August 2026
Earlier this month, an Italian couple, while having breakfast at the Tremisana Lapa, heard the call of a Trumpeter Hornbill, Bycanistes bucinator. It is unmistakable and sounds like a baby crying. They approached me and asked if the repetitive calling was of a baby in distress.
I took them to the Rubber Tree near the swimming pool and they were amazed to realize that the calls were made by a bird. At this time of the year, the Rubber Tree produces figs that attract fructivorous birds.
The hornbill later flew to the waterhole in front of the Lapa and I managed to get a silhouette photo.
Trumpeter Hornbills are appropriately named because of their call. They are easily recognized as there is a casque on the bill. Other distinguishing features include an all-black back, white belly and white underwing coverts. In flight the white tips of the wings are clearly visible.
Trumpeter Hornbills are found in forested regions and we sometimes see them along the Olifants River in Balule Nature Reserve and the Klaserie River at Marcs Camp.
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 August 2026
This month at Viva Safaris has been a busy one with regards to both guests and animal sightings. The bush is starting to change, with new green shoots adding a little colour to the winter brown. A beautiful time to be on safari.
Leopard and Lion on Sunset Drive
We set out for Sunset Drive in very windy conditions, thanks to a cold front that had recently reached us in the lowveld. The day before had been highlighted by a leopard, a big male who has a ravenous appetite for impala meat. The first time we spotted him he had one half-eaten Impala up a Marula tree. The same day but in the afternoon he had managed to catch another Impala and had it hung in the same tree alongside his first kill. The days went by and we kept seeing the big male up in his Marula tree, but by day 5 we didn’t have much hope of seeing him in the same spot. We were luckily wrong, the big cat was back and still chewing away at whatever still remained on the impala carcass. My guests couldn’t believe their luck and the cold windy whether didn’t seem so bad anymore. The leopard was standing in the Marula tree not far from its kill, it then climbed down the tree and started to move off. We followed him for a little and then began to move off, until suddenly my tracker Elvis spotted a lion. The lion walked straight up to the Leopard’s Marula Tree and found some scraps on the ground. He sat down and began to crunch away – we could hear the bones breaking. He then stood up and walked away into the thick vegetation no longer visible.
Leopard Sundowner Drive Rome 3 BNR
The Bush Walks have been highlighted by Elephants and a Black Rhino calf and cow.
The elephant activity on Rome 1 near the river has been exceptional – almost everyday we’ve either encountered elephant on foot or found very fresh tracks and signs. The elephants head down to the river to drink and even cross the river to get to other areas within the greater Kruger, which have more food available. The Olifants River always has water which the elephants also use to cool down and of course drink.
An elephant bull on Ngala ya Rila during Sundowner Drive. BNR
Elephants haven’t been the only animals encountered during the bushwalks. We have also had a few close Black Rhino encounters. One in particular stands out more than the others – a cow and calf. Elvis and I headed out along a ridge towards the Olifants River, using a popular animal pathway for rhino, hippo and elephants. It was Elvis who spotted the black rhino. By then we were very close. The cow stood behind the bushes looking at us and we stood on the other side looking at her. It was decision time and of course safety first always: Elvis led the guests up a small rocky koppie and I made sure the rhino kept her distance. From the koppie we could view the cow and calf move past us beautifully, a wonderful animal to see but even better when you’re on foot.
A crash of White Rhino during an Afternoon Drive. BNR
SMILEY sent the following:
11 August: Male lion on Sunset Drive, Rome 3 BNR.
15 August: Buffalo trying to cross the road H7 KNP
19 August: White rhino BNR
22 August: Kudu bull KNP
Smiley and elephants BNR
QUINTON sent the following:
Giraffe seen at Marc’s Camp
Zebra Sundowner Drive BNR
Nyala bull scratching horns at Marc’s Camp
Guests viewing Giraffe – Marc’s Camp Bush Walk
ROCKY sent the following:
Spotted hyenas S106 KNP
2 White Rhinos on H7 KNP
2 cheetahs on hunt for impalas KNP
Male lion on H7 KNP
Breeding herd of elephants on H1-4 KNP
African Wild Dogs on H7 KNP
Leopard on H7 KNP
RAYMOND sent the following:
BNR
H1-4 KNP
BNR
H7 KNP
NHLANHLA sent the following:
S106 KNP
H7 KNP
S106 KNP
H7 KNP
VICTOR sent the following:
Wild Dog Marula Road BNR
Two elephant bulls Tremisana Lodge BNR
White Rhinos BNR
Giraffe bull Sable Road BNR
ANDY sent the following:
A tower of giraffes spotted on the S106, KNP
Troop of baboons spotted on the S100 KNP
Lioness near Satara KNP
Lion spotted on Olifants Road BNR
Lion spotted on H7 KNP
Andy and elephant KNP
CHARL sent the following:
Guests on walk with Nyala herd, Marc’s Camp
Wild Dog next to the vehicle KNP
Leopard next to the road KNP
Hyenas on the road KNP
Lion Morning Drive Campfire BNR
Leopard Sundowner Drive BNR
KHYLE sent the following:
Lions on Morning Drive BNR
Giraffe at sunset on Marula Road BNR
Lioness Sundowner Drive Tremisana BNR
Leopard Sundowner Drive BNR
NEIL sent the following:
White Rhino sleeping BNR
Elephant enjoying a late afternoon snack, Rome 1 BNR
Neil near Giraffe BNR
GEORGE took two trips to Hluhluwe and St Lucia this month:
Pod of Hippos, Boat Cruise, St Lucia Estuary
Lion at Hluhluwe
Zebras at Hluhluwe
White Rhinos Hluhluwe
PIERO: I spent a large part of the month at Tremisana. Wildlife sightings were good. Elephants are seen regularly drinking from the waterhole in front of the Lapa. Hyenas, Impalas and Slender Mongooses are daily visitors. I was fortunate to also see rarer species such as Side-striped Jackal, Civet, Small-spotted Genet and Porcupine.
Inside the camp grounds, there are Vervet Monkeys, Tree Squirrels, Dwarf Mongooses. Occasionally we see Slender Mongooses as well as Banded Mongooses.
I am pleased to advise that every single guest with whom I spoke had only good things to say. Specifically the punctuality of the various activities as well as the friendliness of all staff were highly appreciated.
Lioness near Viva vehicle
Chefs Delina and Bella at Lapa
Guests close-up to Elephant at Lapa
Hyena at Lapa
Elephants captured on the waterhole camera at Tremisana
Managers Charl and Luke at guesthouse
Elephant in front of cottage
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :
August 2026
August flew by so quickly. It was a very busy month, but an awesome one nonetheless. I honestly thought we were going to have much warmer weather, but instead, I experienced some of the coldest mornings and evenings of the year. The winter chill certainly kept us on our toes!
Some moments in life are worth waiting for, and meeting my niece for the first time was one of them.
She travelled all the way from Texas to Balule to spend some time with me. We had never met in person before. For years, our relationship had grown through phone calls and WhatsApp video calls, so finally being together was something very special. It was definitely one of the highlights of my year.
I joined her on the sundowner drive halfway through and was lucky enough to catch some giraffes and a herd of buffalo. As we made our way back, the evening sky put on a beautiful show. It was one of those simple moments that remind you why we love being out in the bush.
Nyarai, niece Kay and Khyle on game drive in KNP
I was also blessed to get a day off to go with her to Kruger National Park, thanks to Viva Safaris. One of my colleagues and friend Khyle also joined us.
The last time I spent a full day in Kruger was back in 2012, when I was still a student doing my internship with Viva Safaris before graduating. That feels like a very long time ago!
The morning was a little cold as we left the lodge and made our way to Orpen Gate. We had our blankets to keep us warm, and once we checked in at reception, our day of exploring the bush began.
We managed to see elephants, zebras, lions, a leopard and hyenas. Out of all the sightings, the zebras were definitely my favourite. There is something about seeing them together in their natural surroundings that never gets old.
These are the moments that make every drive worth it , you never quite know what the bush has waiting for you.
For me, Kruger was not just about the animals we hoped to see. It was about spending time together, catching up, laughing, and finally creating memories beyond the phone screen.
My Kruger Checklist
If you are planning a day in the bush, these are a few things I would never leave behind:
– A warm jacket
– Your ID or passport
– Binoculars
– Your phone or camera for those fantastic pictures
– Some sweets, my personal favourite!
– A packet of biltong
– And most importantly, a relaxed heart, open to the beauty that only the African bush can give.
Sometimes the perfect family reunion does not need a big celebration or a fancy venue. Sometimes it is simply two people who have waited years to meet, sitting together in a safari vehicle, surrounded by the sounds and beauty of the bush.
Balule was the perfect place for us to finally meet, reconnect and make memories that will stay with us for a very long time.
A special thank you to our General Manager, Piero, for spending the day with us in Kruger. It was wonderful having him join us and share in the excitement of the day.
And to make the day even better, he treated us to lunch in Kruger! How awesome is that?
It is always special when we get to spend time together outside of our usual work environment. Thank you, Piero, for a wonderful day and for making it even more memorable.
After so many busy exciting days, it was lovely to finally have a little break and spend some much-needed time with family back home. Sometimes, stepping away for a while is all we need to recharge and come back feeling refreshed.
I am really looking forward to September. With the year going so beautifully and being full of surprises, I am sure it is going to be another great month.
KATEKANI, MARC’S TREEHOUSES, MASANGO AND DUMELA
CHARL, Manager of Southern Camps, reports:
This month has been incredibly busy for me, with numerous game drives. I’ve visited Kruger five times and enjoyed some spectacular sundowners. We’ve been eagerly anticipating amazing sightings.
The month started with a magnificent dominant male leopard. We spent about five days in one area, where we found him with an impala kill. While observing him, he descended a tree and killed another impala. He lingered there for a couple of days with his impala. The guests who were around during this time probably grew tired of seeing leopards, as they were Kruger leopards, and Tremisana leopards were everywhere. It was very lucky for the clients.
We’ve also been busy with maintenance, particularly at Dumela and Marula Boma. At Dumela, we removed the old wooden shower covers and replaced them with brick wall . We then repainted the bathrooms at Dumela while we were busy.
To create something special at Marula Boma, we built a viewing platform above the kitchen area. This platform offers clients beautiful views of the northern Drakensburg mountains offering a spectacular sundowner opportunity . It also provides a spot for sunbathing. We’ve begun building four new wooden sun loungers for the Marula Boma property. Unfortunately, the swimming pool has become a favourite spot for elephants whenever it fills up. They prefer to drink water there instead of the small dam thats been there for years. It’s a bit of a challenge, but we might have to pack some rocks to keep them away so we can enjoy the pool.
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
August has been a busy month. Our staff has worked hard.
Viva has procured two new OSVs (open sided vehicles) from Sanparks.
Luke, Sandra and Raymond with new Kruger Park OSVs
We had a visit from Sakhu Sibanda, a representative of African Budget Safaris, an agent we have been working with since 1992. A You Tube Series of his experience with Viva Safaris will be available next month.
A temporary bypass around the washed away tarmac road to Orpen has been built.
STAFF NEWS
We are pleased to advise that Khyle van Vuuren has had his practical experience with Viva Safaris extended until December. He is very knowledgeable on reptiles.
We have appointed Neil Heintzberger to our staff. He previously worked at Moholoholo Rehab Centre and has extensive knowledge on injured animals.
Congratulations to my son, Marc and his wife Sune on the birth of Matteo, their second son and Sandra’s and my twelfth grandchild. Marc and Sune and their first son, Josh, spent 2024 and 2025 at Tremisana. He is now back at work at his Physiotherapy practice in Ballito.
REVIEWS
Our reviews continue to be excellent. It is pleasing that our guests feel very happy on safari.
The following reviews were posted in August 2026 :
“An unforgettable safari experience – highly recommended!” from TripAdvisor
emanuele, Italy
We had an absolutely spectacular experience with Viva Safaris and Tremisana Lodge. From the very beginning, everything was extremely well organised and we felt very well looked after throughout our entire stay.
The safari itself was simply incredible. We were lucky enough to see all of the Big Five, as well as many other amazing animals, and every game drive brought something new and exciting. It was truly an experience we will never forget.
What impressed us the most, however, was the staff and their genuine passion for what they do. You can immediately tell that these are people who truly love the African bush and their work. Their knowledge of the park, the animals and their behaviour is remarkable. They didn’t simply show us animals; they helped us understand what we were seeing, explaining so many interesting details and making every sighting even more special.
A special mention goes to all the rangers who accompanied us on the different game drives and activities. They were always extremely kind, professional, patient and knowledgeable. We learned an incredible amount from them and really appreciated the enthusiasm with which they shared their knowledge.
And we absolutely have to mention the food! We honestly ate so much and so well throughout our stay. The meals were plentiful, delicious and a wonderful way to end our days in the bush.
Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better safari experience. Viva Safaris and Tremisana Lodge exceeded our expectations, and we are extremely grateful to the entire team for making our stay so memorable.
If you are considering a safari in the Kruger area, we would wholeheartedly recommend Viva Safaris and Tremisana Lodge. We would definitely choose them again without hesitation!
Thank you to the whole team for an unforgettable experience! ❤️
“Unique Experience” from TripAdvisor
Andre Naddeo
Highly recommended. Since our pick up in Johannesburg – everything was very professional and went completely smoothly. We did the 3 days safari with first day in Tremisana plus 2 nights in Masango. And noticed how organized the staff is regarding scheduling and briefing.
At Tremisana, we were super welcomed by Victor, Kai and Nyarai. The first night barbecue was a most! Headed to Masango, we were astonished by the incredible accommodation we were provided – brand new renovated. Looked like a honey moon for us!
Anitza and Quentin – and their beautiful daughter – were incredible guests to us. They work really hard on a daily basis to ensure all guests are having the best experience out of this. Another plus for Rocky, amazing driver and guide throughout the Kruger Park – as Victor, the sense of humor makes the journey amazingly unique, not forgetting always to do their best in communicating to their partners for searching the big five. We did all of them!
Dinner and breakfast in the best scenarios possible – always on time, always with the staff looking after you.
We are not writing this review for any future compensation – important to mention – our mission is to encourage others to take the decision of joining Ning Viva Safaris because it is pretty clear how they do their best for the guests.
At Masango lodge – brand new, air con, sheets, an incredible hotel experience in the middle of the jungle – we finish this review remembering what Anitza told us: “You guys come from so far away, it is our mission to guarantee that this gonna be a memorable time together”.
“Viva la adventures – a wonderful experience!” from TripAdvisor
John and Caroline, Australia
We will treasure all the wonderful experiences on our 6 day adventure with Visa Safaris! We stayed for 1 night in Tremisana and the following 4 nights at Marcs Tree House Camp. (Tree House no 4) The management of Marcs Camp is a credit to Quinton and his lovely wife Janita and the staff were all so genuinely friendly and welcoming. I would like to thank in particular Tinki and sweet Caroline for all our delicious meals.
We loved our morning and afternoon game drives meeting Rocky the Rockstar, super guide Luke and his trusty sidekicks, the boy wonders Kyle and V. We were so lucky to see that leopard at the last minute on our sundowner!
Our day trip drives to Kruger were sensational with spectacular animal spotting. Quinton’s morning walk’n’talk should not be missed. The big highlight was the 4 hour morning drive and walk to see the hippos.
Thanks so very much for looking after us.
We may see you again. John and Caroline from Australia.
“I loved the experience!” from GetYourGuide
Thais, Brazil
I loved the experience! The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, and the food was amazing. Everything was so well organized, and I really enjoyed every moment of it.
I’ll definitely recommend the experience to other people and would love to come back someday!
Thank you so much for making this such a memorable part of my trip.
“Unforgettable memories” from TourRadar
Boaz Ben-Pelech, Israel
Just returned from this Safari as a group of 6 including our two granddaughters aged 9 and 12. Never been on a Safari and didn’t know what to expect we all returned with unforgettable memories.
Well organised like an army expedition from pick up in Johannesburg by charming Solo 1 who halfway to the Tremisana lodge handed us over to Solo2. The lodge was very nice, friendly staff and we would like to thank all but especially Smiley always smiling and joking who named us the “big six” , Ve and Carl who were especially nice to our granddaughters.
Someone back home asked me what type of animals did you see? My answer to it, everything except a honey badger. After if I remember correctly 3 days of roaming, bushwalking and driving mornings and evenings through the adjourning game reserves we were transferred to the Tree house. Same perfect precision organisation in beautiful surroundings. On our trip the next day as we entered the Kruger National Park a Cheetah greeted us on the left side of the road on the embankment. As if to welcome us he performed for us for a couple of minutes before disappearing into the wilderness. On this first day being in the National Park we encountered so many animals but a few standing out was a pack of wild dogs, the pack unfazed by our presence running along the road for quite a while. A Hyena cub sun bathing outside the den waiting for its mother.
The visitor to the animal rescue centre was very educational and we had a lovely guide. We enjoyed 2 sundowners, unforgettable sunsets in the breathtaking landscape taking in the sun setting over the horizon turning from yellow to red. To be 💯% honest I was scared just looking into the bush and just hoping nothing was coming our way. On our last day we drove into Kruger for the whole day and besides spotting again a Leopard, lions and more on our way out a ball Elephant right next to the road munching away on the leaves of a branch unfazed at our presence. Naturally the driver stopped, turned off the engine and we just waited for his reaction. Munching away he slowly came closer to the open jeep. All of us sat mesmerised by the sheer size of the Elephant. He came so close that we could have easily touched him. All I could see was that big head of him, his eyes looking us over and playing with his trunk, sniffing around and finally after a few minutes which seemed an eternity he just walked away. I had the feeling that he just wanted to say “see ya again “
Next day sadly we had to leave back to Johannesburg where we stopped at a place unfortunately I don’t remember the name but with just mind blowing scenery. The only complaint I have is and nobody could fix that, it was bitterly cold in the mornings and evenings. We including our granddaughters learned so much and I’m sure they remember even the name of the many birds we saw. All I remember is one called banana bird. Easy to remember eh🤣
“Excellent safari, amazing experience” from SafariBookings
Pier, Italy
Kind people, unique experiences, plenty of wildlife sightings, and unforgettable moments.
Highly recommended for everyone.
“6 unforgettable days in Balule!” from TripAdvisor
loïc T, France
We spent 6 days (5 nights) at Tremisana Lodge. The pick up at Joburg airport is punctual, and the whole stay will be perfectly well conducted. The safaris in the charming Balule reserve are excellent because the fauna is numerous (giraffe, lion, buffalo, leopard, kudu, hippos… and many birds). We love bumpy trails and river crossings.
Moreover, in Balule we are led by Luke and Whi who know the place perfectly. Funny and efficient, they found us treasures of wildlife. For the days spent at the Kruger, we are never disappointed! The Satara area is rich in wildlife and even on rainy days our driver guide Andy did his best to meet our expectations.
On the lodge side, simple comfort and a very nice green garden with even a small pool. The meals were delicious! Everything homemade by a kind and efficient female team. Tasty and hearty, thank you all! And of course, from the dining room (outdoors), you can admire the approaching wildlife to the fences (hyena, elephant, impalas) as well as the monkeys, squirrels, birds and adorable dwarf mongooses that keep us company in the lodge garden.
Tremisana is a small piece of paradise perfectly incorporated in the beautiful reserve of Balule, the welcome is warm and the whole team with little care. To conclude, a greeting to Ed, always in a good mood and adorable with our son. They got along like two buddies thanks to Ed’s kindness.
I highly recommend Viva Safaris and Tremisana lodge to spend an ideal stay within the reach of average budgets.
We dream of going back one day!
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
