drives. If you are looking for an adventure in Africa look no more Marc's Treehouse has it all. After the 6 day stay at the Treehouse I transferred to Tremisana Lodge which I would also thoroughly recommend. If anyone would like further information please drop me an email. Thank you Piero and all you staff for a wonderful experience of a lifetime.
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