April 2026
On Viva Safaris night drives, (Sundowner Drive and Sunset Drive) we encounter not only nocturnal mammals such as civets, genets, scrub hares, porcupines and bush babies. At certain times of the year, our guides show off their spotting skills to incredulous guests by finding reptiles such as chameleons and snakes on trees. The nocturnal birds are also a hit : we often find Thick-Knees, Nightjars, Bronze-Wing Coursers and various Owls.
The Owls evoke the most interest. We regularly see Spotted Eagle Owls. These are amongst the most successful killers in the entire animal world. The reasons for this are their highly developed senses and their feathers.
Eyes of owls are very large and light-sensitive. The iris is very big and round and acts as a lens for images to be received by the retina. Through optic nerves, the retina passes the image to the medulla of the brain.
The main difference between eyes of day birds and owls is that the iris can act as a curtain and can adjust its opening on the cornea. In addition, the lens is larger and further away from the retina. The increased focal length allows for greater magnification of the image.
The ability of the owl to change the opening and closing of the iris means that light can pass onto the retina which has light-sensitive particles (rods) that amplify the image.
The eyes of the owl are relatively long and tubular and are set in the middle of the head. I estimate that the angular field of sight is about 135 degrees. Other birds such as doves have eyes set laterally and have angular vision in the order of 315 degrees. When an owl wants to look left or right, it needs to turn its head. To facilitate this, owls are specially provided with two main arteries in the neck compared to the one in other birds.
Having both eyes set forwards enhances the owl’s 3D vision. This allows for extremely accurate estimation of prey distance and greatly enhances the success rate of hunts. Like lions, the area below the eyes are generally white allowing for best reflection of light into the eyes.
But it is not only the eyes that makes the owl such a successful predator. The hearing of owls is unbelievably good. In fact, they can probably catch a mouse with their eyes closed.
The earholes are asymmetrically placed (differently positioned and shaped) thus allowing for accurate calculation of the exact position and distance of the noise. The folds of skin allow for magnification of sound (the way I cup my ear with my hand to enhance hearing in my old age). The facial discs on the owl are made of short firm feathers and can be used to magnify sound. Remember that sound is a wave and by enhancing the size of the facial discs, diffraction (bending) of the sound wave occurs thus magnifying the vibration into the ear.
The third asset of owls is its feathers. These are soft and supple and cover the body in thick loose layers. The primary feathers have a comb-like ridge of vexillae (vanes) that deaden the sound of the wingbeats. The effect of this is that the owl is not heard by its prey until it is too late.
Next time you see an owl, spend some time marveling at this super-predator.
GAME VIEWING REPORTS FROM OUR GUIDES
BNR = Balule Nature Reserve
KNP = Kruger National Park
To conserve the rhinos, we do not indicate where we enjoyed sightings of these magnificent animals .
LUKE, Head Guide, sent the following:
Monthly report April 2026
The mornings and late evenings are starting to cool down, a jersey is a must have on game drives. The sun has started to set earlier and rise later, giving us extra time with the spotlight and the beautiful stars. The sky is full of stars and a few planets are visible too. Venus in the evening as well as Jupiter have been shining brightly during the clear evenings, a beautiful view during dinner at Marula Boma
My highlights for the month include lions, black rhino, elephants and a leopard up in a Marula tree.
After taking a walk along the Olifants River, we received an update about two lionesses. They had been spotted on the Morning Drive next to Tremisana dam. Luckily for us they hadn’t moved at all, very lazy cats. 
Lionesses at Tremisana Dam, relaxing in the shade, spotted after morning Bushwalk. BNR
Another exciting lioness sighting took place during a Sundowner Drive. We stopped along the river for drinks and had been watching the hippos showing off in the Olifants River. It was time to leave as the light was fading after sunset. A shape moving caught my eye on the opposite bank of the river – it was a lioness. She casually walked along had a roll in the sand and was gone.
The black rhino sighting was special because it involved three of them, male, female and calf. The male was pacing up and down visibly upset that we had come to visit. He came charging out of the bush at my Cruiser door then stopped and turned around. This is fairly normal behavior from the black rhino, a wonderful experience. 
Black Rhino bull, cow and calf. Sighted before the morning Bushwalk. BNR
The leopard sighting took place on Rome 1 property during a Sundowner Drive. We had been given information regarding a very skittish leopard up a Marula tree with its kill. We waited for the afternoon to cool off and then headed through to investigate. 
Leopard with its impala kill in a Marula tree, during Sundowner Drive. BNR
We spotted the leopard from a distance and stopped to view the leopard. She was in a small Marula tree enjoying her freshly killed impala.
The elephants have been all over the reserve, especially on Rome 1, Rome 3/4 and Campfire property. The elephants are still enjoying the lush bush after all the rain we’ve had, and there are many new young calves this season. 
A young elephant bull walking past the vehicle during the drive back from the morning Bushwalk. BNR
The Bushwalks have been highlighted by numerous hippo sightings and some big crocodiles along the Olifants River. We had a few elephant encounters during the Bushwalks. A memorable one took place soon after leaving the vehicle we spotted a breeding herd of elephants on the hill side. We assessed the wind direction discussed a plan and began our approach. We counted three calves under a year and at least ten elephants in total, a lovely calm sighting.
Nile Crocodile during Sundowner Drive, relaxing in the sun at Tremisana Dam. BNR
A mating pair of white rhinos, hiding behind a small bush. Sighted after morning Bushwalk, BNR
JOHN sent the following:
Zebra KNP
Leopard BNR
Elephant KNP
White Rhinos BNR
RAYMOND sent the following:
Rome 1 BNR
BNR
H7 KNP
H1-3 KNP
CHARL sent the following:
Big Leopard Tortoise drinking water off the road at Masango
Elephants crossing the road BNR
Lions resting BNR
Big buffalo bull Marc’s Camp
VICTOR sent the following:
Male Giraffe Marula Road BNR
Elephant bull Tremisana Dam BNR
White Rhinos BNR
Lioness at Campfire BNR
SMILEY sent the following:
April 2: Driving down to Rome 3/4 we saw Dwarf Mongooses on a dry leadwood tree.
April 5: Elephant at Tremisana while we were enjoying our lunch.
April 11: Black-Backed Jackal on H7 KNP
April 20: During the Afternoon Drive we saw a zebra with an oxpecker on his back, BNR
WHIAN sent the following:
Whian near Elephant, BNR
Wild Dogs, Morning Drive BNR
Lion cub Rome 1 BNR
Lion cubs Rome 1 BNR
Zulwini bull BNR
ROCKY sent the following:
White Rhinos BNR
Leopard H1 KNP
Elephant bulls KNP
Giraffes on S106 KNP
Male lion H1-3 KNP
Lions cubs Rome 1 BNR
Hyenas H7 KNP
Rocky close to White Rhino BNR
Leopard S100 KNP
African Wild Dogs on H7 KNP
Rocky close to young elephant at sunset, BNR
QUINTON sent the following:
Leopard Tortoise – seen next to Masango Camp pool
Leopard Tortoise Masango Camp
Buffalo – seen on Morning Bushwalk at Marc’s Camp
Giraffe – seen at Marc’s Camp
Dinner welcoming fire at Marc’s Camp Boma
ANDY sent the following:
Wild Dogs spotted on the H7, KNP
White Rhinos BNR
Wild Dogs and Woolly-necked Stork spotted on Olifants Road, BNR
Lion pride near Tremisana BNR
Lion KNP
PIERO:
I spent a week at the lodges this month. The bush is as thick as I can remember. Game viewing was average. We did see a lion pride on a kudu kill and there was a very special (one of the guests called it spiritual) moment with a breeding herd of elephants.
Guests really close to breeding herd
Lions on kudu bull kill at Campfire BNR
Fast asleep near our vehicle, Tremisana BNR
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :
April 2026
As April draws to a close, the chilly mornings and evenings remind me that it’s time to unpack and wash the winter wear I had stored away. The afternoons are still pleasantly warm, but a cosy jacket is becoming essential for evening game drives.
I enjoyed a lovely break after the Easter holidays. Although I didn’t travel much, I found time to sit outside in the Tremisana gardens with a book I had set aside for a while. The quiet moments, when guests are out on game drives or relaxing after a bushwalk are incredibly calming. There is something special about the stillness that leaves one feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to face each day with renewed strength.
Game drives in Balule Nature Reserve continued to deliver memorable wildlife sightings throughout April. Guests were treated to encounters with playful groups of dwarf mongooses, elephants, and exciting sightings of lions and leopard. Other regular sightings included giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, warthog, all contributing to the rich safari experience that makes this area so special.
My favourite sighting this month was a lone tortoise roaming around the Tremisana gardens. I cannot seem to locate it at the moment, but I am sure our paths will cross again.
We have also started refurbishing the rooms at the lodge, and I am excited to see the final results. These improvements will enhance the guest experience and add even more comfort to an already special stay. Larger mirrors and shower roses along with retiled shower floors have all been done. Our housekeeping staff are also going the extra mile.
Throughout the month, we had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful guests at Tremisana. Their kindness and appreciation made our work feel effortless and deeply rewarding. Receiving positive reviews continues to be a true testament to the dedication, teamwork, and passion of the Tremisana team. It is always encouraging to know that the care and effort put into creating memorable experiences are recognised and valued.
Tremisana truly feels like home and work combined.
KATEKANI, MARC’S TREEHOUSES, MASANGO AND DUMELA
CHARL, Manager of Southern Camps, reports:
This past season has brought spectacular rainfall, leaving the bush beautifully lush and the dams full as we head into winter. The vegetation is still looking incredibly healthy, and I’m optimistic that this will be a strong year with abundant grazing and water for the animals.
This past Sunday alone, we recorded 125mm of rain. While this caused some temporary disruption—washing away part of the road to Kruger and swelling the river to levels similar to those seen during the floods—the water levels receded quickly. Overall, the impact of the rain has been overwhelmingly positive.
Marc’s Camp: The consistent rainfall has significantly supported my grass planting project around the pool. There’s truly no better growth enhancer than rainwater. We now have only a small section left to complete, with plans to expand planting into other areas over time.
Pool at Marc’s Camp
Caroline and Tinky at Marc’s Camp
We have bought new tents and will replace all existing tents at Marc’s Camp.
New foundations for new tents at Marc’s Camp
New foundations for new tents at Marc’s Camp
Charl and Quinton with Marbled Tree Snake at Marc’s Camp
Katekani: It has been fairly quiet this month, but with the fence now completed, we’re planning to open up the bush in front of the rooms. This will create clear views into the Big 5 area, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy game viewing right from their decks. We’ve also been discussing the possibility of introducing some plains game to enhance the viewing experience at the lodge.
Outside patio at Katekani
Dumela: it’s been great to see the impala around. They are becoming noticeably more relaxed and tame, often walking around the rooms and pool area with little concern for guests.
Spotted Eagle Owl seen at Dumela gate
Masango Camp: All 8 units are ready and we are working on the lounge, dining room and bar area.
New bathroom
New bathroom
New Lounge.
New Bedroom
New Bedroom
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
We had a fair April – not great. We await to see the effects of the fuel crisis and anticipate a slowdown.
Notwithstanding our tight financial position, I have continued to push projects that will benefit our local staff and our local community.
We are committed to getting the Marula Boma accommodation going. I have authorized the construction of a parking bay. We are also looking into getting air conditioning for the 5 rooms and we are getting quotes for solar panels.
At Cheetah Inn, we have been thinking about the potential of the hotel rooms, the lecture room and the excellent facilities. Initially we thought of using this as a venue for photographic courses, but this did not take off. An old age home was considered, then a venue for the local Catholic church but these came with their own issues. Our thinking now is to offer the place as a training centre. We can develop a 5 month course enabling the poorest and most under-privileged of our community with no academic qualifications to benefit from a hospitality venture. I envisage providing training in housekeeping and cooking skills. The venue can accommodate around 24 participants.
Bookcase in lecture room at Cheetah Inn.
The plan is to offer a 6 week intensive course on chef and housekeeping skills. We shall use our Viva staff. Thereafter we shall grant a 2 week rest period followed by a 3 month in-service practical training period at a suitable Lodge, Guest House, Bed and Breakfast venue and the like. Hopefully some participants will then be employed by the venue that offered the practical experience. If not, then we shall try and get them placements at one of our many business associates.
It is going to be great to offer needy people with little or no chance of employment an opportunity to get a job. We are busy getting contacts for accreditation as well as funding. My thanks to Raymond, our guide, who has undertaken to assist in this matter.
Viva Safaris has very kindly donated two prizes to deserving fund raisers.
One is to Reach for Recovery, a breast cancer NG0 that helps support the awareness of breast cancer and provides many free mammograms to the needy .
As we know early detection is best .
The other prize is donated to Rainbow and Smiles, an NG0 that supports children suffering from cancer This NG0 also assists the kiddies and their parents in their recuperation.
Both prizes are 4 day Tremisana/ Katekani packages for 2 people and will be auctioned at their annual golf days.
Let us hope that these will be huge financial successes. We look forward to hosting the prize winners.
Thanks to Ed, Guest Liaison , who has been instrumental in getting more reviews. Marco has chosen the reviews below posted this month:
“Wow trip” from TripAdvisor
Rick Chiasson, UK
We did the 7 day safari, this was the best holiday I’ve had and I have many holidays in my life. Ed and his staff were outstanding.
The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly, the food and cleaning staff were very good. We saw so many animals.The team went above and beyond to make our stay so enjoyable
We hope to travel there again in the future.
Thanks
Rick Chiasson
“Besser geht’s nicht – unbedingt buchen!” from TripAdvisor
Jochen, Germany
Diese Tour kann man zu 100% empfehlen. Besser geht’s wirklich nicht. Am schönsten waren die Touren direkt an der Lodge Tremisana. Hier kamen die Elefanten direkt bis kurz vor den Frühstückstisch. Sensationelles Erlebnis.
Die Guides waren perfekt geschult, alle freundlich und hilfsbereit. Ein spezieller Dank geht hier an Luke und Wee (?). Das Essen war reichlich und abwechslungsreich. Die Unterkunft sauber mit täglicher Reinigung. Wer hier nicht bucht, ist selbst schuld.
Nochmals vielen Dank an das gesamte Team für unvergessliche Tage.
“Best experience ever! And we’ve travelled a lot.” from SafariBookings
Leanna, Canada
This safari exceeded my expectations in every way, and I have very high expectations.
The food and housekeeping we’re great. The guides were very competent. They knew where to find the animals, and could spot animals that most people would not spot.
I can’t say enough good things about Viva Safaris.
I will definitely be telling everyone I know about how amazing they are, and what a magical experience we had.
“Perfekte Organisation, tolles Personal, saubere und ordentliche Unterkunft” from TripAdvisor
Ingo, Germany
Das gesamte Team war stets freundlich, hilfsbereit und kompetent. Die Durchführung der Game Drives stets ein Highlight, egal mit welchem Team und die Unterkunft und Verpflegung war einfach, aber im “Busch” mehr als zufrieden stellend. Immer warmes Wasser, 3 Gänge und für jeden Geschmack etwas dabei. Gibt es nicht immer.
Die Kosten für die zu zahlenden Getränke waren sehr günstig, so dass man auch nicht zu viel Bares benötigt.
Alles in allem also wirklich mehr als empfehlenswert!!!
Thanks Ed and all the rest of your team. Was a pleasure and honor to be your guests.
“A truly wonderful experience” from TripAdvisor
Geraldine K, Ireland
Where to start to sum up this wonderful experience. From the moment Rocky picked us up at Hoedspruit airport to our departure drive with Quintan, the experience never faulted.
Tremesania is fantastic for the 1st night, with the lovely little monkeys hanging around and the luck of having the elephant stroll past us. The food was excellent and the game drives were brilliant. A special shoutout to Victor who was absolutely amazing with our children. Our kids were 10 and 7 and they never lost interest, even when we were searching for animals – victor kept them engaged all the time.
The treehouse is such an amazing novelty. Beautiful houses built into the trees and the feeling of sleeping outdoors with all the sounds but the security of being inside our room. The food and hospitality here was brilliant and another shoutout to Caroline, the amazing chef, who was always so polite and helpful.
For our day in Kruger we were so lucky and seen the big 5 plus more, and even though it rained it didn’t dampen the joy of seeing all the animals in their natural habitat. A special moment was seeing a wonderful herd of elephants on the river bank, some playing with each other, some trumpeting and some cleaning. It was such a joy.
Thank you to all the team at Tremisania and Marc’s treehouse for making our special trip even more special.
From Mr Conor , Mrs Conor, Spencer & Georgia!!
“Excelente empresa” from TripAdvisor
Janedsa, Brazil
Empresa séria e muito organizada. Só tive experiências positivas. Indico demais!
“Hakuna Matata – what a great trip!” from TripAdvisor
S Gampp, Switzerland
Our holiday with Viva Safari was absolutely WOW and even more than we could have wished for!
The team was so welcoming, everyone friendly and eager to put a smile on your face. The combination of Bablule for the morning and evening drives, together with the day trips to Kruger, offered a great diversity. We could get close to the animals while also experiencing the vastness of the park and seeing larger herds.
Especially exciting was the bush walk, where we learned a lot about the vegetation and enjoyed a good adrenaline kick. Every guide made sure we felt safe while teaching us new things about the bush.
After the long drives, we were spoiled by the cooking team with delicious dinners and a great variety of dishes.
Of course, we slept a lot. The bed was super comfortable, and although the rooms were simple, we really did not need much more.
We will definitely come back, and I can only recommend it to you as well, if you look for a real instead of an over luxury experience!
Thank you so much to the Tremisana team for this incredible journey we will not forget! And Hakuna Matata!
“Fantastic” from SafariBookings
Conor, Ireland
Family of 6 on a 5 day 4 night safari in Tremisana and Marc’s Treehouse camp.
The whole experience was unbelievable. We saw all the big 5 and much more.
Special mention for Victor, Smiley, Rocky and Quentin. They were absolutely brilliant with our kids.
The food was super as well, particularly in the treehouse camp.
I cannot remember the name of the lady who looked after it there but she was brilliant as well. Could not recommend it enough
“Esperienza incredibile” from GetYourGuide
Jader, Italy
Io e i miei due amici abbiamo soggiornato la prima notte al Campfire Tents, dentro a tende fuori dal recinto, un’esperienza incredibile.
I ragazzi del Tremisana ci hanno messo subito a nostro agio, persone molto simpatiche, disponibili e accoglienti.
Anche la seconda notte al Marc’s Treehouse è stata un’esperienza molto particolare, sempre dormito in tenda.
I safari sono stati super, abbiamo avuto la possibilità di vedere praticamente tutti gli animali e i big five.
Consiglio vivamente a tutti, esperienza incredibile da fare almeno una volta nella vita.
“Die Tour war der Wahnsinn. ” from GetYourGuide
Felix, Germany
Die Tour war der Wahnsinn.
Die Lodge wunderschön.
Die Menschen dort alle so freundlich und hilfsbereit, man merkt richtig dass sie ihren Job lieben.
Die Touren in der Nähe der Lodge, mit Sunrise und Sunsettour und Dinner im Busch waren traumhaft schön.
Der Ausflug in den Krüger Main Park war sehr lang und nichts gegen die persönlichen Touren die von der tollen Tremisana Lodge aus gemacht wurden.
Ein wundervolles Erlebnis was wir gerne nochmal erleben möchten.
Danke dafür
We received the following emails :
From: Cherie Pittillo
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 5:11 PM
Subject: Your March 2026 newsletter
Dear Piero, General Manager:
What an incredible newsletter! I just inquired about one of your Tremisana safaris and received a prompt response from Patti Landau. But I didn’t expect to receive such valuable insight into your beliefs, practices, and recognition and generosity towards your employees in that newsletter. The information on invasives is necessary for people to understand the problems they cause and the need to cull them. Also, having each guide submit their sightings and comments was fantastic.
Like you, I hope the war ends soon for all of us. I live in the US and do not agree with the current war. I sincerely hope your company can thrive in the months ahead and for many years to come
Looking forward to photographing with Viva Safaris.
Best regards,
Cherie Pittillo
From: Caroline Griffiths
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 4:20 PM
Subject: Safari October 2026
Hi Piero
How are you? We have been enjoying reading your newsletters. Sorry to be reading about the floods we have too had no end of rain but that is normal in Wales UK…. 🙂
Im messaging you as we have been discussing Wayne & I about returning to your lovely place.
Not sure if you remember us it was back in Oct 23 we had an amazing time there was four of us Wayne, Ricky and Ivana. Unfortunately they wont be joining us only myself and Wayne as they now have two young girls.
Wayne and I are looking to come in October and was wondering on availability. We are just getting dates together flights etc this weekend …We will be doing the same flying into Hoedspruit then staying with yourself then visiting Kruger stay in treehouse two nights and then back with you like we did before im not sure if you still have our details on file.
Say hi to Smiley and Mamma T an Mamma B we had an amazing time… Are the girls still with you Nadine & was it Tuney apologies if wrong.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Caroline & Wayne
From: Jann B
Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 5:15 PM
Subject: invasive birds.
Hi Piero,
I read your lead article in your recent newsletter with intense interest, of course I understand your restrictions in terms of space and verbage overkill.
The species you refer to are indeed a serious issue, in terms of Hoedspruit you did leave out the English Starling.
You didn’t really scratch the surface, and I haven’t been to Durban for quite some years, so I will speak for Joburg and even Nelspruit.
The new sensation is the rose ringed or Indian parakeet, there are flocks of over a thousand birds roosting in the northern suburbs at night.
There are widespread colonies of Rosy faced lovebirds, and I am aware that Emmarentia dam area is home to a thriving population of Zebra finches.
The worst is yet to come …the Indian House crow !
There are already populations around the airport in Cape Town, and spreading – these birds are horrific, in places like Niarobi and Kampala they have decimated
every bird smaller than itself and people now have to make baboon like security plans to stop their bin bags being strewn all over the place.
But !
Here is the thing: I wrote a book on the urgent need for all species to adapt to 8 billion people on earth, or face the consequences of extinction…
The book has been a huge success and has been made into an international documentary which is doing well overseas, but has never been screened here.
At the same time as invasive species are encroaching, our own species are adapting fast, and Darwin says if that adaption leads to some form of evolution so be it.
I grew up in Joburg…as a child we had to go to the Kruger Park to see birds !
Today ?
Sitting at the pond at my sisters retirement village in Douglasdale you may see as many as sixty species including things like Giant kingfishers, Whydas, cuckoos,
Ducks and countless more.
All these birds have moved to cities and affluent areas because there are easier pickings and less seasonal changes…..always water, flowerbeds and of course millions
Of bird feeders in everyone’ garden.
For me, the two most suitable examples would be the Hadeda and the Grey Loerie.
But the change in habitat is very very noticeable and does include owls, falcons and other predatory birds.
Essentially then a new world order is developing and a whole lot of creatures are going to adapt to urban living or face the conseqences.
Durban’s Vervets are a perfect example.
In “nature” everything is always in synch – cities will become “nature” ! The feral cat will become the most prolific predator, although in Europe the fox is already in charge.
The feral cat is going to be first to be given a new scientific name, like the African Wildcat may look like a tabby it is not. The feral cat may look like a housecat but it isn’t.
(I have 8 of them and have never picked up one).
Unfortunately, neither you nor I will live to see the developments play out, but it isn’t going to take 20 million years. In Bulgaria packs of stray dogs that formed packs
Which were a hotch potch of breeds have turned into a brown dingo like creature in less than 20 generations !
I could go on at length, but this is enough.
Jann
PS; We left out the Egyptian goose and the free roaming peacocks.
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
