February 2026
With the residual pools found in the veld after the January floods, we were advised that there may have been an increase in cases of malaria. To date, there have been no reports of any malaria outbreaks in our region. Most of the pools have dried up. Great stuff !
We received an offer from the reserve to have our camps sprayed with DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). This organic compound was developed and used during World War 2 to control insect-borne diseases such as malaria and typhus .
Luke, Manager at Tremisana had some misgivings and I asked my good friend, Letitia Cronje, of Campfire Academy for her opinion. Letitia is one of the very top conservationists in the Kruger Park area. She responded as follows : “ DDT is a persistent, bioaccumulative organochlorine insecticide that causes severe ecological damage and human health risks. It lingers in the environment, causing eggshell thinning in birds and high toxicity in aquatic life. DDT is an endocrine disruptor linked to cancer, reproductive issues, developmental abnormalities and neurological damage.”
Viva decided not to use DDT as it may kill the natural predators of mosquitoes.
I thought of a more enjoyable potential remedy.
I have encouraged our lodge staff to try to sell more bottles of gins and tonic. It is believed that the quinine in tonic water serves as a cure for malaria. As far back as 1820, two French scientists, Pelletier and Caventou, isolated an alkaloid chemical in the bark of the Chinchona tree and named it quinine.
Guest Liaison Officer, Ed, doing his bit to combat malaria.
British soldiers serving in India were given quinine to help prevent malaria. They discovered that, by adding sugar and water to the tonic, washed down immediately by a generous tot of gin and a lime wedge, the bitter medicine went down rather well. This explains why a gin and tonic (G&T ) is probably the most popular sundowner drink on safari !
To be serious, both the malaria parasite and drinking excessive gin will damage your liver. Modern day tonic waters will not save you ! I recommend that you consult with a medical practitioner and take prescribed medicine, if you are concerned about contracting malaria.
On every one of the 30+ Viva Safaris’ packages on offer, we enjoy a Bush BBQ at Marula Boma. The guides discuss the many merits of the giant Marula tree under which the dinner tables are set. We offer a complimentary Amarula liqueur drink. Like a good G&T, it must be sipped slowly and savoured. The younger guests think it is a shooter. What a waste ! I am told Amarula liqueur has no anti-malarial benefits but you have my solemn word that it does allow for a degree of de-stressing. 
Victor proposes a toast under the famous Marula Tree at Marula Boma
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 February 2026
After the floods in January the bush saw very little rain. This has given our roads a chance to dry out. Normally we would be wishing for rain – the floods however put us off rain for a little while. The bush is green and thick with water still flowing in places that are usually dry. This has given the big mammals wonderful spots for mud baths during the heat.
Highlights this month on the game drives
A few wonderful Wild Dog sightings along Marula Road and just opposite Tremisana on Olifants Road. These took place en route to the bush walk and during a Sundowner Drive in Balule.
The Wild Dog sightings along the Olifants Road were wonderful. We found them soon after leaving the lodge in the morning light. Wild Dogs are a rare species which makes it super special to see them in Balule. They are also so active and very rarely stay in the same place for long. We sat next to them as they ran around greeting one another and then moved away in a northerly direction.
African Wild Dogs on Olifants Road across from Tremisana Lodge, en route to the morning bush walk, BNR
My most successful drive for the month was a Sunset Drive – we managed four of the Big Five. The Elephants consistently showed up throughout the drive from start to finish. The other three all showed up on our way back to the lodge from dinner at Marula Boma.
Breeding herd of elephants during Sundowner drive. BNR
After a braai under the open sky at Marula Boma, we slowly made our way back to Tremisana. The first animals to show up were Elephants, a small breeding herd slowly moving through the bush feeding. We moved on until a strong smell in the air caught our attention. It was the undeniable scent of Buffalo. The second member of the big five ticked off, what could possibly be next.
White Rhino, BNR
Shortly after the Rhino sighting, the radio crackled. Smiley had spotted a Leopard on Olifants Road. Off we went to join him. The big cat lay very relaxed next to the road. We sat with him for a while before making our way home.
The Bush Walk highlights
This month I had three very memorable encounters, all with Big Five animals. The first encounter took place on Rome 1. It was a herd of Elephants. We parked the vehicle further up from the Olifants River and began our walk.
Young Elephant bull during Bush Walk along the Olifants River Rome 1. BNR
In the distance towards the east, we spotted a breeding herd of Elephants and decided to get a closer look. We used a granite boulder as a safe viewpoint and watched the Elephants move down towards a stream to drink water.
The next sighting was of a Leopard. We had already been walking for a short while – in fact we were on our way back to the vehicle. The vegetation is quite thick on Rome 3/4 with beautiful Marula trees dotted around the landscape.
As we walked around a medium-sized shrub, I scanned the area in front of us. In one of the Marula trees a shape caught my eye – it was a dead impala hanging from a branch. On further inspection, I could see another shape on the opposite branch – the Leopard!!! It gave us a few seconds to view it, then, quick as a flash, it left the tree and ran off into the bush.
The last but not the least of the three encounters took place along the Olifants River on Rome 1. We had made our way down towards the river when we heard in the distance the alarm-calling of baboons. The baboons had clearly spotted something that they didn’t like, but possibly something that we would like to see. So, we headed off towards the calls, looking for predator tracks as we walked.
The tracks we could pick up weren’t fresh enough to be from the same day, but they were from a lioness and cubs. This of course added an extra element of danger – we had to be very careful.
We first found the baboons and they directed us towards the lioness. The lioness showed herself briefly and then hid under a thick bush. For a while we could just hear the lioness growling, until we found a better angle and could see her face partially hidden behind the leaves.
We did not see the cubs but could hear them making squeaky calls from under the bush.
NHLANHLA sent the following:
KNP – H1-4 north of Satara
KNP – H7 east of S106
BNR – Olifants Road next to Van der Merwe fence
KNP – H7 east of Orpen coffee shop
CHARL sent the following:
Giraffe on Sundowner Drive BNR
Wild Dogs on Olifants Road BNR
Chameleon at Dumela Tented Lodge
KNP Ground Hornbill
QUINTON sent the following:
Long horned Buffalo seen at Marc’s Camp
Speke’s hinged-backed Tortoise – seen on bush walk at Marc’s Camp
Wild Dogs feeding on Impala at Masango Camp
Charl and building team at Masango Camp
RAYMOND sent the following:
Sable Road BNR
KNP Nsemana Dam
Zulwini big tusker on Olifants Road BNR
BNR Rome 3
ELIAS AKA SMILEY sent the following:
11 February: just before we left on our Sunset Drive we saw an Elephant bull at Tremisana front gate, BNR
12 of February: we drove to the Kruger National Park. On H7 we saw 5 cheetahs crossing the road.
13 of February: we went out on our Sundowner Drive. We saw a White Rhino BNR
19 February: we drove down Sable Road and saw this Marabou Stork.
JOHN sent the following:
BNR Sable Road
BNR Olifants Road
BNR Olifants Road next to Tremisana Lodge
BNR
BNR
ANDY sent the following:
Zulwini the big tusker spotted on the Olifants Road. BNR
Rhino BNR
Elephant was spotted on Marula road , BNR
WHIAN sent the following:
Zebra, Olifants Road BNR
Leopard Morning Drive Rome 3 BNR
Wild Dogs on Tremisana property BNR
Rhino BNR
ROCKY sent the following:
Pride of lions along H1-4 KNP
Big male Elephant with a broken tusk H7 KNP
Giraffes on Marula Road Sundowner Drive BNR
White Rhino BNR
VICTOR sent the following:
Lioness Sable Road BNR
Giraffes Marula Road BNR
Pride of Lions south of Tremisana Dam BNR
Herd of Elephants Rome 4 BNR
Wild Dogs Olifants Road BNR
PIERO:
I spent 8 days in the bush at the beginning of February 2026.
I am pleased to report that flood damages at all our lodges were minimal. Thanks to our great staff who handled a difficult situation with aplomb.
I took the following photos :
Elephants at Tremisana Lapa waterhole 
Herd of impala at Tremisana Lapa waterhole
Hyena cooling off at Tremisana Lapa waterhole
Magnificent Kudu bull at Tremisana
Close up to breeding herd BNR
Guests admiring elephant at Tremisana Lapa waterhole
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :
February 2026
Life at Tremisana — A Birthday Personal Reflection
As I celebrated my birthday this month, I realized that I have been here for a long time, and Tremisana will always be part of my life story. Mama said a lady never shares her age, but I must say I have noticed a couple of grey hairs. I am grateful that I managed to celebrate my birthday here. My home and workplace. Thank you to my Tremisana family for making it simple and beautiful and exactly how I wanted it. I will forever be grateful that I am able to be here on my breaks and live like I am at home. What a blessing.
There’s something deeply personal about life at Tremisana. It’s not just the wildlife or the breathtaking sunsets .It’s the feeling that you are part of something alive, something bigger than yourself.
Each morning begins before the sun rises. The bush is still wrapped in soft grey light, and the air feels cool and full of possibility. There is always a quiet sense of anticipation. You never know what the day will reveal. A pride of lions resting after a night hunt, elephants moving gently through the trees, or perhaps a shy leopard disappearing into the thicket. A call from a previous guest who remembers you by name and decides to visit again.
Every sighting and experience feels like a privilege.The smell of fresh coffee and breakfast to start the day makes conversations flow.
Guests share stories of what they saw, laughter fills the air, and friendships begin to form over simple, shared moments. What often starts as a safari quickly becomes something more meaningful — a shared journey.
Afternoons move at a gentler pace. Some guests relax by the pool, and others sit quietly at the Lapa watching out for animals.
Thick vegetation around pool at Tremisana
For many, it’s the first time in years they’ve truly paused. Here, without the noise of city life, people reconnect with nature, with others, and often with themselves.
As evening approaches, the bush changes character. The golden light stretches across the landscape. Sunsets in Balule are always a marvel.
Dinner in the boma is often my favorite part of the day. Sitting under a sky filled with stars, listening to the crackle of the fire, stories are shared not just about wildlife but about life itself. Guests arrive as strangers, but they rarely leave that way. They often leave as family or friends.
Life at Tremisana is not simply about working or visiting a lodge. It’s about connection to the land, to the animals, and to one another. It’s about waking up each day knowing that nature will write the schedule. It’s about witnessing wonder, again and again, and never quite getting used to it.That’s the magic of Tremisana ,it doesn’t just give you memories. It leaves you changed. I am an embodiment of the beauty and peace that Tremisana gives.
KATEKANI, MARC’S TREEHOUSES, MASANGO AND DUMELA
CHARL, Manager of Southern Camps, reports:
Marc’s:
It’s been amazing to watch the changes in the bush since the rain. The Klaserie River that runs through Marcs Camp has dropped drastically from what it was , leaving pockets of water where fish were stranded. I spent a few hours with a net scooping out as many as i could before the water dried up completely. We took a lot of them to be released in the dams at Tremisana.
Young bass caught in pool
One thing that never disappoints at Marcs Camp is our resident Nyalas that hang around the camp. I returned from my leave and went on a walk through the camp only to be greeted by the animal welcoming community. 
Katekani:
While working at Katekani i was fortunate enough to see a hatchling African rock python hanging around the boma area and was fortunate enough to take a quick photo before it disappeared into the bush. Snakes often vanish once they have been spotted. The Kapama property next door has begun the process of erecting the boundary fence so shortly we will be completely surrounded by Big 5 property. 
Ronnie assisting with rethatching of roofs at Katekani
Masango Camp:
We have begun the last two units at Masango with the goal to complete them by the 31st of March and then to reopen the camp. We still have some work to get done before then.
Dumela Tented Lodge:
We have renovated the swimming pool area. We have regular visits from the resident Hyena who is chasing the impala herd, which now numbers over thirty.
Renovated pool at Dumela Tented Lodge
ARRIVEDERCI MARC:
February 2026 saw the return of Marc and his family to Ballito where he is resuscitating his Physiotherapy practice.
I am indebted to Marc, his wife Sune and my grandson, Josh, for having given up over 2 years of their lives to “learn the ropes” at Viva Safaris. I am sure that Marc, Sune and Josh have learned a lot and have had a great time in the bush. In the event of my not being able to continue running Viva Safaris, I am 100% sure that Marc will make sure that the “show goes on”.
Marc was an excellent and extremely knowledgeable guide. He qualified with FGASA ( Field Guides Association of SA ) with well over 90% and was very popular with Viva’s tourists. His loud and infectious laughter and his obvious passion for wildlife made his guests immediately feel like they were part of the Viva family.
On the admin side his smiles and jokes were sometimes replaced by scowls and growls. He has learned that running a business of this magnitude can be challenging at times.
Congrats to Marc and Sune, who are expecting our 12th grandchild.
Marc loves his rugby ( he was Natal Craven Provincial Captain and also played internationally ) and Durban High School is thrilled to have him back as School Physio. They have provided him with his own office and rooms. Over the last few years, I have watched DHS playing rugby. Marc’s physical presence on the field goes a long way in motivating the players to find that extra bit and win. I have a sneaking suspicion that he is also wired up and can communicate the coaches’ instructions to the players on the field. It reminds me of one Rassie Erasmus, Springbok coach, who at times, donned the cap of “ water man” to be on the field.
Viva Safaris will continue to employ Marc on a part-time basis, running with social media.
MARC sent the following :
They say that once the dust of the Kruger gets into your blood, you are never quite the same. After 26 incredible months living and working with Viva Safaris in the heart of the African bushveld, the time has come for my family and I to begin a new chapter beyond these gates.
It has been a great privilege to have had the opportunity to work with my father Piero and to learn in depth about his legacy and Viva Safaris holistically.
Tremisana Lodge hasn’t just been a workplace for us; it has been our home. We’ve shared hundreds of sunrises, countless game drives, incredible once in a lifetime sightings, and the unique privilege of watching the seasons transform the Lowveld. From the first rains late in the year that turn the bush into a lush vibrant green to the quiet, golden sunsets of the dry season. Every moment has left an indelible mark on us.
Magnificent sunsets
Thank you dad for giving me and my family this unique opportunity to live amongst the Big 5. Thank you to our managers, Luke, Charl and Nyarai and the rest of the Viva Safaris team who have become our extended family. Your passion for conservation and your dedication to providing world-class guest experiences have been truly inspiring. It has been an honour to lead and work alongside such a passionate and happy group of people from the ever reliable Elvis in the garden to both the Mammas, Delina and Bella, in the kitchen always preparing delicious food.
Going to miss the morning breakfasts, a coffee and then the extended morning chats assisting Ed and Rai in the office. And of course how can I leave out all our individually unique and experienced guides. ‘Wow, and Hakuna Matata!’ I look forward to visiting in the near future and hopping onto some of your game drives.
Off duty game drives
Watching my family grow, especially my little boy Josh of the Jungle mature from diapers and unable to crawl to learning to stand, walk and eventually to having only one speed, sprint. Growing up with the fresh air, open fires and the whooping sound of hyenas at night have been priceless. Sharing the day with the sights of elephants and buffalo walking in front of our garden and seeing Leopards and Lions almost daily has truly been serendipitous.
Elephants in the Garden
Lions on Game drives
Elephants and Buffalos from the Lodge
I am incredibly proud of what we at Viva Safaris have achieved together these last 2 years. From managing the busy seasons to creating small additions to the lodges. From chasing off hungry 6 ton Elephants who broke into the lodge numerous times in the dry season to survivng and navigating a catastrophic flood.
The 5am early morning coffees before the morning game drives and Bush walks, to the shared laughter around the boma fire whilst watching the African Civet, Honey Badgers and Porcupine scuttle by.
While my wife Suné and I are excited about our new adventure, we will miss this “heart place” dearly and we will hold many fond memories close to our hearts. We hope our paths may cross once again, perhaps under a Leadwood tree, or a Magnificent starlit sky at the Marula Boma or even along the peaceful Olifants river watching the sun go down late in the Winter.
Kruger Sunsets
I hope to still stay somewhat involved and assist Viva Safaris from afar. And I’m sure to be back visiting soon.
With deep gratitude and warm wishes..
Until next time…
Marc
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
February 2026 has been a quiet month. Tourist numbers were low but we nevertheless had daily departures from Johannesburg and daily Kruger Park tours every day of the month.
The lodges are all in good shape and Camp Managers Charl and Luke have used our staff very efficiently. The gardens are looking better than I can ever remember – one good consequence of the heavy rains.
I am proud of Luke and Tremisana staff who went to Rome 3 and 4 properties where we traverse and assisted in cleaning up after the floods.
Tremisana staff help in cleaning up after the floods.
Ed from our Office has been given an added responsibility in terms of guest relations. He will closely monitor all our guests’ well-being. He will also be posting on Facebook daily photos of guests’ wildlife sightings. Congrats on your appointment as our Guest Liaison Officer.
Ed is keeping Viva Safaris’ socials fresh and interesting with daily new content and photos
Marco, Webmaster, has chosen the following reviews, all posted in February 2026:
“An unforgettable trip!” from TripAdvisor
Leslie, UK
Just got back from the most awesome 6 day tour with Viva Safaris. It was incredible!
The lodge sits right on the edge of the park meaning we were treated to sights of impala, elephants, hyena and other animals just outside the fence surrounding the lodge at night and in the morning. The food and accommodation themselves were lovely and it felt like being part of a small, adventure-loving community for a few days. But the highlight obviously was the animals. And we saw a LOT, including 4 of the Big 5! Seeing a lioness approach our vehicle for first time was breathtaking, I’ll never forget it. And the racing around the reserve and at Kruger added to the sense of adventure. And scenery is just pure African wonder too, so you’ll never miss a chance for great shots. I couldn’t recommended this tour any more highly!
Big shout outs to all our guides, Smiley, Victor and everyone. Hakuna Matata. Wow!
From Leslie and Peter
“Safari 7 Dias” from TripAdvisor
Guilherme S, Brazil
A equipe da Viva Safaris é maravilhosa, todos são muito educados, atenciosos e sempre dispostos a ajudar e a explicar tudo.
Os guias são muito legais, especialmente o Luke, Rocky e todos os outros.
Recomendo!
“Unvergesslich” from TripAdvisor
Ulrike, Germany
Dank der Planung durch Edicate und Nyarai unserer Flüge bis hin zu unserer Abholung und Transfer an den Flughafen war alles hervorragend organisiert. Wir hatten die Flyin Safari gebucht, so dass wir von Johannesburg nach Hoedspruit flogen, wo uns Andy erwartete.Die Fahr nach Tremisana war kurz, und gleich ging es los. Leider waren wegen der Regenfälle in der Woche zuvor ein Großteil der Straßen gesperrt, aber unser guides, Luke, Andy und Whian gaben sich große Mühe und konnten uns unvergessliche Momente bescheren.
Tremisina ist eine rustikale sehr gepflegte Lodge, es ist alles da, was man braucht, das Essen ist hervorragend, und man sitzt zusammen mit den anderen Gästen aus aller Welt an langen Tischen. So haben wir viele interessante Menschen kennen gelernt und gute Gespräche gehabt.
Der wunderschöne Pool bietet Möglichkeit für eine Ruhepause zwischen den drives. Der bushwalk frühmorgens war ein ganz besonderes Erlebnis, genauso wie das Barbecue am Marula Baum. Wir können Viva Safaris von ganzem Herzen weiter empfehlen, es herrscht dort eine herzliche familiäre ungezwungene Atmosphäre, so dass man sich sofort wohlfühlt
Außer Leoparden und Löwen haben wir alles gesehen. Dies eher bedingt durch die Wettersituation.
“The best safari company choice!” from TripAdvisor
Aspyn P, USA
The experience we had with Viva Safaris was amazing, professional, and worry free.
The company goes above and beyond to deliver the perfect safari experience.
For the accommodation piece, the lodge was clean, comfortable, and exceeded our expectations for being so remote.
As for the safari itself, we saw so many different kinds of animals! This of course was not possible without Viva Safaris amazing guides such as Luke and Rocky! You could tell that these guys have both a passion for the animals and the service industry.
Lastly, the food we ate while there was delicious and cooked by the sweetest ladies.
Looking back, we wouldn’t have picked another safari company!
Thank you for the experience of a lifetime!
“Très bien” from GetYourGuide
BONNET, France
Très bien, parfaitement organisé.
Accueil très sympathique et soucieux du confort.
“Sensationell” from GetYourGuide
Peter, Germany
Es war vom Anfang abholen im Hotel bis zur Rückreise in ein anderes Hotel war alles sensationell. Ob es die Touren am frühen Morgen am späten Abend über Tag in das Rehabilitationszentrum oder die Ausflüge in den Kruger. Nationalpark war alles perfekt. Das Essen war einfach aber super lecker. Alle waren sehr freundlich hilfsbereit.
Die Lodges waren spartanisch ein eingerichtet aber super bequem. Die ganze Safari war von Anfang bis Ende super organisiert und alles hat so geklappt wie in der Beschreibung steht. Wir können diese Safari nur wärmstens empfehlen und dann noch eine Empfehlung bitte die sechstägige wählen weil die Zeit braucht man wir haben die Big Five komplett gesehen und noch jede Menge andere Tiere. Ob bei uns im Park oder im Kruger Nationalpark wirklich viele Tiere zu sehen. Nochmals besten Dank an die Organisation👍👍🙏🙏👌👌
“Professional and friendly staff” from TripAdvisor
Timo T, Singapore
Viva Safari’s staff’s professionalism and friendliness ensured that we had a very comfortable and wonderful experience.
We were well-fed and taken care of by the kitchen and housekeeping staff, and the guides tried their best to enrich our game spotting experiences with their humour and extensive knowledge of the bush.
Special shout out to our guides, Smiley, Raymond, and Gody for going the extra mile throughout!
“Davvero Impagabile” from GetYourGuide
Lavinia, Italy
L’esperienza al Tremisana lodge è stata più affascinante del previsto e la consiglio a chi vuole conoscere gli animali e ama la natura.
Al Tremisana lodge abbiamo trovato stanze con bagno privato; il tutto molto pulito ed essenziale. C’era anche l’aria condizionata in camera e il necessario per l’igiene personale. Ci hanno accolto con professionalità ed entusiasmo le guide Terrence e Dylan . Al Trevisana abbiamo conosciuto anche le altre guide Andy e Smiley che ci hanno accompagnato alla scoperta degli abitanti del parco Kruger . Le signore che si occupano della colazione e della cena sono molto disponibili e cortesi. La prima sera ci hanno sorpreso con una fantastica cena sotto le stelle a lume di candela.
Grazie a tutte queste belle persone e’ stato possibile vedere gli animali nel proprio habitat naturale ed in assoluta serenità: tutto questo è davvero impagabile.
“A dream came true” from Google
Dominika Czereba, Poland
Everything was amazing! The day was very well planned and organized; we felt like our group was the only one there.
The food was delicious. The staff members were very friendly and welcoming.
I would definitely go back. I highly recommend it.
“The experience was amazing!” from Google
Marta Mik, Poland
I had a wonderful experience with this company: my trip was top notch!
I traveled as a solo traveler and it wasn’t a problem. I didn’t have to pay extra, which was really nice.
Accommodation was great – I stayed in a tree house which I warmly recommend.
Food was amazing! I kept eating too much, because it was just so good.
Guides were friendly and knowledgeable.
Overall: highly recommended!
“Incroyable” from TripAdvisor
Noemi M, France
Une expérience formidable.
Les guides étaient super et le personnel au lodge très accueillant.
Nous avons pu voir de nombreux animaux pendant les safari.
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
