May 2024

Many wild African animals were first seen and recorded by early European settlers in the areas around Cape Town. As a result, many animals that occur through vast areas of Africa were named using the word “Cape”. As a young boy living in Hillbrow, I remember the prevalence of the Cape Sparrow and recall my interest in this bird from the Cape that was living in Johannesburg. Names have been changed : the Cape Turtle Dove, common throughout Southern and Eastern Africa is now called the Ring-necked Dove and the Cape Buffalo is more correctly referred to as the African Buffalo.

The African Buffalo, Syncerus caffer, is a large sub-Saharan bovine that can reach a mass of up to 900 kg. Its closest living relative is the Asian Water Buffalo, Bubalis bubalis, found in the Indian subcontinent and south-east Asia, that has been relocated to various other parts of the world. In Italy the term “bufala” refers to the lovely mozzarella cheese that is made from this buffalo’s milk. No such cheese from the African Buffalo! It cannot be domesticated, probably because of its unpredictable temperament.

On our Bush Walks along the Olifants River in Balule Nature Reserve, our guides are always very cautious when approaching reed beds. The old bulls get kicked out of the breeding herds and form small bachelor herds. These bulls are sometimes irreverently called “daga boys”. Daga refers to the mix of sand and clay used in traditional African construction and the old boys often roll around in mud and clay that may remain on their horns and bodies. There is no doubt that these buffalo can be dangerous. Professional hunters agree – especially if the buffalo is wounded. There are records of wounded buffalo treacherously moving in a circle and attacking their pursuers from behind.



Buffalo are bulk grazers and the big breeding herds move to areas where there is an abundance of grass. I had a good laugh when I read on Tripadvisor that the guides of another lodge on Olifants West Nature Reserve had told disappointed guests that there were no buffalos on our reserve because of the lions !!! I assure you that the buffalo herds will return to Olifants West Nature Reserve once the big rains have fallen, regardless of the presence of any lions.

All Viva Safaris tourists are lucky that they travel to Kruger Park proper where we always see buffalo and, for those tourists to whom it matters, the Big Five can be ticked off.

GAME VIEWING REPORTS FROM OUR GUIDES

BNR = Balule Nature Reserve

KNP = Kruger National Park

LUKE, Head Guide, sent the following report and photos:

The months highlights are never the same, and that’s the beauty of working as a field guide. 

Both of my main highlights took place on the early morning bushwalks. The first of which involved two wild dogs. 

We had headed out for our walk down to the Olifants River, taking a route along higher ground. We had a wonderful vantage point looking down into the valley. 

The impala gave us the first clue that there could be something around, definitely a predator of sorts. We stopped and began looking around us. It wasn’t long before we had spotted the wild dogs, running along below us in the valley. 

Unfortunately, it all happened so fast, so photos were not possible, but what an incredible moment. 

My second encounter for the month took place after a wonderful close encounter, with a breeding herd of elephants on foot. 

We had left the elephants to continue feeding and headed towards the Olifants River.  Along the way, I stopped at a particularly big termite mound and began talking about these incredible little creatures. 

My backup Raymond casually turned toward us and said lioness on the hill !! Once we all found her, two cubs appeared just behind following their mother. 

It was an incredible moment to share with wonderful guests. 

The game drives in Balule have been highlighted by leopards, rhinos, and of course, our big friends, the elephants. 

I’ve had some wonderful close encounters with leopards on both Campfire property and Barnards. 

These beautiful cats frequent these areas, and they often use the drainage lines to rest during the day and sneak up on impalas at night. 

Another wonderful month in the beautiful bushveld.


Leopard along Olifants road, BNR. Sitting up watching us before he started to move along the road parallel to our vehicle.


White Rhino on the move, BNR


Elephant breeding herd, enjoying a sunrise breakfast. Marula Extension BNR


Elephant Breeding herd, Campfire dam wall. Sunset drive. BNR


Lilac breasted Roller, Marula extension. BNR


MARC:


Lioness seen on Campfire BNR. Photo by Lucky


Lion seen on Rome 1 BNR before Bush Walk


Full moon and a dead leadwood tree, BNR


Elephant hiding in the parking lot between the Land Cruisers at Tremisana BNR


Elephant in parking lot at Tremisana BNR


ROCKY :


Giraffe near Ngirivane waterhole KNP


Male lion marking territory during sundowner drive Rome 1 BNR


Male leopard during sunset drive north of Mahlophi River BNR


Herd of buffalo on S100 KNP


Hippopotamus at Tremisana Dam BNR during sunset drive


Herd of elephants sipping water near Satara KNP


Newborn zebra near Orpen KNP


ANDY :


Zebra crossing seen on the S126, KNP


A pack of wild dogs on the H7 KNP


A journey of giraffes hanging out on the H7, KNP

 
Big male elephant crossing on the S100 KNP


SMILEY ( ELIAS ):

23 May: On our Sunset Drive we saw a leopard on Marula Tree on Barnard near Xighamba dam BNR



24th May: In Kruger National Park we saw an elephant drinking water at Nsemani dam on H7.



25th May: We saw two male lions on Rome 4 BNR. 



26th May: We saw a Waterbuck bull on Olifants River in Rome 1 BNR




NADINE :


Breeding herd of elephants, Barnards BNR


Giraffe, Olifants road BNR


Vervet monkey, Tremisana Lodge BNR


White rhino, BNR


Leopard, Campfire BNR


GEORGE :


Elephant S100 KNP


Leopard near Orpen, KNP


Rhino BNR


Waterbuck S100 KNP


QUINTON :


Kudu bull seen close to Masango Camp


Giraffe seen on early morning Bushwalk


Genet on the hunt seen at Masango Camp


Newborn nyala at Marc’s Camp


RAYMOND :


On S100 KNP one of Casper’s brothers


Leopard seen with a kill in a Marula tree on Barnards BNR. Photo credit : Guest Antony Scott


Rhinos BNR


On H7 KNP after Bobejaankrans next to Timbavati River big herd of Buffalo crossing towards the river

VICTOR :


Male Buffalo west of Nsemani dam near Satara KNP


Male Elephant east of Phelwana bridge near Orpen Gate KNP


Male lion S100 near Satara Camp KNP


Two male lions S126 Sweni road near Satara KNP


Herd of Elephants drinking water Kumana Dam KNP


Male leopard S106 near Orpen Gate KNP


Victor looking very pleased with himself


PIERO’S REPORT :

As a result of our two specialist Hlulhluwe guides being unavailable for medical reasons (Tolli ear operation and Charl torn ankle ligaments) this old man had to do some tour guiding. We had great sightings of closeup animals in Hluhluwe and hippos on Lake St Lucia.





We saw 10 White Rhino but the extremely sad news is that all were dehorned !!!!!

I can remember regularly visiting Hluhluwe since 1965 and for me this trip was very painful. Hluhuwe-Imfolozi Game Reserves were the saviours of the rhino species and from here rhinos were translocated all over Africa. Kruger Park got its first rhinos from Hluhluwe-Imfolozi in 1968.

What a tragedy – I spoke to the Head Warden who is shaken by the unfortunate turn of events. The rhino horn poaching has become so bad that this horrendous mutilation of such magnificent beasts was inevitable. I refused to take any photos and you will need to look at previous newsletters, including that of last month, available on our website, www.vivasafaris.com  to see how these beautiful gifts from God are meant to look.
 
This month my wife Sandra and I were invited by John Masumbuko, owner of Calao Safaris in Tanzania, to do an inspection safari. We were also hosted by Jurie van Riel, who was a ranger with Viva Safaris from 2020 to 2022. Jurie is now GM of a very lovely 32 room hotel, Forest Hill Hotel, just outside Arusha.

The idea is for Calao Safaris and Forest Hill to partner with Viva Safaris in a possible East African Operation. Both John and Jurie are great at what they do.


Thousands
 

Lions in tree escape from thick bush.

We had a lovely time in Tanzania apart from the totally inept performance of Kenya Airways that managed to delay every single one of our flights and lost our luggage !!!! More about this experience next month.


CONGRATULATIONS

To Luke and Zanelle, who are expecting their second child.

To Nhlanhla who is now fully qualified CATHSETTA Nature Site Guide.


THANKS

To Courtney Bassett, a guest who travelled with Viva this month and took such a lovely video of the safari experience and has allowed us to post it on our Home Page.

NEWS FROM OUR LODGES

NYARAI sent the following :

Tremisana Report May 2024

It feels great to be back home. My heart is really grateful. The cold weather is upon us and a lot of winter memories slowly flood the mind. Evenings surrounded by family, cooking with the fire outside. The sweet smell of roasted corn and braai meat. 

Each day is equally filled with moments of sunbathing in the afternoon . This is becoming increasingly important to me. I gravitate towards the lapa swing bench a lot lately. Who can resist a mix of sunshine, chill and a chance of animal sightings.

Winter nights get cold and it wise to take a warm jacket. There will be no need to rush back to the lodge and miss out on the fantastic sightings Balule delivers.

I marvel at the presence of the elephants around the lodge. One of two cases of unauthorized visits into the lodge. I love them so my views are quite biased. Elephants can never do wrong by me .The luscious Tremisana gardens might be the main attraction for them
Animal sightings around Balule have been great. We have had sightings of lions, rhinos, and leopards, much to the happiness of our guests.



The number of guests this month has been good. It’s always a pleasure to meet new people and make new friends. Shout out to Dan and James. They became like our brothers during their stay with us. 



Some of our staff are still on long leave but the team on site has been doing a great job and are managing to handle things. I cannot wait for everyone to come back home.

Until next month stay warm and take care


CHARL:

This month has been a difficult one for me unfortunately I managed to injure myself to the point where I was confined to a moon boot for 6 weeks, right at the beginning of the month. In my absence Quinton has made sure that things kept on going at the lodge.

At Marcs Camp our thatching team has been hard at work with tree house 6 it has now got a newly topped roof ensuring another 10 year of no leaks. The bush has gotten very dry and winter is definitely starting to take its effect on the bush .

At Katekani Given has been hard at work finishing off the renovation of the decks at room 3A -3B the decks look as good as new. I have taken the time off to recover properly and catch up with some family. It’s great to be back in the bush though.


LAURENCE, owner of EZULWINI LODGES sent me this beautiful enlargement of the Big Tusker, also named Ezulwini.


Enlargement photo of Ezulwini the Big Tusker on display at Ezulwini Billys Lodge


Beautiful sunset taken by Christian near Billys Lodge

NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS

Viva has had a fair month. Numbers are slightly down from last year but nothing to worry about. Reviews are good and the staff are happy and, in general, we are doing fine. 

The 2025 tariffs will appear on 3 June. As always it is a challenge for me to accurately predict increases in fuel, food, electricity, staff wages etc etc. 

To offer any tourist good value for money, there can be no skimping in terms of important issues such as safety, well-maintained vehicles, food, accommodation and a happy and capable staff. All of these must be achieved. The challenge comes about in offering all of the above without charging excessive tariffs. I have great pleasure in advising that our percentage increase for 2025 will be in the order of under 5%. There will be variations between all of Viva’s 30 safari package tariffs, but overall I believe all our products continue to offer the very best value for money safaris to Kruger Park.

Thank you for your past and continued support.


The following reviews were posted in May 2024 :

Outstanding adventure, kindness and lots of great laughs.
Dancetoday, New Zealand
From start to finish I had an amazing experience on Safari with Viva. Staying at Tremisana Lodge was fantastic. All the drives to spot wildlife were fantastic, the guides helpful, kind and they all had a great sense of humour. The food and all the staff was exceptional. The Barbeque, going to Kruger, the accommodation, the laughs. You were really made to feel like you were part of their family. Thank you for the kindness, the warmth and friendliness and all the laughs.

I enjoying seeing the big 5 and learning about all the animals I got to see. I strongly recommend Viva Safari 100%. Thank you.

A wonderful personalised safari experience!
Marion D, UK
Tremisana Lodge offers a unique safari experience; the staff are wonderful and the guides are excellent.

Walking in the bush at sunrise and observing the animals close up is a privilege! Elephants, hyenas, warthogs made their way into the area which was wonderful to watch as we ate our meal.

Would love to make a return visit one day🤞.

Trip of a Lifetime!
Michael-Karen D, USA
We recently visited Tremisana Game Lodge. We had an amazing experience. We saw all of the Big 5 more than once. The guides we so attentive and knowledgeable. They worked hard to make our experiences on safari unforgettable. The staff at the lodge were so friendly and attentive to our every need. The food at every meal was great. The Boma dinner the first night was so much fun and the night and sunrise safari’s were amazing. The full day in Kruger was so much fun.

The grounds at the lodge are beautiful but the real jewel is the people that work there. Meeting them was a gift.

One of the best experiences!!!
charrr49, Australia
We were a group of 3 couples. This was my second safari and it met all expectations. Hosts and staff were fantastic, and helpful

Loved the walks and the knowledge of our guides. The amount of different animals that we saw was amazing, I think we all had our checklist ticked off. And to have them so close was an amazing experience. We all felt very safe with our guides. A definite highlight to our travels

I look forward to coming back again soon.

Outstanding, kind and friendly experience
Fiona Turner, New Zealand
I did a 6 day Safari tour with Viva and stayed at the Tremisana Lodge.

Everything was outstanding. All the staff, the experiences, seeing such an incredible amount of wildlife, the accommodation and especially the food, all was fabulous. I enjoyed every Safari, walk, drive and visit and thank you to everyone at Tremisana for the laughs, company, caring and excitement.

I 100% recommend this adventure with Viva. Tremisana Lodge you ROCK!

Alles gut organisiert. 
Julia, Austria
Alles gut organisiert. Unterkünfte ( Zelt) waren auch besser als gedacht. Man muss sich allerdings auf lange Fahrten einstellen am Anreise und Abreisetag.

Splendida Tremisana Lodge
gogate1, Italy
Eccellente esperienza. Il Safari che immaginavo si è realizzato qui. Struttura semplice, confortevole ed estremamente pulita. Servizio ottimo, gentile e sempre pieno di attenzione. È bello il buonumore che pervade il Lodge tra ospiti, personale e guide. Si mangia insieme e si condividono i momenti della giornata. Il cibo è di qualità e sempre in abbondanza. Ci sono piaciute tantissimo i Safari sia in Balule che in kruger. In entrambi abbiano visto i big 5..Le guide hanno sempre dimostrato competenza nella guida e nelle spiegazioni. In sintesi una splendida esperienza e bellissime foto. Grazie a Marc, Vic, big George leopardo, Nadine, le Chef e tutti gli altri di cui non ricordo il nome. Un grande abbraccio. Danilo ed Elena (mr Russo)

Until next month,  

With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris