April 2025
From time to time, our Viva tourists who are interested in plants, ask about the huge Rubber Tree near the swimming pool at Tremisana.
The tree is, in fact, a fig, FICUS ELASTICA
It is an introduced species, native to subtropical South East Asia. My research indicates that it, like our Common Myna bird, was introduced to South Africa from India. It has established itself in KwaZulu Natal and the Lowveld and is a large spreading tree that affords deep shade, restricting growth beneath it. This specific tree was helpful in stopping the fire we had 2 years ago from moving from the Owners House to the chalets at Tremisana.
It is called the Rubber Tree on account of the milky white sap (toxic to humans) that may be tapped from the tree’s bark. It was commercially cultivated for rubber. With the rise in production of a superior quality Rubber Tree, HEVEA BRASILIENSIS, Ficus Elastica fell into commercial disuse.
The Rubber Tree produces figs in summer and we have seen some lovely fructivorous birds such as Trumpeter Hornbill, Green Pigeon, Purple-Crested Touraco and Violet-backed Starling feeding on the figs.
What I find particularly interesting is that reproduction requires a specific wasp pollinator, an Agonid Wasp, PLEISTODONTES CLAVIGER. I am told that all rubber trees need specific wasp pollinators. I have indicated to our staff that all wasps must be left alone to do their thing.
I see our guides have been passionately doing their thing as witnessed by some great photos this month.
GAME VIEWING REPORTS FROM OUR GUIDES
BNR = Balule Nature Reserve
KNP = Kruger National Park
LUKE, Head Ranger, sent the following:
Monthly Report for April 2025
The month of April has been a busy one with many guests from around the world making their way to South Africa to enjoy the wonders of nature with Viva Safaris.
These lucky guests have been treated to some great sightings of all different types of animals and, of course, the well-known big five.
The game drives in Balule have been thrilling , we’ve even managed to find all kinds of exciting animals during the game drives and bushwalks.
My most memorable has to be a Sunset Drive. We headed out with no updates other than loads of elephants on Campfire property.
We popped in to view the beautiful elephants and then headed towards the Barnards property.
Elephants on Campfire property during Sunset Drive, BNR.
Luck was definitely on our side as we drove up to Kambaku dam, there lying next to the water, was a beautiful male leopard.
Leopard relaxing at Kambaku dam during Sunset Drive, Barnards , BNR
While watching the leopard scanning its surrounds, a white rhino slowly appeared from the east and came down to drink, incredible. 
White Rhino drinking during Sunset Drive BNR
Later on the same drive, we came across a pride of lions on the nonwane/barnards cutline. When we arrived, the lions were relaxing on the road, and we continued to follow them as they began to move. Some of them chased each other playfully while one climbed a tree. 
Lion pride on Nonwane/Barnards cutline during Sunset Drive. BNR
This was followed by dinner under the stars at Marula Boma, a beautiful way to end a successful day.
The bushwalks have been great, and the Olifants River is flowing well mainly thanks to rains in the Highveld.
The hippos pods are all along the river, the largest pod being about 25 individuals, that we see on a regular basis.
The hippos spend most of their time during the day just lazing about in the water, but we sometimes catch some action between the bulls. It’s always great to see them up close interacting amongst one another.
I had an interesting sighting with a large Nile crocodile, feeding on a baby hippo. It was a fast sighting as the crocodile moved off the bank quickly, with the hippo in his jaws.
Another great month in the African bush.
Lions in trees along Olifants road just east of Tremisana. During a Sundowner Drive BNR
I am very grateful to Luke, our Head Ranger, for the weekly wildlife contributions he posts on our Guides group. They certainly will give all our rangers a little extra info that can be passed on to our guests.
MARC sent the following:
April has been a productive month for Viva Safaris which has meant staff and guides have been working around the clock to keep our guests happy. I personally have been required to do a lot more guiding than normal.
The early mornings and late evenings have started to become nice and chilly and we have added blankets to our vehicles for all morning and evening activities so our guests can stay cosy and warm whilst witnessing the beauty of the bush.
I’ve been up before 5am most of April assisting with either the Big 5 Bush Walk or the early morning game drives. Getting up nice and early makes the days feel quite a bit longer but has also given me the opportunity to really enjoy some spectacular sunrises and immerse myself in nature as the bush is most alive just as the sun starts to rise.
The birds start waking up with a chorus of chirping and chattering and the impalas start stretching and moving about after a long cool dark night. The cats are also more active just at sunrise and we have been fortunate enough to have seen our resident big male lion in the road more often than not which makes waking up early even that much more exciting. 
Resident Male Lion near Tremisana
As in March our cat sightings have continued to escalate from the Summer months. We have had a great number of both Leopard and Lion sightings which has made our game drives in Balule successful and enjoyable.
Male Leopard, Barnards BNR
We have enjoyed lions eating a zebra and impalas as well as leopards eating impalas up in trees that have been very close to the road.
Dominant Male Lion on Zebra Kill, Barnards BNR
My brother Anthony came to visit us for his birthday. On the morning of his Birthday he joined me for the early morning game drive and we were fortunate enough to see a close up of a big male leopard drinking at a dam. That same evening we saw a different leopard busy stalking some impala.
There is a new big bull elephant in town. They call him Freddie Jaha or Freddie Boy named after a young conservationist. The sheer bulk size of him, his legs, trunk and tusks are just massive which definitely classifies him as a Big Tusker. He can almost compete in size with our very own Tusker Ezulwini.
Freddie the new Big Tusker on BNR
Even though I’ve had many close cat encounters this month, my best sighting by far came when we saw a Black Rhino cow and her calf. We then followed these two Rhinos slowly into the bush, and 100m later to our amazement they led us into a herd of over 100 Buffalo. Seeing these Rhinos and the Buffalo interact within such close proximity is rare and extremely exciting. The Black Rhino as well as the Buffalo are sometimes territorial and certainly two of the most dangerous of all the Big 5.
Black Rhino mom and calf with Buffalo BNR
They seemed quite relaxed with each other. Once the Rhinos kept moving off into the bush we were left with the herd of 100 Buffaloes surrounding us. All of a sudden, the bulls started getting excited and began chasing and pushing each other out the way until we saw a big bull mount a cow – I presume she was in oestrus. Then there were more bulls all fighting and pushing each other trying to mount several other cows, this truly was an extraordinary sighting.
I include these three excellent photos courtesy of client Neave Gee-Farey:
Until next month,
Marc
CHARL sent the following:
Charl tracking for Marc on afternoon drive
Elephant seen at Tremisana Dam, BNR.
Wild dog in the road at Kruger
Lion on Zebra kill Barnards BNR
White Rhino in Kruger
QUINTON sent the following:
Banded Mongoose seen at Marc’s Camp
Hinge-back Tortoise seen at Marc’s Camp
Panoramic view near Abel Erasmus pass
Spotted Hyena seen at Marc’s Camp
I note Quinton is enjoying the panoramic views. He assists with transfers from our lodges to Dullstroom and back.
VICTOR sent the following:
Male Lion with cubs east of Nwanetsi bridge near Satara KNP
Leopard H7 west of Nsemani dam near Satara KNP
Male Buffalo road S39 near Timbavati picnic spot KNP
Elephant on Rome 1 BNR
RAYMOND sent the following:
Elephant cow and calf, KNP
Lion and kill BNR
Giraffes on S106 KNP
Wild Dog on H7 2km from Orpen KNP
SMILY sent the following:
14 April: We saw one big male Lion on Barnard at the sodic soil BNR
17 April: We saw a male Elephant at KNP.
21 April: We saw Hyenas in Kruger Park H7
22 April: We saw Hippo at Tremisana property BNR
ROCKY sent the following:
Breeding herd of Buffalo on H7 KNP
Male Lion with an Elephant in the background on S106 KNP
Breeding herd of Elephant crossing the H7 KNP
A pack of Wild Dogs was spotted on Tremisana property during Sunset Drive BNR
ANDY sent the following:
Impala in mid-air with Elephants at Tremisana Lapa waterhole BNR
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This family was looking at close-up Elephants at Tremisana, from the lapa, BNR
Elephant at Tremisana parking lot BNR
This elephant was spotted on the Sable and Olifants road junction BNR. Raymond looks happy.
Elvis and White Rhino BNR
Magnificent male Lion on Campfire property BNR
GEORGE conducted a tour to Hluhluwe and St Lucia:
Giraffe near Hilltop Camp Hluhluwe
Close up White Rhino
PIERO:
I did not visit our lowveld lodges this month, but I did arrive, unannounced and unexpected, at Pumusa Camp in Hluhluwe. On my return, I drove through the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and had good sightings of lion brothers on the road and a lovely herd of buffalos.
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA has had some wonderful sightings this month. The animals are not afraid to come close to the waterhole in front of the Lapa where guests have their meals. There have been some remarkable sightings this month including elephant, buffalo, lions, hyena and wild dogs. The waterhole is illuminated and some guests spend their time waiting for special sightings late at night. I have personally seen, amongst others, lions, leopard, honey badgers, civet, porcupine and genets at this great waterhole late at night.
Wild Dogs at Tremisana BNR
NYARAI reports as follows:
Tremisana Report April 2025
The month of April has been the busiest month so far this year, with the Easter holiday taking the crown. I was fortunate enough to be on break over the Easter holiday. It is one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, most Easters were spent in church with my parents. Some of my fondest memories of them were beautifully made on this holiday. Much appreciation to everyone who was working while I was on break.
This month, the animal sightings in Balule were fantastic. We have had the usual elephants, impala, warthog, etc, coming to the lodge. My top two sightings in Balule Nature Reserve for the month were a lion and a rhino. The male lion was west of the Kambaku Dam on Barnards, and the white rhino was on BNR.
Outside the reception, I came across a cluster of mushrooms. Picking up mushrooms requires one to take precautions. Some mushrooms can be poisonous. It is important to identify edible mushrooms accurately. Due to my limited knowledge about mushrooms, I thought a picture would be better than picking them up and deciding if they were edible or not. I was later advised not to eat them.
“On the subject of wild mushrooms, it is easy to tell who is an expert and who is not: The expert is the one who is still alive.” – Donal Henahan
We have started our annual leaves on a rotational basis. After such a busy period, our staff deserve a well-earned break. We assure our guests that the service we provide will remain the same high standard.
Until next month , take care
Marc and Luke found some Small-scale Yellowfish stranded in a pool and released these into Tremisana Dam.
Rescued Small-scale Yellowfish
The crocodile is reputedly feasting on the numerous Mozambique Tilapia found in Tremisana Dam and will undoubtedly enjoy the new addition to his menu. Marc advises that the crocodile has grown in the last 6 months and is now about 2 metres long.
The Bush BBQ at MARULA BOMA remains a highlight of most guests’ Viva experience:
Excited guests looking at the Hyena attacted to the barbeque
CHARL sent the following on our Southern Camps:
We have been quite busy this month with lots of clients at MARC’S TREEHOUSE LODGE giving myself lots of opportunities to get back out to the bush and do some guiding with 4 consecutive Kruger trips over the Easter weekend. The guys have been hard at work finishing up the painting and treating of the decks at the treehouses. Lots of the wooden cosmetic lats have been replaced, giving the camp a new fresh look and feel.
Last year in the drought we unfortunately lost lots of antelope so we had quite a few sets of horns lying in the bush that we have now used as decorative pieces inside our boma at Marcs Camp. 
At CHEETAH INN and DUMELA CAMP the finishings of the rooms have also taken place for the photographer course with bedside tables being made as well as bed side lights and curtains being hung everything is definitely coming together.
Our resident male Nyala has definitely settled in at the property and made himself at home we often find him in the late afternoons walking amongst the tented camp.
Justice has been hard at work with decorative rockeries all over the garden and lodge. During one of the days we were lucky enough to find a baboon spider – quite a rare find… We also took on the mammoth task this month of replacing all the outlet pipes from the tank from old steel pipes to new modern PVC pipes that will probably outlive me. 
KATEKANI TENTED LODGE has been relatively quiet this month. I’ve noticed a lot more movement of nocturnal animals like hyenas and even the occasional leopard track doing the rounds on the property. We were even quite lucky with clients to view a Schlegel’s Blind Snake busy burrowing after termites and its larvae.
We hear that Charl is to become a father in October. Congratulations to you and Charlotte !!
We had some excitement earlier this month when a lioness escaped from our neighbour Kapama and walked from the entrance of Dumela Camp to the entrance of Marc’s Camp. Fortunately, the Kapama rangers were alerted and reacted quickly. Our Katekani guests often hear the Kapama lions roaring.
We have added to Quinton’s house at Masango Camp. His daughter, Janique, now has her own room.
Janique’s pretty bedroom
Viva Safaris always attempts to do our best for conservation.
Thanks to Luke and other guides for, once again, spending time collecting plastic and other items along the banks of the Olifants River on the Rome 1,3 and 4 properties where we traverse. When there are big rains around Witbank, where the Olifants River rises, then a lot of litter comes down from upstream.
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
This has been the best April in the last 4 years. Overall, from January to April, our numbers are still down compared to last year, but things are looking up.
Occupancies at Marcs and Katekani have improved and there were days this month when Tremisana was 100% full and Nyarai and Ed had to do some very fancy juggling to keep our agents happy.
The advantage Viva has in owning its own lodges is that we can relatively easily accommodate agents whose guests are delayed by unforeseen circumstances such as airline postponements. The number of new agents who love this flexibility and quick availability has increased this year.
Thanks to our staff who work hard and keep the Viva flag flying high. Most of our reviews praise the staff as well as the top-class organization of our safari packages.
Marco, Webmaster, has selected the following reviews from the indicated platforms posted in April 2025:
“Wow, Wow, Wow!” from Google
Nicole Townley-White, UK
Viva Safaris you are a dream! Big 5 within 24 hours!!! I travelled as a solo young female and I honestly couldn’t have felt safer and couldn’t recommend this safari experience more if I tried—it was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Tremisana Lodge and Balule Nature Reserve completely exceeded all expectations; it truly felt like the heart of the wild. We saw more wildlife in Balule than we did in Kruger National Park itself—elephants strolling past during breakfast, hyenas lurking nearby at dinner, and so many unforgettable sightings in between. Wild dogs, rhinos, lions, leopards, a cheetah close by and more!
Every detail was so thoughtfully taken care of. From the cozy blankets on those chilly morning game drives to the way all dietary needs were perfectly catered for, it was clear how much care goes into making guests feel comfortable and at home. The whole experience ran so smoothly thanks to the amazing organization by Educate—everything was seamless, and we always felt safe, informed, and totally immersed in nature. It was the trip of a lifetime, and I’m beyond grateful.
Luke, Smiley, and Victor were the absolute best guides during my Viva Safari adventure! Their passion, knowledge, and energy made every moment unforgettable—from the early morning game drives to the full Kruger days. Luke’s wisdom and knowledge on the drives and bush walks, Andy’s sharp eye, Smiley’s contagious laughter, and Victor’s deep understanding of the bush brought the whole experience to life. I couldn’t have asked for a better trio—they made it magical!
I will be returning!!!!
“Unforgettable 4-Day Safari Experience!” from TripAdvisor
Dmitry, New Zealand
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Viva Safaris on our 4-day safari! From the moment we were picked up at our hotel in Johannesburg, everything was incredibly well organised and seamless. The team really knows how to make the most out of every day—with multiple game drives, both on the private reserves and in Kruger National Park itself.
The highlight of our trip was definitely the full day in Kruger Park—spotting the Big Five in their natural habitat was beyond incredible. The other days on the private grounds neighbouring Kruger were also fantastic, offering plenty of up-close wildlife sightings.
Tremisana Lodge, while basic and a bit dated (and no WiFi), was still a great base for our adventure. Given the remote location, it had everything we needed and gave a very authentic bush experience.
Huge thanks to our wonderful guides Smiley, Luke, and Victor—they were knowledgeable, passionate, and truly made the experience special. We felt safe, informed, and well taken care of the entire time.
Highly recommend Viva Safaris if you’re looking for an unforgettable, well-run safari adventure!
“Totally Amazing Trip” from TripAdvisor
gringobilingual, Hungary
I was looking for a trip where I could see a lot, be comfortable and not have to spend a fortune. Also, I’m a vegetarian, so was concerned that I would find things to eat.
Viva Safaris more than met my expedtations.
What they called a tent was actually a comfortable sort of cabin, off the ground on a cement pad with locking wood door and canvas walls and roof. Food was delicious and ample, and always a vegetarian option. Even the night when we ate around a campfire in the brush, they managed to create a great meal. And always a nice desert.
The staff were had incredible knowledge about the park, the different animals, issues with poaching, endangered species, conservation efforts, local plants, as well as African folk lore and traditions.
Between time spent at a private reserve as well as time inside Kruger Park, we saw tons of elephants, giraffes, impala, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuffalo, baboons, monkey, as well as some rinos, hippos, crocodile, hyenas, wild dogs, eagles, ostriches, and vultures
“Highly Recommend Katekani Lodge!!” from TripAdvisor
ShopFranceInc, USA
This is a lovely lovely place to stay. We had a lovely suite which was very spacious. There was even an outdoor shower, which was fabulous. That’s an addition to an indoor shower and a full tub! And we had our own private swimming pool.
The best part was the staff to be honest. Mama, Bella, and Tinky took such good care of us for our meals. And the food was absolutely delicious and authentic. They served the meals by courses, which was really, really a special touch
The grounds are lush and very, very well kept. There are lighted paths to go everywhere. I would say the vibe is serene and quiet. At night we heard lots and lots of birds and animals
There’s a nice patio and you can have a cocktail sitting outside under the trees.
The accommodation is technically a tent. There’s one glass sliding door, but very nice screened walls that can be reinforced with covers that drop down.
The air conditioning is quite effective because it’s by the bed and you can turn it on and off as needed
We had one special concern arise, and the director of the lodge was immediately responsive and did quite a bit of research for us. We appreciated it.
We did also do a bush walk with the camp director, and it was impressive to see how much not only he knew, but that he appreciated living side-by-side with the flora and the fauna
I don’t think you would be disappointed if you choose to stay here!
“A brilliant tour operator that provides the best bespoke safaris with the best team!!”
MickyChilman, UK
What can I say. The six day safari with Viva Safaris been extraordinary from start to finish! We’ve stayed in all sorts of accommodation from tree houses to rustic lodges. We’ve eaten superb African food including a wonderful Bush BBQ. We’ve been on sunset and sunrise drives, bush walks and full day safaris in Kruger.
We’ve been so well looked after by a mass of the loveliest drivers, guides and chefs. We’ve been joined on our adventures by a lovely motley crew of people from around the world! We’ve seen a plethora of beautiful animals and birds and reptiles in their natural habitats!! We’ve been to the incredible Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where they care for injured and sick wildlife across Kruger and wherever possible make them better and return them to the wild.
We will never forget these few days. We just feel so lucky!!! A few names to mention in particular: Rocky, Victor and Andy. Sharl, Ed, Sinky, Mandler and Margaret. And all the ladies who looked after us at all three lodges!
Thank you Viva!! We would totally recommend you!!!
“A Safari Adventure Like No Other”
Ankush Darade, UK
Absolutely unforgettable experience with Viva Safaris and Tremisana Lodge!
From the moment we booked, the team was professional, responsive, and passionate about delivering an exceptional safari adventure. Our guide Smily, Mark and Rocky, were knowledgeable and took us on an incredible journey through the stunning landscapes of Kruger National Park and Surrounding private big 5 reserves. Spotting majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and playful elephants, Cape Buffalo and Leopard in their natural habitat was truly exhilarating. The accommodations were comfortable, and the meals were delicious.
Highly recommend this operator for their expertise, safety, and commitment to sustainable tourism.
Can’t wait to plan our next adventure with them!”
“Nous recommandons à 100% ce safari.”
Vuong, France
Nous avons passé un moment inoubliable lors de cz safari. Le personnel, les guides, étaient bienveillants et pédagogues. La nourriture était simple mais de qualité. Nous recommandons à 100% ce safari.
“Es war sehr gut!”
Anonymous, Germany
Es war sehr gut! Die Unterkünfte waren toll, das Essen war supertoll. Wir haben sehr viel gesehen und es hat riesigen Spaß gemacht!
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
