December 2024 January 2025
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 maintain our policy of minimal impact on animals and the environment. For example, guests will be asked to be quiet if someone is taking a video of lions roaring. Sudden noise and movement may disturb a close-up sighting, so our guests are asked to refrain from shrieking with excitement and jumping up off their seats.
The ranger always asks the guests what they would like to see. The majority are happy to be out in the bush and will happily accept whatever their luck brings. The usual requests are for lions and elephants. Over the last 34 years, for guests doing any 3 day safari, our success rate with lions has been around 90%. For elephants, the success rate is 100%. In fact, some rangers are possibly going beyond the scope of their duties by offering a money-back guarantee if elephants are not seen.
Fifty years ago, I was involved in a Mathematical Model run by the University of the Witwatersrand to establish the Kruger Park’s carrying capacity for elephants. A figure of 7000 was calculated for the original Kruger Park. Once culling stopped in the mid-1990s, efforts were made to add additional land to the Kruger Park. This included what is known as Greater Kruger Park, situated to the west of the original Kruger boundaries. This is a patchwork of private game reserves and includes Balule Nature Reserve on which Tremisana Lodge is situated. The sizes of the private reserves, measured in hectares (1 hectare is 100m x 100m = 10 000 square metres) is roughly as follows : Sabi Sand Reserve 65 000 ; Klaserie Reserve 60 000; Balule Reserve 55 000; Timbavati Reserve 53 000 and Thornybush 14 000.There are a few smaller reserves and the total area is around 300 000 hectares which is a fraction of the original Kruger Park that comprises around 1 950 000 hectares.
I am reliably informed that the elephant population in Kruger, including greater Kruger, is around 35 000. This is a HUGE number. I suppose that our rangers can, indeed, offer money-back guarantees on elephant sightings.
In previous newsletters, I have outlined the challenges involved with managing so many elephants. Last year, hungry elephants broke into Tremisana Lodge on multiple occasions and we had to invest in high voltage energizers. Our business partner, Campfire Academy, decided to remove fences completely. We use Campfire Academy property for the first night of the 3 day budget tented package. The thrill of having an elephant right outside your elevated tent is real. We have decided to have a ranger stay in a tent near the guests just in case there are issues.
Elephant outside Viva tent at Campfire
In next month’s newsletter I will outline dangers associated with elephants and how Viva Safaris has reacted.
GAME VIEWING REPORTS FROM OUR GUIDES
BNR = Balule Nature Reserve
KNP = Kruger National Park
LUKE, Head Ranger, reports as follows:
Monthly report January 2025
The month of January started with wonderful rain, much needed in our area of guiding. Overnight, it seemed to turn into a flower-filled land of green.
A few of the waterholes that had been empty for months are now looking far better.
The condition of the animals is improving with all the food available. The elephants have been in abundance, swimming in the waterholes, and enjoying the muddy puddles after the rains.
We have had herds of elephants moving past Tremisana Lodge on their way to Tremisana Dam. 
Elephant Bull on Rome 1 BNR, enjoying the shade of a Marula Tree
During the morning bushwalks along the Olifants River, we have had to walk higher up from the river due to the high volumes of water rushing down. This has made it more challenging to find our sneaky crocodile friends, but not impossible.
The Hippos, as always, are in abundance along the river, always lying in the water mostly submerged except for their eyes and nostrils.
We recently witnessed two hippo bulls chasing each other on the other side of the river. It made us realise how fast these big creatures really are.
A highlight for me this month was a sighting of four buffalo bulls moving slowly down towards the river for a drink, a wonderful sighting. 
Buffalo Bull Rome 1 on Sundowner drive BNR
On the game drives, we have been fortunate on several occasions to find Elephant, Lions, Rhino (White and Black), and the return of the big Buffalo herd. Leopards have been difficult to find. However, a few lucky guests have had the opportunity to see them. 
Lion on Campfire Property during a morning drive, sheltering from the rain.
The lion pride has been moving from around a few of the properties that we traverse, specifically Rome 1, Campfire and Barnards. I had a wonderful up-close encounter with the pride on Sable Road, which is between Rome 1 and Campfire. 
Lion Pride on Sable Road, en route to bushwalk. Relaxing in the open on a cool morning.
They had recently feasted on a few impalas; we found them fast sleep next to the road with full bellies. Well, at least some of them had full bellies. A few of the cubs still looked very hungry.
The Rhino sightings have been less frequent due to their many options on the reserve regarding water, but we still get them fairly regularly, especially on afternoon drives.
MARC, Assistant GM, reports as follows :
Happy New Year to everyone.
We have had a very happy start to the new year as we were finally blessed with some beautiful rainfall.
The bush is alive and well once more and is overflowing with greenery and beautiful wildflowers. Our Elephants and other animals are all happy and healthy and our baby impalas are fattening up nicely. The Tremisana dam has reached 100% capacity and our local Hippo often submerges and plays hide and seek with us as he disappears under the water for a few odd minutes now and then.
January has been great for animal sightings as the herd of 150 strong Buffalo have come back from the East and we have seen them frequently near camp. One hot and sunny morning I found some of them taking a nice dip to cool off in our dam.
Buffalos taking a dip under the watchful eye of a Hippo in the background
After the rains we drag tractor tyres on our roads to help grade and maintain the road surface and smooth out any corrugations. On this one particular occasion Luke and I drove past some lions who immediately took a keen interest in our tyres that we were dragging. A lioness and 2 sub adult males started stalking our tyres and then slowly started following us down the road for a few hundred metres.
Some interesting highlights on my drives this past month have been seeing a bachelor pack of wild dogs. Yes a pack of wild dogs with only males and sub adult males. I’m uncertain of where the females have gone but there were some reports that we lost 1 dog to a Leopard attack and 2 others to some lions over the past few months. Bigger and stronger predators such as lions occasionally kill other predators especially when there is a shortage of food. I’m presuming that these dogs who were killed may all have unfortunately been females.
Wild dogs at turnoff to Marula Boma
Elephant sightings have been incredible with some real close encounters and we have had some great sightings of close up Giraffe and Rhinos this month too.
Elephant really close to vehicle
Big Rhino herd.
Until next month, I hope and I pray that 2025 may be a blessed year for all.
RAYMOND
Barnards BNR
Tremisana Lodge BNR
H6 KNP
BNR
VICTOR
Wild dogs S125 KNP
Buffalo on S40 KNP
Lioness on H6 near Satara Camp KNP
Casper the white lion H1-3 south of Satara Camp KNP
ANDY
Lion pride with white female near Orpen KNP
Lion near Satara KNP
White Rhino KNP
Elephants swimming in the Campfire dam BNR
ROCKY
African Wild Dogs, Sunset Drive along Olifants Road close to Marula Boma entrance BNR
Pride of lions resting during Sunset Drive, Barnards BNR
Casper and his brother resting on H1-3 KNP
Female Leopard during Sunset Drive, relaxing in a Marula tree, Barnards BNR
Breeding herd of Elephant on Barnards BNR
SMILEY
28th December: we saw one male Elephant on Sable road BNR
30th December: we saw a male Lion on Sable road BNR
12th January: we saw a female White Rhino with a little baby on BNR.
17th January: we saw a female Giraffe drinking water at waterhole BNR.
NADINE
Rare sighting of Klipspringer, Rome 1 BNR
Lioness, Olifants road BNR
Ezulwini, big tusker, on Sable road BNR
African Hawk Eagle, Barnards BNR
NHLANHLA
Pride of Lions moving from Imagine Africa to Barnards during our Sunset Drive, BNR
We came across a pack of Wild Dogs on Marula Road on our way to Tremisana Lodge, BNR
Lion on Barnards BNR
BRANDON
14 January: Buffalo herd, Olifants road BNR
12 January: Victor and guests looking at Lioness, Campfire Dam BNR
Big Tusker Ezulwini giving Brandon practice at reversing
PIERO
I spent time in early January at all our camps.
I loved the rain and had a moving, almost spiritual experience outside the Guest House on 12 January.
I took the following photos :
QUINTON
African Painted Dog seen at Marc’s Camp
Wildebeest (Gnu) and Nyala seen at Marc’s Camp
Buffalo seen on Bushwalk at Marc’s Camp
Guests watching a Hare on early morning Bushwalk at Marc’s Camp
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA LODGE
Congratulations to Head Ranger, Luke and Zanele on the birth of their second daughter Madi. We completed the additional bedroom at Luke’s house in time for the family’s return to Tremisana.
The gardens at Tremisana are the best I have ever seen them since 1994!! We had a huge cloudburst right over Tremisana in early January. I have never seen such a downpour anywhere. The Tremisana Dam was overflowing its walls by 2 metres. A crocodile from the adjacent Maroelani property managed to swim right through the fence and is now in residence at Tremisana Dam. No doubt, our aggressive hippo is keeping an eye on it.
The effect of massive plant growth has been to see a lot more lions and other animals right on the roads.
NYARAI sent the following :
Tremisana Report January 2025
It’s the beginning of a new year again. We get to write down our new year resolutions and hope that we achieve all of them. This year I prefer to write down all the things that I am grateful for that and take each new day as it comes.
I struggled with my health towards the end of last year. If I tell you I am grateful to be okay and back at work trust me it’s an understatement. A special thank you to the Viva family for holding the fort when I was away and the support I continue to receive every day. My heat overflows with gratitude.
It’s still warm in Balule and the sun sets late. I would welcome any amount of rain at this point to cool us down.
I have only managed to do one Sundowner game drive this month. We saw a lot of elephants throughout the drive. We had a close encounter with a female elephant on our way to the river. I was scared but I pretended to be brave. The stop at the Olifants River was breathtaking. The river is still full at the moment. 
I look forward to a busy February. I pray that this year will be everyone’s best year. May it be filled with happiness and all the beautiful things life has to give.
SOUTHERN CAMPS
MARC’S TREEHOUSE LODGE is looking very good after the rains. The impala and nyala herds seem to be much larger.
Buffalo near Marc’s Camp
Young Nyalas fighting at Marcs Camp
KATEKANI has been busy. I took a beautiful sunset from the deck of one of the suites.
MASANGO CAMP
I have authorized the construction of another bedroom at Quinton’s house.
DUMELA TENTED CAMP is being leased by MoAfrika Tours. All tents are ensuite and airconditioned.
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES
We are looking into the possibility of starting monthly Wildlife Photography Courses using the 8 rooms of Cheetah Inn. More about this next month. Thanks to all staff who have worked hard to restore the Cheetah Inn property to its previous good condition.
CHARL sent the following report:
I hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday with family and friends.
I haven’t been around much as I was very fortunate to take my annual leave of 21 days over the festive season to go on honeymoon. But while I was away the teams have been hard at work finishing off projects that we had planned – the biggest being the renovation of the old Cheetah Inn Lodge that we will now be looking to run a photography course from. Very exciting – something I think people will definitely enjoy.
We have been extremely lucky with rain that has helped the bush tremendously, filling up dams and greening up the grasses. The rains have definitely done their part as we have seen the movement of lots of smaller, less often seen animals like the different species of tortoises and chameleons.
Baby leopard tortoise removed from the road
Chameleon removed from the road.
The camps definitely looked a lot better on my return, being green and lush. We have had a group of blue wildebeests take up residence close to Marcs Camp. That is very nice as in all my years at the company I can’t remember ever seeing them that close to the camp.
Scorpion removed from the boma
Katekani has only had a few quiet days that has allowed us to get busy with some much needed work of pressure washing decks as well as giving the grass roofs the attention they need, especially after all the new growth in the trees. The teams have been hard at work on the maintenance side of things with all the new projects underway for the year.
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
2025 has started quietly. Our numbers are about 10% down on last January.
We are not overly concerned as advance bookings for February, March and April look promising.
Once the world economy stabilizes, I am certain that our bookings will improve.
Thanks to Luke and Marc who arranged to use the rangers, who had some spare time, to make all roads on Tremisana, Marula Boma, Rome 3 and Barnards more tourist-friendly. Tyres were dragged on the roads that were still soft after the rains and all overhanging branches and trees were trimmed.
While dragging the tyres on the Olifants Road one morning, Marc and other rangers were surprised to see lions running after the tyres. I am extremely unhappy to know this. It may indicate unethical behaviour on the part of a landowner. Why would lions chase a vehicle dragging something behind it ? Were they looking for food ???
We took delivery of our second brand new Open Sided Vehicle. These vehicles will be used in Kruger Park.
Although Viva Safaris is blessed to have such a brilliant mechanic as we do in Ricus, who reminded me that we did not have a single breakdown in Kruger on all 365 days we went there in 2024, I felt it necessary to buy these new vehicles. If there is a breakdown of one of our Landcruisers on Balule Nature Reserve, we can get a replacement vehicle there within minutes. Kruger Park is a long way from Tremisana or the Southern Camps. The guiding staff are of the ( erroneous? ) opinion that as I enter my 70th year, I am fretting unnecessarily. I hope they enjoy driving the new OSVs.
Our reviews are really good and I thank all staff for working hard to please our guests.
Marco, our Webmaster, has selected the following:
Into the Wild
Richard S
When my wife and I arrived at Tremisana Game Lodge, we were immediately treated to some incredible wildlife scenes.
Marc, one of the game rangers, informed us right away that there was a lion kill close to the lodge. Eagerly, we hopped into the game vehicle, hardly believing our good fortune. Upon arriving at the site, our excitement grew as we learned that two lionesses who had made the kill were chased away by a clan of hyenas. It was astonishing to witness the hyenas gnawing at the carcass while the lionesses lurked in the background, clearly dismayed.
The next day, we embarked on a guided bush walk down to the Olifants River, marking our first time viewing wildlife outside of a game vehicle. On our way to a closer parking spot by the river, the game rangers didn’t overlook the wildlife we encountered. I was particularly grateful for this, as we saw an elephant calf that was only about a day old. It was the first time I had seen such a small elephant in the wild, and observing the interactions between the herd and the calf was truly beautiful.
By this point, I was already content with our wildlife experience, but the best part was yet to come. The guided bush walk turned out to be the most incredible experience, and I cannot recommend it enough. Walking down to the river and being exposed to the elements made the whole experience feel even more immersive. Walking on the same tracks and riverbeds as the animals, I felt a profound sense of connection to nature, which brought an amazing feeling of calm and contentment. Additionally, our knowledgeable game rangers, Marc and Luke, educated us about the hippos, elephants, antelopes, and various birds we encountered.
Upon returning to the city, the contrast between the hustle and bustle and nature’s soothing effect was stark. Thank you, Viva Safaris, and all the friendly staff. We will most certainly be back and cannot wait for our next wildlife adventure!
Unforgettable Safari for our Family
Jakki R, Australia
Our 7-day safari experience with Viva Safaris in December 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary! This trip was a family adventure for my husband, our two children, and myself and we couldn’t have asked for a more memorable family experience. From start to finish, Viva Safaris exceeded our expectations with their thoughtful planning, outstanding service, and incredible attention to detail. It was fantastic to be picked up directly from Johannesburg Airport and dropped back after the safari. This door-to-door service made the experience so much more relaxing and hassle-free. The way the safari was organised made us feel like we had our own personalised itinerary, as though the entire adventure had been tailored just for our family.
Seeing the Big 4 (unfortunately no illusive leopard, only footprints) in their natural habitat was a dream come true, but the experience went far beyond that. Every game drive and bush walk offered unique sightings and insights, making us feel deeply connected to the African wilderness. The open-sided vehicles provided the perfect vantage point for animal viewing and added an immersive touch to the entire experience.
Tremisana Lodge, tucked in Balule Game Reserve (Greater Kruger), offered a unique opportunity to experience wildlife right on our doorstep. Visits from various animals (such as Hyenas and Elephants) to the lodge added an extra thrill for all of us. The rustic charm of the facilities blended perfectly with the surrounding natural beauty.
The staff at Viva Safaris are the true stars of this journey. George, our first driver, had a warm demeanour and excellent driving skills which made our transfers both comfortable and enjoyable. Solomon, our next driver, was incredibly kind and attentive, ensuring every moment on the road was as comfortable as possible even through a massive rain storm, allowing us to arrive safely to Tremisana. We then began the safari with Nadine, one of our guides and trackers, who amazed us with her knowledge and passion for the bush. Her uncanny ability to track animals and share fascinating details about their behaviours added so much depth to our experience. Brandon, another tracker and guide, was a highlight with his unparalleled expertise and infectious enthusiasm. We were fortunate to have him guide us twice, with each occasion more exciting than the last.
Luke then led us on a walking safari that was both thrilling and informative. His understanding of the ecosystem and focus on safety made it an unforgettable experience. Lucky, a remarkable tracker also assisted on the walking safari and the next day took us on a special drive to see lions before heading to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, going above and beyond to make the trip special. Andy’s deep knowledge and his passion for wildlife made our drive through Kruger National Park insightful and exciting, while Marc’s dedication to finding the best sightings and sharing his expertise added immense value, even while on a ‘Ferrari Safari!’ He didn’t want us to miss a sighting!
Raymond’s expertise in navigating the Kruger too and his keen eye for wildlife made our drive unforgettable (even through the pouring rain). Smiley’s cheerful personality and frequent use of “WOW” and “Hakuna Matata” brought a joyful energy to our safari, while Victor’s dedication to tracking and spotting wildlife ensured we saw an incredible array of animals.
We will never forget Mumma D’s amazing African themed meals! She and her team served up delicious food every day with 3 course dinners, making mealtimes as much of a highlight as the game drives. We can not forget to mention Educate, the master planner who ensured everything ran flawlessly. His thoughtful planning was evident throughout the trip, and he even managed to return my husband’s sunglasses after he accidentally left them behind in a game drive vehicle.
Solly was not only an excellent driver but also a great conversationalist, making our journey back to Johannesburg enjoyable. Finally, Welcome’s professionalism and friendly attitude left a lasting impression on our family.
Every single staff member went above and beyond to ensure we had the best sightings and experiences. Whether it was a bush walk, morning or sunset drive, their enthusiasm and expertise shone through. The meals, logistics and planning were all seamlessly executed, making the trip feel like a perfectly orchestrated adventure. Viva Safaris delivered an experience that we will all cherish forever. We also enjoyed making new lifelong friends, both guests and staff. We highly recommend Viva Safaris to anyone planning a safari getaway to the Kruger National Park and Balule Game Reserve area. Thank you, Viva Safaris!
Great Experience!
MT, Italy
We were very happy with the choice, the lodges were comfortable, great meals and service, we even had some unexpected visits from some animals that came to drink near the lodge.
Game drives took place both in the Balule Reserve and in Kruger NP.
The experience was wonderful, with lots of encounters with animals, thanks also to our wonderful guides who took turns on the various game drives, in particular Rocky, who accompanied us on two wonderful full days at KNP (with a fantastic rhino sighting!!), Ray and Marc, who took turns on the drives at Balule and the bush walk and gave us all sorts of information on the animals and the nature around.
Great experience, great value for money. Sad to leave!
Rachel, UK
I did the 6 days 5 nights recently.
I booked with Viva Safaris due to the volume of positive reviews on these sites. I can confirm that the good reviews are justified.
They had a varied itinerary that kept you busy and allowed you to have a good chance at seeing as many animals as possible.
The guides were really friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The rooms were good and they kept us well fed throughout the trip each day.
I was sad to leave and would love to return in the future.
Excelente e inmejorable!
Isabel Domingo, Spain
Desde la recogida en el hotel en Johannesburgo ha funcionado todo a la perfección.
Los guías son muy profesionales y saben perfectamente donde llevarte para que puedas ver a todos los animales de cerca.
La cena después del sunset safari bajo las estrellas increíble y dormir en tienda de compaña, insuperable. Especialmente mis guías Lucky y Rocky, los mejores.
Sin duda una experiencia que repetiría y que por supuesto, voy a recomendar.
Súper completo!
Samara Zarraga, Mexico
Súper completo, pude hacer y ver todo lo que quería, la experiencia en las tiendas se siente segura, siempre estuve acompañada y tuve la oportunidad de ver animales que otras personas en el grupo no vieron tan de cerca.
El resto de las actividades también es genial! de verdad lo recomiendo muchísimo!
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
