June 2026
Most of Viva Safaris’ guests come from the northern hemisphere.
During the northern hemisphere winter, snakes are seldom seen. Being ectothermic (cold-blooded), snakes rely on external warming. Instead of hibernating, they enter brumation – a dormant state during which their metabolism slows down significantly. Their heart rate drops and they stop eating.
Our tourists are very surprised to see snakes in Kruger Park during our mid-winter. The night-time temperatures are cold, but during the day, temperatures may rise to over 30C.
Whian took the photo of a Puff Adder in mid-June.
Puff Adders are responsible for causing the highest number of snakebite fatalities in Africa, where it is widespread south of the Sahara Desert except for rain forest regions. It is a sluggish species and generally moves in a straight line. It is aggressive and strikes with little warning. It gets its name from a hissing sound it makes when threatened. Unlike most other snakes, the Puff Adder does not move away when animals approach.
On our bush walks, all guests must wear closed shoes. Our rangers try to avoid walking on thick vegetation. If you surprise a Puff Adder by standing on it, the snake will defend itself by striking out, so watch where you walk. It is a good idea to walk in a straight line between the lead rifle and the backup rifle.
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 June 2026
The month of June has been a good one with a variety of great sightings. I managed to get the entire Big Five on a sundowner drive this takes lots of luck and excellent timing. 
Black rhino BNR
Otherwise we’ve been spoilt with wonderful elephants sightings around Tremisana and further out into the reserve.
During the bushwalks elephants have been sighted along the Olifants River but most exciting were our lions on foot. The hippos pods have some new additions with two tiny babies in their first month of life, adorable to see.
The stories below are my highlights for the month, that really stand out as special sightings.
Lions and Elephants on foot during the bush walk
The bush walk is hands down my favorite activity, it brings all your senses into play. Truly testing one’s ability to read and understand tracks and signs, left behind by different animals.
It was midway through this month when I and fellow guide Raymond headed out for what might be the most exciting walk of the year.
We had made our way down to towards the Olifants River on foot, stopping for interesting things along the way. It wasn’t long and things got very interesting. We found fresh tracks from not one but a pride of lions.
We felt they were fresh enough to follow so off we went, it wasn’t long before I spotted movement about 100 metres ahead of us. It was a lioness running towards a small herd of impala – the walk had suddenly become very exciting. 
Lioness spotted during bushwalk along the Olifants River, Rome 1, BNR
We moved towards a large termite mound and all stood on top. We could see two lionesses to the west of us, both looking out in our direction. The rest of the pride were still moving around to the north west of us, we could see them through a gap in the trees.
As we stood watching the lionesses a young elephant bull, came through to join the party. He did not like the lionesses and chased them deeper into the bush. We could not believe our luck, what an incredible experience.
Elephants have also been on our encounters list, from lone bulls through to breeding herds. When walking you have to be aware of what’s around you, you become part of the system. The sounds, smells and tracks all give you clues as to what might be ahead of you on the trail. Elephants can be extremely quiet for such large animals. 
Elephants bulls feeding on the fruit of a Torchwood tree, Rome 1. BNR
On a recent walk my guests and I had stopped along the Olifants River to enjoy the hippos. While sitting having our snack on a log my back up guide Whian spotted an elephant cow and calf. The elephants were so quiet that if Whian hadn’t seen them they would have snuck past behind us without being noticed.
Lions near Tremisana during Sunset Drive
During the game drives, specifically the Sundowner Drive and Sunset Drive we have had some wonderful sightings.
A favorite of mine took place during a Sunset Drive, and right near Tremisana lodge. Two male lions had walked onto the Tremisana property the night before, and had been sighted during the morning game drive.
We went straight to the spot to see if they were still there, and yes they were. They had been sleeping the entire day in the same spot. 
One of two male lion brothers, spotted during Sunset Drive, Tremisana property. BNR
We watched them begin to wake and move between our vehicles – the new guests could not believe their luck.
Another great month comes to an end and winter continues to dry out the bush, making the game viewing easier and water holes more important.
ROCKY sent the following:
Cheetah walking on the road on S106 KNP
Two male lions H7 KNP
Breeding herd of elephants heading to the water Nsemani Dam KNP
Male leopard on h1-4 stalking some impalas KNP
WHIAN sent the following:
Lion Sundowner Drive Rome 1 BNR
Lions Extended Morning Drive Tremisana BNR
Hyena KNP
Sable KNP
RAYMOND sent the following:
South of Tremisana Dam BNR
H7 KNP
H1-3 KNP
South of Tremisana Dam BNR
ANDY sent the following:
Zebras spotted on the S106 , KNP
Lions spotted on the Tremisana property, BNR
Buffaloes spotted at Tremisana, BNR
Whian taking a good shot BNR
Lion at Tremisana BNR
CHARL sent the following:
Elephant on Sundowner Drive BNR
Saddle-billed Stork above Dumela Lodge
SMILY sent the following:
12th June: hippos along the Olifants River during the Bush Walk BNR. 
12 June: beautiful impala ram KNP.
13th June: Dwarf Mongoose fighting at the breakfast area at Tremisana Lodge BNR
17th June: beautiful sighting in Kruger National Park of a mother and baby elephant
GEORGE sent the following:
Buffalo herd, Hluhluwe
Lunch at picnic spot Hluhluwe
Hippo pod seen during boat trip on Lake St Lucia
Hippos on sand bank, St Lucia
VICTOR sent the following:
Two male lions south of Tremisana Dam BNR
Buffalo bull Rome 3 BNR
Male leopard Rome 3 BNR
Zebras Rome 1 BNR
QUINTON sent the following:
Spotted Eagle Owl seen at Masango Camp
Wild Dogs seen close to Marc’s Camp
Hamerkop fishing at Marc’s Camp Breakfast Dam
Male lions close to Tremisana Dam, Sundowner Drive BNR
Giraffes seen while having Sundowner snacks/drinks – BNR
White Rhino bull BNR
Marc’s Camp resident buffalo, relaxing in the early morning sun
NHLANHLA sent the following:
Rome 1 BNR
Rome 1 BNR
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
JOHN sent the following:
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
Lioness at Marula Boma BNR
H7 KNP
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :
June 2026
June is often regarded as the coldest month of the year in South Africa. The shorter days and longer nights are a reminder that winter has truly arrived. This month also marked the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, after which the days slowly begin to get longer again. June may be the coldest month of the year, but winter also reminds us to appreciate life’s simple comforts and the warmth that follows the cold.
This time of year is also when many of our staff members take their annual leave. It is an opportunity to travel, spend time with family and friends, or simply enjoy a well-deserved rest at home. I was fortunate enough to take some leave myself, and while it was good to have a break, I certainly missed being at Tremisana.
A big thank you goes to the team who held the fort during my absence and ensured that everything continued to run smoothly.
Guest numbers remained good throughout the month, and it was wonderful to welcome our visitors as always.
Game viewing in Balule was excellent. Guests enjoyed sightings of a wide variety of general game, while many were also fortunate enough to see members of the Big Five. Elephants were regularly encountered, and lion sightings provided memorable moments for many of our guests.The winter months often offer great viewing opportunities.
As we move from the heart of winter, we look forward to welcoming more guests at Tremisana.
KATEKANI, MARC’S TREEHOUSES, MASANGO AND DUMELA
CHARL, Manager of Southern Camps, reports:
I was fortunate to take my annual long leave from the end of May into June, returning to work on the 18th of June. I was able to spend time with family and catch up with everyone.
Upon my return, I have been busy with the completion of the new tents at the treehouse camp. I am pleased with the outcome, which has significantly upgraded the property. We have also completed necessary fixes at Dumela to prepare for accreditation for the hospitality school.
I was surprised by the dry vegetation in the bush during my absence, given the recent heavy rainfall. I had anticipated that the vegetation would remain lush until early July.
It is rewarding to be back in the bush while working at Dumela. I was fortunate enough to capture photographs of a beautiful saddle-billed stork in flight.
Buffalo hiding in the reeds at Klaserie River, Marc’s Treehouse Lodge
Warthog running out of its hole in a termite mound, Dumela Lodge
Nyala bull walking at Marcs Camp
Nyala ewe inspecting the new tents
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
You will have received our 2027 tariffs last week.
Our average increase is just over 5%. The notable exceptions are the tariffs for Masango Lodge where we have done extensive improvements.
The tariffs for Fly-In safaris and our Luxury Lodge packages are not yet available.
With the uncertainty of oil prices, we have been advised that it would be best to quote tariffs on guest enquiry.
We shall probably have varying tariffs for fly-ins from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Overall, June 2026 has been a satisfactory month. We know from past experience that when the FIFA World Cup takes place, there is a drop in arrivals.
We have installed TVs at Tremisana and Marcs for the football afficionados. Thankfully the fans do not watch any games played later than 23h00 local time.
TV is a success for the football fans at Tremisana
NEWS ON TRAINING PROJECT
As per last month’s newsletter, progress continues in our endeavour to provide training for unemployable members of the local community. I have contacted various friends and I believe that support will be given to this worthwhile cause. The CHEETAH INN HOSPITALITY PROJECT is formally registered. A lot more paperwork needs to be completed and we are indebted to Mr Donald Mahlako for the stirling work he is doing.
I received a lovely mail from Bob and Linda de Marco. These good people are guests that initially did a 14 day volunteer safari many years ago and have returned since. They continue to support the underprivileged through the Catholic Church in Acornhoek. God Bless you both. The 14 day volunteer safari is still available.
From: Bob and Linda de Marco
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2026 8:25 PM
To: piero@vivasafaris.com
Subject: Volunteer Safari Package
Hello Piero, we hope this email finds you and your family in good health. Both Linda and I still wait for and then read every monthly newsletter you write, keeps us up to date and makes us want to return for a third time! We highly appreciate your time and efforts. This months newsletter stood out as perhaps the best we can recall! The photos are so absolutely wonderful!
I visited your website recently and was surprised to see you no longer offer the volunteer safari package? Your volunteer package was the only way we could have afforded to come to South Africa (twice!) so if true, it is sad if it has ended. We told so many people about the volunteer package rates but were never successful in having anyone sign up. Such a loss, opportunities missed, for sure!
We continue to support the orphans via Sister Alphonsine once or twice a year. We also contribute to the church and the workers in a small way on occasion. I am 73 and Linda a bit younger, but we still would like to return in at some point in the future, just never know. While I am no longer able to actively perform much of the required work at Maria Asumpta (need a new knee!) we would hope to be able to hire and supervise local residents to work at the church compound as we did on our last trip.
Oh how we miss so many of your wonderful staff, Charl, Quinton, Caroline, Conny, Victor, Smiley, Rocky, Mama, Margaret, Nyarai and many others! I shouldn’t name folks as I know I have left other friends off the list!. We learned so much talking with all of them!
The improvements you continue to make at all of the camps is fantastic! Air conditioning at Masango, how great is that!
Your efforts at the Cheetah Inn are just wonderful. If you would invoice us as you used to, for a donation of 8,000R for your efforts to create the training program we would be most appreciative!
Highest Regards, Bob & Linda DeMarco
CONGRATULATIONS to Italian guests Daniele Frontini and Valeria Mustata from Milan on their engagement. Daniele proposed during a Sundowner Drive on 27 June. This was their second visit to Tremisana.
WEBMASTER EXTRAORDINAIRE
I wish to thank Marco Gollino, our Webmaster, for all he is doing to keep Viva Safaris at the forefront of various booking platforms. Historically, my first interaction with Marco was some 25 years ago when I was his Physical Science teacher at a top Durban school. He was brilliant then and remains so now.
The website is carefully nurtured.
Luke has sent the following pics he took this month that Marco will add on our website under “ Gallery of Viva Safaris vehicles close to Wildlife”.
Marco has chosen the following reviews all posted in June 2026.
“Outstanding” from TripAdvisor
Cristiana C, Italy
Our stay was truly outstanding and exceeded all our expectations. The lodge itself is beautiful, with elegant and tastefully designed accommodations that perfectly combine comfort and authenticity. Everything was impeccably clean and well maintained, creating a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere throughout our stay.
The food was excellent, with a wide variety of delicious dishes offered at every meal. We particularly appreciated the quality of the ingredients: dining at the lodge was always a pleasure.
What made our experience even more memorable was the kindness and professionalism of the entire staff. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and genuinely committed to ensuring that guests felt comfortable and well looked after.
The safari experience, however, was the highlight of our trip. The guides were exceptional—highly knowledgeable, experienced, and deeply passionate about wildlife and conservation. Their professionalism was evident in every game drive. They demonstrated an impressive ability to track animals, interpret their behavior, and position the vehicle in the best locations for viewing while always respecting the animals and their environment.
Beyond their expertise, the guides were excellent communicators, sharing fascinating information about the ecosystem, local culture, and conservation efforts. Thanks to their dedication and skill, we enjoyed remarkable wildlife sightings and gained a much deeper appreciation of South Africa’s natural heritage.
We highly recommend Katekani lodge to anyone looking for a first-class safari experience. It is the perfect combination of luxury, hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and world-class guiding.
“I highly recommend it” from TripAdvisor
Marcela, Brazil
I really appreciated the experience so much.
During my first days, I stayed at Olifants Reserve, and it was amazing. Then I moved to Marc’s Camp, which was amazing as well. Both places are beautiful and extremely comfortable (and I was staying in a tent)!
My compliments to all the staff, who are not only kind, but also patient, respectful, and resilient. They always do their best to make the guests have a great experience, even when some guests are not very interested or polite! (We know how it is.)
Congratulations on your excellent work!
I highly recommend it.
Hugs from Brazil.
“Magical Experience” from SafariBookings
Samantha, UK
As a first time solo traveller, first time to Africa and safari, I have to say that my entire holiday experience was spectacular. The highlight was my safari which I booked through Viva Safaris.
From the initial booking experience via email to the actual holiday itself, I have been nothing but impressed with their efficiency and friendly nature.
I cannot fault any aspect of my safari, the lodges, the food, the information, communication, comfort, facilities, game drives and different experiences and value for money was clearly outstanding and magical.
I never once felt alone and felt part of a big family the entire time.
I will definitely be returning and would use and highly recommend Viva to anyone thinking of a safari.
THANK YOU for making my trip so special.
“Viva Safaris was amazing and very helpful” from SafariBookings
Stella, Italy
Viva Safari take care of everything
.
I had also a problem with my luggage that was lost in Etiopia. When arrived they took care of everything. I really appreciate it.
We saw a lot of animals was an amazing experience.
Rocky was my favourite guide. He spot animals and was very funny everytime!!!!
WOW Rocky.
“Loistava kokonaisuus, tremisana lodge sekä koko henkilökunta 10/10” from GetYourGuide
Hanna, Finland
Loistava kokonaisuus, tremisana lodge sekä koko henkilökunta 10/10.
Suosittelen ehdottomasti useamman päivän safaria jos vain mahdollista, jotta saa mahdollisimman paljon irti.
Kuntoutuskeskuksesta sai hyvän lisän reissuun (näki safarin toisen puolen). Bussimatkat minibussilla johannesburgista lodgelle ja takaisin pitkät, matkalla paljon upeita maisemia, muutama pysähdys matkan varrella vessaan/syömään. Ruoka lodgella hyvää, vaihtui joka aterialla. Aamupalalla myös vaihtuvuutta.Krugerpäivinä pysähdys lounaalle noin klo 12 jälkeen ravintolaan, josta löytyy varmasti jokaiselle jotain. Samalla mahdollisuus ostaa tuliaisia ravintolan yhteydestä.Etenkin talvella kannattaa varata riittävästi vaatetta mukaan (pipo,hanskat,kaulahuivi yms), sillä safariautoissa tuulee.
Lodgen ravintolassa käteisbaari, maksetaan ennen uloskirjautumista käteisellä. Suositeltu tippaus 120 randia/aktivititeetti, joten käteistä tulee varata reissuun mukaan 🙂 tippaus ei toki pakollista eikä siihen painostettu
“Amazing!” from GetYourGuide
Ryan, Netherlands
Tremisana Game Lodge was amazing!
The staff was excellent, friendly and funny, we’re still quoting them almost 2 months later: ‘Wow! Wonderful! Hakuna matata!’.
It was really fun to have them join for breakfast and dinner, while they explained the itinerary for the next day.
The food was also amazing every day, so we shook hands with and hugged all the kitchen staff on the last day. When I told them I was vegetarian they made sure to always make delicious vegetarian alternatives to the meat.
And of course seeing aaaaall the many animals was amazing. Especially on the bush walk, where we came face to face with a black rhino (don’t worry, it’s very rare 😋). We saw all of the big five and much much more. Lots of pretty birds too!
To finish off I’d just like to say that I put a reminder in my phone to write a review, because I enjoyed this tour so much. I think the fact that I took the effort to do so almost 2 months later says enough about this tour!
“Unforgettable experience” from GetYourGuide
Justin, Italy
Thank you to all of the staff for some of the best few days of our lives.
The guide’s and staff’s attention to detail in all aspects of our stay and safari experience went above and beyond our expectations.
I would whole heartedly recommend this exact experience to anyone that asked.
The only thing I would change for next time is to stay longer!
It was an unforgettable experience.
We also received the following email :
From: Denise Towell
Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 12:15 PM
To: piero <piero@vivasafaris.com>
Subject: Rainbows and Smiles Appreciation
Dear Sandy and Piero,
Please find attached our Letter of thanks and Certificate of Appreciation for the most awesome sponsorship of the 4-day Kruger Safari. We truly appreciate your support to Rainbows and Smiles.
It was truly incredible to witness the generosity, enthusiasm, and spirit of everyone who joined us on the day. The support shown for Rainbows and Smiles was nothing short of remarkable, and we are deeply grateful that you chose to be part of it.
Because of your heartfelt support, we can focus on what matters most—providing critical support to local oncology hospitals and making a difference for each individual child and family. Knowing that you believe in our mission brings us renewed purpose and hope.
At Rainbows and Smiles, we are committed to creating Hope, Smiles, and Relief for children with cancer and their caregivers. In the words of our beloved Jed, “Thank you for making our Golf Day the funnest day ever.” Your involvement added so much spirit, reminding us of the incredible community that surrounds us.
So, look out for 2027!!! As soon as we have a date confirmed, we will share with you.
Warm Regards,
Denise Towell
Regional Project Manager KZN
RAINBOWS AND SMILES FOUNDATION
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
