Newsletters Archives - Page 2 of 13 - Kruger Park Safaris with Viva Safaris

April 2025

30 Apr 2025

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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,...

March 2025

01 Apr 2025

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The European Roller, Coracias Garrulus, is a non-breeding summer migrant that arrives in SA around October and leaves for Eurasia towards the end of March. It is not as colourful as the Lilac-breasted Roller. Previously there was competition between the two species and my...

February 2025

02 Mar 2025

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On the 31 January 2025, I read a report of an elephant killing a tourist at the Malelane Gate of Kruger Park. He was on foot and out of his vehicle. Every now and again, we hear of elephants killing people in Africa. With the sustained drought in parts of Africa, elephants are...

December 2024 January 2025

30 Jan 2025

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Viva Safaris’ guests’ first wildlife experience is the Sunset Drive and Bush BBQ. Once the guests are seated in our open Landcruiser, our game ranger explains certain rules pertaining to game drives. These are intended to allow everyone to thoroughly enjoy the experience and to...

November 2024

01 Dec 2024

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This month, we have had more people applying for work at Viva Safaris than in any previous month over the last 33 years. In one sense, we feel flattered – it would appear that Viva Safaris has a reputation of being a stable and growing business that places staff welfare as...

October 2024

01 Nov 2024

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The Grey Heron, Ardea Cinerea, is a long-legged wader found near water. It is common throughout Kruger Park. It feeds mainly on aquatic prey, which it catches by a swift stabbing motion. It is often seen standing stationary, patiently waiting for a fish or frog to get within...

September 2024

01 Oct 2024

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The drought continues. Elephants, driven by hunger, are causing major damage to all lodges and private homes in Olifants West Nature Reserve. The day after I arrived at Tremisana, a wily elephant bull managed to get into the camp. These elephants are very intelligent. He was able...

August 2024

02 Sep 2024

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Although we live near Durban on the Eastern Seaboard of South Africa, where the warm Mozambique current allows for all-year bathing, we have been reluctant to swim in the sea. This is because of the high levels of e.coli present in the water. I recall the recent Paris Olympics in...

July 2024

01 Aug 2024

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Climate change has been in the forefront of world news this year with devastating reports of irregular and unexpected effects. South Africa has not been spared and we have recently had fires, tornados and floods. Viva Safaris’ lodges are situated in the areas around Hoedspruit....

June 2024

02 Jul 2024

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Really good news received this month is that about 120 White Rhino have been released onto the regions comprising what is generally known as the Greater Kruger Park. Balule Nature Reserve, on which Tremisana Lodge is situated, has benefitted and we are proud to know that our...