July 2024
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. Historically Hoedspruit received most of its rain in January and February. We had good rains in November and December of 2023 and we all thought that we were in for a bumper wet season. Since January we have had no significant rain and this has had its effect on our animals.
The number of impala and kudu on Olifants West Nature Reserve on which Tremisana is located appears to have decreased significantly. The lions are moving great distances to find their prey. Buffalo also are increasing their range in search of food. Tremisana Dam is the only dam in the region with significant water.
Guests have brilliant interaction with elephant herd at Tremisana waterhole
The biggest problem is the effect the dry conditions have had on elephants. Tremisana, like most other camps and lodges, waters its garden and the green grass and the thick foliage of our trees contrasts starkly with the dry yellow grass and stunted trees outside the fences. This has not gone unnoticed by the elephants and a previous newsletter (March 2024) had a photo of an elephant in Tremisana camp. The situation has deteriorated dramatically. Driven by hunger, elephants have entered many gardens of various landowners and done massive damage. The elephants have learned to push down poles supporting the electric wires. Once the fences fall to the ground and the electricity is earthed, they gain easy access to the green gardens. At Tremisana, Marc, assisted by gardeners Elvis, Reneck and Justice, spent three consecutive nights trying to keep the elephants out. Thanks to our great friend Wynand Britz, we have solved the problem. Wynand gave Marc a big bang cracker like the ones used by our Hindu friends at Diwali and it had the desired effect. Wynand’s son, Wynand Junior, arranged for us to procure a high energy energizer and Charl and his team efficiently erected two lines around Tremisana. I have personally seen the elephants come back to Tremisana and they give the electric wires a wide berth.
I am told that we have entered an El Nino phase and that we can expect lower than average rains for the next three years. This is not good news and we are grateful that, for the time being, our solar-powered borehole at Tremisana Dam is keeping the water levels sufficient for the hippo to still be around. He is not always there as he is travelling long distances to find food. Tremisana Dam is attracting numerous animals. Our rangers are now visiting Tremisana Dam on every drive.
At Marc’s Treehouse Lodge, the animals are concentrating along the Klaserie River. Good sightings of Nyala, Impala, Kudu, Giraffe and Buffalo are enjoyed by our guests.
GAME VIEWING REPORTS FROM OUR GUIDES
BNR = Balule Nature Reserve
KNP = Kruger National Park
LUKE, Viva Safaris Head Guide :
The month of July has been a short one for me as far as the bushveld is concerned, I spent the majority of July on long leave. Enjoying other parts of our beautiful country.
The beginning of the month, however, was highlighted mostly by our big friends, the elephants, specifically on foot.
My guests and I enjoyed an a close-up view of three elephant bulls, feeding casually together while we hid behind a termite mound. The elephant bulls had no issues with our presence and allowed us to watch on in awe of their spectacular size.
The hippos never fail us on our bush walks. They are such fun and exciting animals to watch. Their huge size and the sounds they make, while relaxing in the water, are most enjoyable.
We even had a few close encounters with hippo out the water, which really gives one an appreciation for how large these animals are and how fast they run!!!
During game drives, we enjoyed a few rhino sightings, a black rhino and her calf being my favourite.
They had moved up the valley below, making their way towards the road. It’s all about timing in bush. A minute late, and we would have missed these beautiful creatures.
The month of August is sure to be packed with wonderful sightings and plenty of new guests to share our beautiful wildlife with.
Zebra on Olifants Road, during sundowner drive BNR
Approaching elephants on Rome 1, during early morning bushwalk BNR
Elephant enjoying a knobthorn tree during drive to bushwalk BNR
Buffalo herd on Rome 4, during sundowner drive BNR
MARC:
July was filled with a plethora of excitement!!
On the 3rd of July we decided to take an evening drive to see if we could find something exciting. No longer than 5 mins into our drive we found some lions on the road busy stalking kudu in the distance.
Suddenly 2 lionesses took off, ran right past our open vehicle and chased after these kudus deep into the bush. We quickly lost sight of them. However I knew of another road that looped around, so I decided to drive around to see if we could try relocate these lions and potentially witness a kill.
As we drove around the following corner, to our excitement there they were. Not just 2 lionesses but 12 lions had ambushed this big kudu bull and had pulled it to ground in the middle of the road ahead of us.
We radioed in the sighting so all the Viva Safaris guides and guests could come and enjoy this wonderful sighting, and a once in a lifetime experience. For the next hour or so we all sat there and watched in amazement at how quickly these lions aggressively devoured this 300 kg prime kudu bull. 
Pride of lions feasting on a kudu bull near Tremisana
The excitement for the month didn’t stop there. On the 17th of July at 2am in the morning I was woken up by Nyarai calling me in a panic to tell me that she could see 2 big bull elephants right outside her bedroom window inside the camp. They had breached our electric fence lines and were feasting on an oasis of wonderful fresh green juicy leaves from our indigenous trees and plants in camp. Our admin and cleaning staff were petrified and were desperate for me to come assist with chasing these land giants out of camp.
I gladly complied, threw on some trousers and shot outside to see how I could assist. Ducking under pushed over trees, and dodging mounds of steaming elephant dung, I eventually located the elephants at the back of our camp behind the office and near the laundry.
The elephants in this area seem to understand the local language of Tsonga and Afrikaans, and they do not appreciate loud banging sounds, so I grabbed some pots and pans and successfully chased them out by banging them together and at the same time yelled at them in Afrikaans to “Voetsek” and in Tsonga to “Balega” which both mean to go away.
Initially the 5 ton giants were hesitant to move as they were thoroughly enjoying their feast, but after some louder banging and more vocal shouting with a few direct and vulgar words in Tsonga and Afrikaans, they finally took the hint and with tails between their legs they took off on the shortest and most direct route back out of camp.
Unfortunately, our fence line had been severely trampled and we were left defenseless for the rest of the night so I remained on night duty to make sure these big boys didn’t come back.
The next day we spent a full day repairing the broken fence line and doing some major garden maintenance. That evening these elephants were back for round 2 in the hope of some delicious seconds. This time round they brought back up, as 8 of these 5 ton giants arrived at around midnight. 
Damage caused by elephants at Tremisana
Damage caused by elephants at Tremisana
We were expecting their return so we were also prepared, as I and other staff members waited up into the night for them to come back. Two of the eight elephants managed to sneak into camp around the back again, but we caught them red handed and successfully chased them out before they could cause more havoc and destroy any more of our oasis.
The following day we decided to upgrade our defense lines and we brought a new more powerful energizer and put up a very specific elephant electric fence line outside our existing perimeter fence line. Since then, the 8 bull elephants have returned but they have not been successful in breaking through our new defense lines.
We are very positive that we have won the battle for now against the world’s largest land mammal. We are hopeful that it will remain this way and we pray for early summer rainfall
ELIAS aka SMILEY:
3rd July: We saw lions on Campfire just before the bush walk BNR
8th July: We saw a black rhino on Rome 1 BNR during the sunset drive
15th July: We saw a chameleon crossing Marula road BNR
20th July: We saw herd of elephants around Rome 4 BNR at the pan.
ROCKY:
Lion cubs at Ngwenya dam on sundowner drive BNR
Buffalo bull on H6 KNP
Leopard S100 KNP
Elephant herd on H7 KNP
Male lion north of Satara KNP
RAY:
On Rome 3 BNR
On Rome 4 BNR
Near Tremisana BNR
On Rome 4 waterhole BNR
NADINE:
White rhino, Rome 4 BNR
Lioness, Barnards BNR
Southern ground hornbill, KNP
Hippos, Rome 1 Olifants River BNR
Less than 1km from Orpen Gate KNP
VICTOR:
Casper, the white lion on S100 near Satara KNP
Female leopard on Rome 1 BNR
Buffalo herd on S126 KNP
Two cheetahs on S106 near Orpen Gate KNP
ANDY:
Zebras resting on each other on S100 KNP
Kudu bull near Satara KNP
Lion near Orpen KNP
Ground Hornbills near Satara KNP
NHLANHLA:
White Rhino BNR
Lion pride BNR
Buffalo herd BNR
QUINTON:
Nyala bull seen at Masango Camp
Grey Heron at Marc’s Camp
Giraffe seen close to Marc’s Camp
Banded mongoose at Marc’s Camp
PIERO:
I spent the last week of July 24 at our lodges. Overall, I am happy with all facets of our hospitality and the lodges are in good shape.
I was unable to do many game drives. However, the animals came to Tremisana and Katekani. Elephants were regular visitors. I took the photo of my wife Sandra and elephants at the waterhole in front of our Lapa :
Sandra and elephants
I was able to bond with grandson Josh :
Elephants drinking at Marc’s house
The Old Man with the Old Lady and Josh
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
Nyarai sent the following on Tremisana:
Winter in the Balule plains is coming to an end. The mornings are still cold but during the day the sun is out like summer never left. I love the summer afternoons at the end of winter. The gardens are looking great as usual. It is now getting busy at the lodge. The number of guests has gone up compared to last month. Whenever we get repeat guests we are really thrilled because they really become family to us. It is always lovely to sit down and catch up. It encourages us and shows that we are doing a good job and helping guests create lasting memories. We always go back to the places that feel like home and that is what Viva Safaris strives to give to all our guests.
We have had a lot of elephants coming to the lodges and sometimes too close for comfort. When they are outside the fence I am happier but close encounters when they are inside the lodge it is a disparate feeling. Imagine sleeping in bed and all of a sudden rustling sounds out. I was not sure if it was raining or it was just a strong gust of wind. A message came through to my phone and it was a video of an elephant inside the camp. He was just behind our bathroom. This confirmed the cause of the rustling sounds. I got out of bed scared and excited at the same time. I do not know why I opened the door but I did, lo and behold right in front of me was a big elephant. He turned around and looked straight at me. I quickly closed the door remembering safety outweighs my curiosity. I then realized that we had two elephants. I promptly called Marc our assistant general manager who came to save the day. Not me walking around after their departure and stepping into elephant dung. A bit of washing slippers and feet before bed at around 3 a.m . The joy of living in the bush. 
Elephant outside chalet at Tremisana
The last weekend of the month we were blessed to see a hippo who is our resident at Tremisana Dam. We are glad that he is back.I was away for some time this month and I feel I missed out on a lot. I am looking forward to August. It will be busy but I believe it will be another awesome month.
Till next month stay safe and take care
We have done major improvements to staff accommodation. The ladies toilet has been retiled. We thank Lucky Rombolakis for his donation of a fridge and freezer for the new kitchenette.
Charl sent the following on Marcs and Katekani :
MARCS CAMP
Winter has definitely been in full force this month with some really cold mornings, especially when getting up for bush walks. The guests have definitely enjoyed the comfort of the hot water bottles during their night’s sleep. Unfortunately, no one has braved the newly renovated pool yet – but the days have definitely begun warming up, so hopefully someone will take the plunge soon.
The camp is still frequented on a daily basis by the Nyalas. I was recently talking to a guest about how special it is to have them in the camp and be so relaxed about us moving around them. It’s a special welcoming community at the camp that shows up every morning.
KATEKANI
The number of clients through the doors this month has definitely picked up and it’s great to see. We have been lucky to see a few of our local residents come to have a drink at our waterhole in front of the kitchen and dining area while guests were enjoying dinner in our boma, with two separate visuals of porcupine coming down to drink as well as seeing the hyena walking past a few times during dinner.
It’s always great sitting at night enjoying dinner with all the different animals calling. We often sit and listen to hyenas and lions calling.
EZULWINI:
Thanks to Craig who sent the following photos. These show how close our luxury lodge guests get to exclusive sightings of animals
We remind you of the special we are running during October 2024 through December 2024. All Ezulwini luxury lodge packages will be discounted by 20%
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
The slowdown in tourist numbers we experienced during June 24 continued in the first half of July 24.
I believe that the Euro Football tournament played a big part in this drop in numbers.
The latter part of July has been very busy and there are days in August when we are fully booked.
We have ordered a new Toyota Quantum and it should be operational sometime in August.
Marco, our Webmaster, has chosen the following reviews, all posted in July 2024 :
Life Changing Experience
Kearn D, South Africa
This has had to be one of the most life changing experiences. From the drivers who fetched us from the airport to the friendly staff and hosts.
Every game drive was professional led by the most amazing tour guides, Nadine, Luke and Marc.
Food was both homely and tasty prepared by the libely Bella and her team.
Had the privilege to witness a pride of lions bring down a kudu just outside the Tremisana Lodge as well as so many other animals.
You will never regret booking with Viva Safaris.
Unforgettable Experience
Mart J, UK
We did a 6 day/5 night safari with viva safaris staying one night at Tremisana and 4 nights at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge and every element of the safari exceeded our expectations. Noone in my group wanted to leave.
Our experience was that viva safaris was very professional and experienced and knew how to offer us an unforgettable experience at an excellent value for money price point.
Tremisana and Marc’s Treehouse Lodge have an abundance of charm and offer differing experiences/levels of comfort/exposure to wildlife to suit different tastes. However from a list of many highs, it was undoubtedly the staff who really made it a truly unforgettable experience for us, closely followed by all the fabulous other guests we met in safari jeeps and around the camp fire.
For those of you considering booking a viva safari, I fully recommend this company with all my heart but would suggest carefully reading their company information so that you chose the tour/accommodation which is perfectly suited to you and have the best experience.
For example, if you are only looking for 5 star lodges, Michelin starred chefs and elaborate cocktails every night, I would suggest that viva safaris, given their exceptional South African bush hospitality and value for money prices, isn’t best suited to your needs.
For everyone else, there is an amazing option.
The charming accommodation at Tremisana offers more hotel style rooms/comfort in a lodge surrounded by electric fences to keep wildlife out of the lodge grounds (apart from the adorable monkeys). The fence is unobtrusive and we spent a lot of time sat in the breakfast area peacefully watching animals come to the small water hole. This level of comfort/exposure to wildlife may best suit some people.
For us, a treehouse at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge was the perfect accommodation. It could be seen as a form of incredibly charming glamping in an unforgettable area where wildlife is not restricted and roams freely. We stayed in treehouses 10 and 11 which both had en suites and were a very short walk to the main facilities. Some treehouses have outside facilities and some are located further away from the main areas with an even greater abundance of wildlife. For the more adventurous who enjoy the idea of glamping, these facilities would be perfect.
Marc’s treehouse Lodge also offers basic permanent tent structures with basic shared camp facilities located a little walk from the main area and surrounded by wildlife. For people on a tighter budget who enjoy camping, these could be a perfect option.
My only advice would be to be honest with yourself and select the level of comfort/exposure to wildlife which truly suits you to ensure you have a once in a lifetime unforgettable experience.
My second piece of advice would be to stay as long as your budget/schedule allows, to give yourself the greatest opportunity for unforgettable safari experiences.
We went in winter, which was positive for animal spotting and less mosquitos/snakes etc. Despite it still being hot during the day, we did find it went very could at night and on early morning drives. This wasn’t so much of an issue at the Tremisana camp but given the structures at Marc’s treehouse Lodge, you will feel the cold. This was easily managed by wearing appropriate clothes and taking the fabulous staff up on the offer of hot water bottles and blankets.
Every day on or 6 day safari was a highlight. I vividly still remember Ray and George picking us up from our hotel in Johannesburg spot on time and setting a high bar for African hospitality, charm and friendliness, as well as Viva Safari professionalism and organisation.
Our first sunset drive with Lucky and seeing our first animals on safari, followed by an amazing bush bbq under the stars and under the gaze of a watchful hyena.
Our amazing bush walk to a hippo filled river with Smiley and Nadine and being a voyeur of an African wild dog hunting an antelope.
Trips out in Balule with Nadine, Andy and Victor, all using their exceptional knowledge and skills to show us the greatest variety of animals and tracking a rhino.
Most unforgettable however is how each guide brings their own personality, humour, perspective and experience to each activity.
No activity is ever exactly the same.
Our safari only got to experience a little of the food from Mamma D and her team at Tremisana, which was delicious.
Most of our meals were at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge and for the majority of our time left in South Africa after the safari, at every meal someone would mention that it wasn’t as good as Mamma T’s food at camp, or that we missed the genuine South African bush hospitality from her unforgettable team there (all the fabulous ladies and both Richards). Each morning we woke up to wonder what would be for breakfast today and the road trip back to camp was spent excitedly looking forward to what one of the charming ladies would announce would be for our delicious dinner and what special twist Mamma T would add to it.
Quentin and Charles would make sure every night that there was nothing more they could do to make our stay more enjoyable and charmingly talk to us about what was important to them at that time, from Springbok rugby results to rhino protection.
Each morning at Marc’s treehouse, Andy would be waiting for us to take us on a new adventure. Unassumingly sharing with us all his charm, humour, personality and expertise. Taking us to Kruger for unforgettable wildlife spotting and to Moholoholo to experience the added element of finding out more about the risks facing the unique African wildlife we came to love and the projects in place to try and protect and rehabilitate them.
All in all a fabulous, highly recommended experience in an amazing part of the world which we shared with remarkable people.
A little slice of South African heaven at Marc Treehouse Lodge
Dario C, Colombia
This place was a little slice of heaven. Our Safari was booked via Viva Safaris and I was extremely impressed with the level of organisation; they had a variety of different groups booked up for different experiences and at different types of accommodations and yet our entire experience went seamlessly.
When we arrived at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge we were given a brief tour and explanation of what to expect before being shown to our room. We opted for a room with an indoor toilet as given that the lodge isn’t fenced, my girlfriend was a bit apprehensive about taking midnight trips to the outdoor bathroom. The room itself was quite natural and rustic looking which was right up our street – it was also very spacious. Given that it was winter in South Africa, the rooms were quite cold during the early mornings and late evenings, however, the staff provided lovely thick blankets and I slept like a baby, often listening to the roars of lions off in the distance.
Over the next few days we met all the staff and they couldn’t of been more helpful – no task was too great or too small for them to help with. They were all extremely knowledgeable in the area and the animals, providing us with answers to all our questions. I’d like to give a special shout out to Quinton who was an absolute gem of a person, he made our trip and I miss him very much! If you see this Quniton, Thank you!
As mentioned before, the lodge is unfenced which creates quite an exciting experience. The staff informed us that the lights and noise keep the predators at a distance so it’s a very safe place. Given the absence of predators, we often saw many prey animals like Impalas wandering the grounds; this provided a unique opportunity to study them at close range.
With the exception of our lunch on full days out at Kruger Park, all our meals were fully catered to by the lodges 3 Mamas. The food was amazing and they always served us with smiles on their faces. That being said, I can only imagine that they were happy to see me leave as I was constantly pestering them for beers from the hotel bar 🙂
The safaris themselves were unbelievable days out! The guides were kind, entertaining and extremely knowledgeable in the animals. We saw everything that we wanted to see. Truly an unforgettable experience.
I often get a bit of the holiday blues whenever I leave a destination, but it was a particularly strong sadness I felt when I left Marc’s Treehouse Lodge. Thank you to all the staff that helped make this trip an unbelievable experience that I will cherish forever. I hope I can one day return to see you all again!
Absolutely Awesome!
kmc8955312, UK
Stayed at Katekani for 4 nights during a holiday to South Africa. Our suite was absolutely lovely. Very spacious, comfortable and well thought out.
We had a private plunge pool on our balcony, which sadly we did not get to use due to time constraints with safari trips out each day and as it was winter, it was too late at night on our return to use it. I imagine it would be great in the height of the summer.
The food was so tasty and all cooked by the lovely Margaret and assisted by Jane and a gentleman whose name escapes me (sorry). They were such lovely friendly and helpful hosts and made us feel so welcome at all times. We could not ask for more.
Loved the dining area where we ate dinner and breakfast. It is in a lovely area with trees around and the noises of local wildlife.
We would definitely recommend staying at this lodge. We had no issues whatsoever.
If anything we would have liked a free day to just spend here relaxing and using the dipping pool outwith safari trips.
Viva exceeded all expectations an excellent sufari
Kenneth Pullen, Australia
I am 77 and took my 50+ daughter on 7night, 6 day surfari from Johannesburg. Everything about my interaction with Viva cannot be faulted. The first contact on was Patrica, who guided me to lodge accommodation, rather than tree house, which was the best fit our age group and made it a much more comfortable experience.Our rooms has bed, shower and toilet, very comfortable.
The staff at Tresemane lodge were excellent , nothing was too much trouble and they were friendly and helpful all the time. The guides were very knowledgeable of all the animals, habitats, habits, e.t.c
The meals, while not fine dining, were all tasty and healthy. My daughter is ciliac ( gluten allergy) and the chef took her under her wing and, where necessary, provided a separate meal and/or dessert.
The animal sightings were impressive , lions, elephants, black and white rhinos, hippos, giraffes, impala monkies land, buffalo. Imissed seeing a leopard however others in our group did. Our group size was 5 which allowed for closer attention from the guides
I cannot praise the staff at Viva more highly and would recommend this Safari to all
Amazing Big 5 Safari and Bushveld Lodges
Martin, France
Great Big 5 safari in Balule and Kruger Park !
Incredible wildlife sightings including a leopard, black rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, hyenas, crocs and other species like a saddlebill stork and ground hornbills. Beautiful bushwalk in Tremisana and great dinner at the Marula tree on the arrival night.
I had an absolutely amazing time at both Tremisana and Marc’s Treehouse Lodge, each lodge has a very distinct feel that I enjoyed tremendously.
Big thank you to all the staff at the lodges and to our guides for making this such a great trip!
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
