June 2024
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 region was chosen as a recipient of these rhino.
Viva Safaris congratulates the BNR Warden, Vince Ryan and the BNR Chairman, Ian Nowak.
Thanks to African Parks who purchased the rhino.
GAME VIEWING REPORTS FROM OUR GUIDES
BNR = Balule Nature Reserve
KNP = Kruger National Park
LUKE, Head Guide and Tremisana Lodge Camp Manager :
The month of June has produced some wonderful sightings.
We are very lucky to see the black rhino in our area, fairly frequently. Early on in the month, I had an incredible sighting of three black rhinos together, Cow, Calf, and Bull.
A few white rhino sighting too throughout the month, often catching them moving towards water in the late afternoon.
The lion sightings have come in patches, depending on the prides’ movements. On one particular morning, we stopped the cruiser to start walking. We were all stopped in our tracks, at the sound of a male lion vocalizing in the valley.
We tried to get a visual on foot but it was simply not possible at the time, so after the walk, we went in search of the lion in the vehicle.
Luckily for us, the king of the jungle gave us a clue thanks to his gigantic roar.
We found him lying down with his head up, looking magnificent with his massive mane.
He then stood up and started walking along the road, we followed him closely until he disappeared into the bush.
The bushwalks have once again produced some special elephant encounters. As per usual in our winter months, water becomes a scarcity, and hence, the Olifants River has become even more important for our elephant herds.
Most of our elephant encounters take place on our walking route down towards the river.
We always scan from higher ground and hope to spot something exciting to approach.
Using this technique, we have spotted several breeding herds of elephants this month and had some wonderful moments viewing their behavior while on foot. Such a privilege.
The hippos and crocodiles have also come to the party along the Olifants River, with many wonderful sightings.
Another month of new experiences and wonderful wildlife sightings.
Lioness stalking Kudu Rome 1, BNR before morning bushwalk
Elephants on the hill, during morning bushwalk, BNR
Crocodile in the Olifants River, during morning bushwalk, BNR
Black Rhino before morning bushwalk, BNR
MARC:
Elephant cow and young calf seem on Rome 1 Western Cutline BNR
White Rhino Bull seen on Campfire BNR
Giraffe Bull chewing on a bone, seen on Marula Road BNR
Hyena and pups suckling, seen on the Phalaborwa – Mopani Road in Kruger
Male Lion seen on Rome 1, 4×4 road BNR
Elephants pushed down the 300 year old Knob-thorn tree at the entrance gate BNR
Lion cub crossing the road on Olifants Road BNR
Wild Dog in the road. Just after a Leopard stole their Impala kill and took it up a tree, Sable Road BNR
RAYMOND:
S106 at Rabelais near Satara KNP
S100 near Nwanedzi KNP
Black rhino near Mangwa BNR 
S100 near Nwanedzi KNP
ELIAS aka SMILEY:
13th June: Female elephant and calf on Rome 1 BNR feeding on a leadwood tree
16th June: Female lion on Barnard BNR during sundowner drive
20th June: Hippos on Olifants River on Rome 1 BNR during bush walk.
22nd June: White rhino during sundowner drive BNR
VICTOR: 
Lioness and a cub Nsemani dam road H7 near Satara KNP
Wild dogs at Barnard airstrip near Olifants road BNR
A male lion near Muzandzeni picnic spot KNP
Elephant herd near Timbavati picnic spot KNP
ANDY:
Elephants spotted on the H7 KNP
Hippos and crocs at Nsemani dam on the H7 KNP
Nyalas spotted drinking at Marc’s Treehouse Camp
Wildebeest crossing the H7, KNP
Elephants drinking at Nsemani dam, KNP
CHARL:
Guests up close and personal with a juvenile Nyala Bull at Marc’s Camp
White rhino cow and calf seen on latest Hluhluwe trip
Warthogs sleeping on the side of the road in Hluhluwe
Nyalas seen mating during bushwalk at Marc’s Camp
Buffalo Bull horns scratching in Hluhluwe
NADINE:
Leopard feeding, Barnards BNR
Lioness, Barnards airstrip BNR
Baboons, Rome 1 BNR
Giraffe, Olifants road BNR
Leopard, Campfire BNR
ROCKY:
African wild dogs S140 KNP
Male lion on morning game drive at Campfire BNR
A tower of giraffes Ngirivani road KNP
Cheetah close to the road H7 KNP
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
Nyarai sent the following on Tremisana:
We are at the mid year mark and things at the lodge are looking great. Most of the staff are done with their annual long leaves and have returned to work. The flow of things is returning to normal.
The month of June has been a good month. We have had a steady stream of guests come up to the lodge. Bracing the cold winters chill during game drives. It is really cold but worth every second spent out in the bush. The cold days outdo the days of sunshine. Funny how during summer we complain of the heat yet now moments of sunshine are a delight that we constantly look forward to. They say we never fully appreciate the present until another season sets in. I know summer time we will be reminiscing about the cold days.
It is always a good thing to appreciate what we have at this moment for nothing is really constant. When I see the animals out in the Balule plains I often wonder if my great grandchildren will be able to experience even half of what I have experienced. The elephants, the lions, the rhinos, the hyenas even the warthogs. The African rising sun in the mornings. The peace and calmness of the bushveld, it is a blessing that one cannot take for granted. We are always delighted to share this blessing with our guests. A shout out to Natalie and Rob Kolb who shared pictures from their safari with me. I really appreciate the beautiful gesture. I have picked out my favourite shots to share.
Much appreciation to our return guests, new guests. You make each day and our efforts worth it.
Until next month take care.
Charl sent the following on Marcs and Katekani :
MARCS CAMP
With winter upon us, we have had time to renew our pool. We’ve drained and fiberglassed it. The whole process took a week and then we had to wait to fill it up. It’s finally full and I must say it looks very special at night – most of our guests arrive back late from Kruger and the installation of a pool light will make a huge difference in allowing guests to swim in the summer evenings when they return from their long days the park. Our thatchers have also been hard at work patching and topping rooms where we have seen potential problems arising. The bush has become very dry, so a lot of animals are attracted to the camp’s dam. I have picked up on a lot of tracks for buffalo coming into camp late at night to drink from the breakfast dam.
KATEKANI
This month at the camp we have had quite a few guests through the doors. We were lucky to celebrate a birthday with one of the guests during their stay – Elaine Wilmot enjoyed her birthday with us at the camp we celebrated the night with cake and sparkling wine. Our resident hyena has returned as well and we have been able to see him a few times during the month during dinner. Unfortunately we haven’t been able to capture any pictures of him, but something special we were able to see this month was a juvenile civet cat wandering around the bush at night.
EZULWINI:
Craig sent the following photo:
Another beautiful sunset shared with our wonderful wildlife in our place of paradise
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
We appreciate your warm reception of our 2025 tariffs.
We are offering a special on the Luxury Lodge packages at Ezulwini for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024. There is a 20% discount on all luxury safaris packages booked over this period.
The following reviews were posted in June 2024 :
Would recommend!
Christiaan H, Belgium
Everything was well organised. We did the “7 Day Tremisana/Pumusa Kruger Hluhluwe and St Lucia Safari”.
It was a great variety of scenery and animals.
We saw the big 5.
The guides are very knowledgeable.
We were lucky to meet Viva’s GM, Piero, in Hluhluwe and he was our guide for a couple of days.
Great experience!
Amazing 4-day fly-in Safari experience
Steven F, USA
Viva Safaris did an excellent job setting up my Safari experience for a limited timeframe. Flights, airport pickup n drops, a comfortable stay at Tremisana Lodge, and amazing Safari itineraries and opportunities to see the wildlife of Balule Reserve & Kruger Nat’l Park, S.Africa.
The guides Victor, Rocky, Smiley, Raymond and Nadine were knowledgeable, patient and accommodating and did everything to ensure we saw the Big 5, all the cats including Cheetah and everything in-between from animals to birds.
The Bfast lapa overlooking a waterhole was the perfect location for passerby elephants, giraffes, hippos, warthogs and baboons.
Mamma Dee’s meals were delicious and the accommodations were very comfortable.
Would highly recommend checking them out for a magical experience.
Amazing safari experience
Roam46334571760, USA
Tremisana was an unforgettable experience for our entire family.
We saw all the Big 5 during game drives and the bush walk, the food was excellent, the lodge rooms were well kept, the gardens were beautiful, and the guides (Nadine, Luke, Rocky, and George) were all extremely knowledgeable and friendly and brought their unique perspectives to the drive or walk.
We felt as if we were part of an extended family during our stay.
Rocky did an exceptional job of spotting a leopard on an evening drive and always made sure everyone in the vehicle could see the animals and capture amazing photos.
Thank you for a wonderful adventure and stay!
One of the greatest experiences of my life (Marc’s Treehouse Lodge)!
MonikaFiorevanti, Italy
I couldn’t have chosen a better place to stay. Very peaceful surrounded by nature and animals. A lot of activities which was great as we had to see the animals that are not living around. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The room was great! The meals were amazing and local which I loved as I wanted to try new things! I would highly recommend to anyone going on a safari!
What a special experience staying at Katekani
A.T., USA
We stayed at Tremisana and Marc’s Treehouise prior nights, but our last 2 at Katekani were so memorable.
The teams at all these properties were so kind and helpful.
Delicious food for every meal and just a luxurious ‘camping’ space to rest after long days at Kruger.
Outdoor splash pool makes for a great cold plunge in the morning and the outdoor shower brings you right back.
Highly recommend finishing up your trip here and make sure you go on the bushwalk to learn all about the surrounding nature and animals.
Thank you for such great memories!
Die Safari war eine ganz tolle Erfahrung
Iven Menzel, Germany
Die Safari war eine ganz tolle Erfahrung.
Alle Ranger, Guides, das Office und die Küche waren maximal bemüht, gute Laune und eine tolle Safari Experience für uns zu schaffen!
We also received the following email:
From: Bob and Linda DeMarco
To: Piero
Date: 28 June 2024
Subject: Orphanage Support
Hello Piero, thank you once again for your wonderful hospitality during our visit last September/October, another trip of a lifetime! Great to meet your son/daughter-in-law/friends but sorry we were unable to meet you.
Just wanted to let you know we have FINALLY learned to transfer funds to the church/orphanage without involving you or your staff! We so appreciate your generous hospitality facilitating our transfers to your staff and church the past five years! You never said no, no matter how we imposed on you and your staff!
It required several attempts but we were successful this morning after several failed money transfer attempts yesterday to Sister Alphonsine! Thanks to your Volunteer program providing the connection to the church and orphanage we hope to continue to support both as resources permit for years to come.
I really have concerns regarding the deteriorating perimeter of the church roof which will eventually lead to the failure of the roof and church. I will keep it in mind and pray for the resources and support to correct the situation before it becomes too late.
Linda and I read your monthly newsletter each month with amazement and wish we were there!
God bless for all you have done for us and what you do for the great folks at Viva and beyond!
Regards, Bob & Linda
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
