May 2026
Mother Teresa, when confronted by the enormous suffering of the destitute in Kolkata, was not overawed. Her response was: ‘We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.’
I am inspired by her words. In last month’s newsletter, I wrote about Viva Safaris’s plan to use the Cheetah Inn facilities to benefit the local community. Progress has been made. Viva Safaris intends to offer a four month cooking and housekeeping training course for 22 deserving, unemployable people. We would love to help people who genuinely want to work. It may feel like a drop in the ocean, but it is real. I am aware that the ongoing troubles in Iran have led to great economic suffering internationally with the concomitant increase in unemployment. Nevertheless, if 22 people, who would ordinarily not find work, are empowered to do so by our intervention, then we can be proud of our efforts.
Thanks to Raymond Khoza, Viva Safaris’s senior guide, contact was made with Donald Mahlako. Together with my wife Sandra and Southern Camps Manager, Charl, I met Donald at the Cheetah Inn last week. Donald has vast experience in critical regulatory and accreditation frameworks and has undertaken to ensure that the training program aligns with the requirements of CATHSSETA (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority) and QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations).
I shall personally be involved in the selection of the 22 course participants. We are looking for people from very impoverished backgrounds that have limited academic qualifications. They must be able to read and write. After participating in a six week academic course, the learners will undergo a two month practical experience. I shall arrange for the experiences to be at venues that I know personally. The participants will be strongly encouraged to work so passionately that they may well be employed by the venues at which they are doing their practical experiences.
We intend to rename the Cheetah Inn the Cheetah Inn Hospitality Centre. Donald is going to seek funding from the Government. This may take time, so Viva Safaris has undertaken to pay for all initial costs. We shall try to source funding from private contacts. If there are any readers of this newsletter who may know of any potential benefactors, please let me know.
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 May 2026
The month has been busy with many great sightings in Balule Nature Reserve. With the incredible amount of rain that we’ve had this year the vegetation is still thick and green. The Bushwillows are still shooting new leaves, even though winter has started.
The animals will be happy to have the extra foliage going into the Winter months, which are renowned for being very dry in the Lowveld during this period.
We’ve had some magic moments during game drives and bushwalks this month. 
Elephant bull Drum Rocks Rome 1, Sundowner Drive. BNR
Large crocodile Rome 3/4 riverfront during Sundowner Drive. BNR
The lion pride during Sunset Drive.
The new guests had just arrived and off we went for our sunset drive. The impalas kept us busy with the males showing off as the rutting season begins. A message came through on the radio with exciting news: lions had been spotted on Rome 1 Eastern cutline.
We zoomed off, stopping for a few things along the way, like chameleons. As we got closer, we could see spotlights shining on the road ahead. The lionesses walked straight towards us with their cubs following closely behind them. 
Lion cubs on the move Rome 1 Eastern cutline, Sunset Drive. BNR
Buffalo herd after Bushwalk
We had been down to the Olifants River for our morning Bushwalk and found hippos and crocodiles and all sorts of interesting tracks and signs.
The smell of Buffalo dung hung in the air and we could see fresh tracks heading south. We managed to track the buffalos down not far from the initial dung. It was a large herd of at least 60 Buffalo. 
Buffalo herd Rome 3/4 during drive back from morning Bushwalk. BNR
We got a close up view of them relaxing and then they all slowly started to move towards the east.
Leopard during Sunset Drive
The sun had already set but the light was good enough to see animals without the spotlight. It was that time of the afternoon when the predators start to become more active.
I had started to drive along Marula Road when we got the call on the radio. Leopard near Tremisana dam, come quickly!!
We turned around and headed straight back to camp. As we got closer, the leopard started to move. My guests spotted the shape moving through the long grass. We reversed and had an amazing visual of the beautiful cat.
She moved slowly past us and then disappeared into the thick vegetation.
The bush walks are not only highlighted by the big mammals but also the smaller things. Termite mounds are often a topic of conversation. We even snack on termites from time to time.
On foot we have had some close encounters with elephants both single bulls and breeding herds. The elephants often move down towards the river in the early mornings for a drink.
We either find them on their way back up or their tracks and fresh dung. When we do find them, they have often spread out across the valley, which makes it more challenging as an encounter. You have to check the wind, the lay of the land and have a safe exit strategy.
A memorable elephant encounter from this month took place along the Rome 3/4 riverfront. We had already been walking for a while following hippo tracks down to the river. The sound of branches breaking ahead of us gave us the clue that something big was up ahead. 
Hippo showing off its teeth along the Rome 1 riverfront. Sundowner Drive. BNR
The elephants had spread out throughout the valley, with some young ones very close to our position. We quickly moved back and headed around the herd to try view them from a termite mound on the other side.
We all stood together on the mound and waited for the elephants to move out into the open and enjoyed a beautiful view.
CHARL sent the following:
Buffalo at Marc’s Camp
African Clawed Frog, Katekani
Nyala bull on Bushwalk, Marc’s Camp
Leopard Tortoise, Masango
Hinge Back Tortoise, Dumela Lodge
Legless Skink seen on Bushwalk, Marc’s Camp
QUINTON sent the following:
Guests observing Nyala ewe on Marc’s Camp Bushwalk
Wild Dogs seen at Masango Camp
Greeted by Tremisana resident Elephant bull
Beautiful sunset over the Drakensberg mountains
WHIAN sent the following:
Buffalo Olifants Road Sunset Drive BNR
Rhino, Sunset Drive BNR
Lions Olifants Road, Sunset Drive BNR
Lions Rome 1 Sundowner Drive BNR
Wild Dogs Marula Road Morning Drive BNR
ROCKY sent the following:
Leopard on Tremisana BNR
Wild Dogs on S140 KNP
Hyena den was active on H7 KNP
Lionesses during Sundowner Drive BNR 
A tower of Giraffes on S106 KNP
Male lion on Tamboti KNP
Lionnesses near Orpen KNP
RAYMOND sent the following:
Near Orpen reception KNP
Kingfisher junction KNP
S100 KNP
BNR
NHLANHLA sent the following:
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
S106 KNP
My apologies for a slipup on my part in not including Nhlanhla’s April pics in last month’s newsletter. I am told it happens with old age. They are added below :
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
SMILEY sent the following:
May 1st: Leopard on S100 KNP
May 1st: Driving back on H7 at Nsemani Dam we saw a Hippo. Wow!
May 11: Elephants crossing H7 KNP
May11: Beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller just before H6 KNP
JOHN sent the following:
H7 KNP
H6 KNP
H7 KNP
S106 KNP
S106 KNP
H7 KNP
S106 KNP
H7 KNP
H6 KNP
ANDY sent the following:
The leopard was spotted at Tremisana property, east of the dam, BNR
Wild Dogs spotted on Marula Road, BNR
Wild Dogs spotted on Marula Road, BNR
Cheetah spotted on the H7 KNP
Buffaloes spotted on the H7, KNP
Lions spotted at Marula Boma, BNR
Buffaloes spotted on the Olifants Road, BNR
Hippo spotted on Olifants Road, BNR
Leopard spotted on the H7 KNP
VICTOR sent the following:
Male leopard Rome 3 BNR
Buffalo Olifants Road BNR
White Rhino BNR
Elephant bull Marula Road BNR
PIERO:
I spent a week at our lodges this month. Staff and guests were happy.
Our CCTV surveillance cameras allow me to keep an eye on things.
Elephant at front gate 09h16 on 10 May 2026.
Nomvula, Conny and Audrey show their creative skills at Tremisana
Guests at Marula Boma watching hyenas
Bridal Poinsettia in full bloom at Tremisana
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :
May 2026
This month has been a busy and exciting one at Tremisana. We welcomed many guests from different parts of the world, and on some days, all the rooms at the lodge were fully occupied. It is always lovely seeing the lodge full of people and sending out multiple vehicles for safaris and activities.
One of the things that makes Viva Safaris special is that we do our own transfers, accommodation, and safaris. This allows us to give guests a smoother and more personal experience without many third-party problems.
Winter safari mornings at Tremisana are cold. Guests head out early on game drive wrapped in jackets and blankets while the bush slowly comes alive with the sunrise. The cold morning air and quiet surroundings make the experience feel peaceful and exciting at the same time.
As the day goes on, the weather becomes warm and pleasant. At night, the cold returns, and one of the best parts of the day is sitting around the fire at the Lapa after dinner. Guests enjoy a warm cup of coffee while sharing stories about the day’s sightings and experiences.
Some of our sightings for the month below. Some submitted by our guides and some sent through by our guests.
The month of May has never really been one of my favorite months, as it is the month I lost my father. It is usually a time I try not to think too deeply about, but this year, something unexpected and beautiful happened.
While working alone in the office, pretending to be brave as I normally do, I had some of the most wonderful guests walk through the door. Without even realising it, they became therapists for me in their own special way. We may never meet again, but I will always appreciate the kindness, care, and warmth they showed me.
To the different women who came into my office and spoke to me with such gentleness and love, thank you. Somehow, our conversations always found their way to family, and those moments touched my heart more than you will ever know.
The hospitality industry is often about the service we give to guests, but sometimes we forget about the care and kindness we also receive from them. This month reminded me of that, and for that, my heart will always be grateful.
KATEKANI, MARC’S TREEHOUSES, MASANGO AND DUMELA
CHARL, Manager of Southern Camps, reports:
It has been a month full of building, renovation, and exciting wildlife activity across the camps.
We began the month by taking down the old tents at Marc’s Camp to replace them with new tents. This required us to adjust the size of the platforms and re-screed them, as the new tents do not have fixed flooring. The building team has worked incredibly hard to ensure everything is completed to a high standard and on schedule.
One morning, while on my way to check up on the building team after the clients had checked out, I decided to walk along the back pathway toward the tents. Along the way, I unexpectedly came across a wild dog with an impala kill. Unfortunately, the dog disappeared too quickly for me to get a photograph, and by the time I reached the area I could only find the remains of the kill. Even so, it was still an amazing and memorable sighting.
We have also completed the finishing touches on the renovations at Masango. The new linen and room finishings have arrived and, WOW — as some of our guides would say — you would hardly recognise the rooms compared to what we had previously. The upgrades have completely transformed the atmosphere and appearance of the lodge.
Katekani began the month on an exciting note when a pride of lions killed a buffalo right on the corner of our fence line bordering the neighbouring property. Unfortunately, the bush was extremely thick, so although we could hear the crunching of bones and the calls of hyenas throughout the night hoping to get a share of the carcass, visibility was very limited.
Leopard track at Katekani gate
At Dumela, we have noticed a bachelor group of impalas becoming increasingly relaxed around the main lodge and pool area. It has become quite a surprise in the mornings and afternoons to suddenly find a group of impalas casually gathered outside your front door.
Impalas at the Dumela tents
In addition to all the activity around camp, the planning for the hospitality school is continuing to take shape. We are now in the process of applying for accreditation, which is an exciting step forward for the project and its future development.
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
May 2026 saw an increase in tourist numbers compared to the first four months of this year.
We have made significant progress in upgrading facilities at all our camps.
At Tremisana, we have upgraded all bathrooms. 
Luke taking a photo of enlarged mirror in bathroom
Thanks to Zanelle, Luke’s wife, for new site map of Tremisana
At Marcs Treehouse Lodge, we have bought new tents.
At Cheetah Inn, we have upgraded the lecture room in anticipation of the courses we intend to offer. We have bought 22 chairs and our carpenters, Given and Martin, will make work tables.
At Masango Camp, we have made major progress. Thanks to my wife, Sandra and Southern Camps Manager, Charl, the camp is really looking very good.
Upgraded bathroom at Masango Camp
Upgraded Masango bedroom
We are pleased to advise that we have appointed Janita, Quinton’s wife, as manager of Masango Camp.
At Marula Boma, Given has extended the deck around the pool.
Extended deck
We received letters of gratitude from the fundraisers to whom Viva Safaris donated prizes for their golf days. Notwithstanding the tight financial situations in most households, we were pleased that Rainbows and Smiles raised R 27 500 and Reach for Recovery raised R 20 000.
Hi Sandy – our golf day was yesterday and this is the successful bidder of the Kruger Safari
He paid R27500
The professional photos will be sent to us in a few days.
I will then put together our letter of appreciation to you and Piero – we are so very grateful
Successful bidder Mr Lourens Coetzee
Successful bidder Mr Richard Maserfield
Congratulations to the winners who won wonderful safari packages at discount prices.
The following reviews were posted during May 2026 :
“AMAZING! BELISSIMO!” from TripAdvisor
Petrus F, Brazil
The tour deserves 5 stars.
The pickup and the dropoff were punctual and easy. And here I have to say that the drivers were always flexible, kind, funny and the communication was very easy. Sully #1 and Raymond (which had to drive all the way back to retrieve my phone – I’m really sorry for that and thanks a lot!) are the ones that I recall the names, and both were great! Sully #1, I reckon that that bus stop is the best in the world!
The staff at the accommodation (we stayed at 2 different ones) was also very polite, funny and helpful. Quinton’s knowledge is impressive, Mama G’s food was fantastic, and Rai at the reception was very quick to solve my problem (stupid me!), aside her kindness. Sadly I don’t remember the other guides’, staff’s and driver’s name, but they are absolutely good on what they do. Our guide made a 1-hour detour just because he knew where the lions were. The lion was walking so close! A fantastic experience! It’s impressive how dedicated they are to get us a good experience!
Oh, and this guy who was always saying out loud AMAZING and BELISSIMO, and how happy he was to be alive! That’s something which turns anyone’s mood for positive!
Thank you all! You made my Kruger experience much better than I was expecting! (And no stupid losses or accidents!)
“Our Viva Safari was a magical, memorable experience” from TripAdvisor
Karen G, USA
Our Viva Safari was a wonderful experience from our first contacts with Nyarai Masamba by email all through the entire 4 day Safari. We got to stay in both Tremisana Lodge and Marc’s Treehouse camp. Our accommodations were so unique and beautiful that we didn’t want to leave. We loved the settings with pools and waterfalls and even fireside meals.
We were warmly greeted from airport pickup to the attentive hosts and cooks Nomsa and Salphina who prepared and served delicious meals that included amazing vegan options to very knowledgeable and gifted guides.
We had a spectacular sunset drive on Day 1 with a barbecue then a bush walk on Day 2 with our witty and wonderfully knowledgeable guide Luke. Luke expertly navigated our jeep through rough terrain and led us on foot to see so many animals in their natural habitats and learn so much.
We even had an African sunset picnic.
Our Safari continued on Day 3 in Kruger National Park where we were privileged to see the Big 5, even the elusive leopard.
On Day 4, we had another Bush Walk with Quinton where we learned a great deal about the native plants. We met other guests from all around the world.
It was a truly magical, memorable experience. Thank you Viva Safari.
“Amazing 6 days at Tremisana/Kruger” from TripAdvisor
Diego H, USA
My wife and I did the 6 day/5 night safari, staying at the tremisana lodge. We had never gone on a safari before, so we weren’t sure what to expect. The place is beautiful and surrounded by nature.
From the lodge, you can drink your coffee and watch the animals go by just outside the fence.
The plan worked great for us, morning drives, bush walk, evening drives, all day safaris in kruger. The food was great.
The guides were stellar and their presence made our visit ever more special. Luke, Andy, Smiley, Raymond, Whyan (spelling?) and others were so knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
It was a truly mesmerizing and educational experience…. and so very fun. We saw all kinds of animals, big and small, snd learned about their habitat. Lions, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos, one leopard, saw wild dogs chasing impalas, warthogs, giraffes, all sorts of birds.
Great chats with the guides and fellow travelers. I would recommend this safari to anyone intetested in getting to know Kruger National Park and its surrounding areas.
Really amazing.
“An Unforgettable Family Safari – Exceptional Staff, Accommodation, and Wildlife!” from TripAdvisor
Steve J, UK
We just returned from an absolutely incredible week-long family safari this May with our 19-year-old son, and we cannot recommend this experience enough! From start to finish, everything was flawless.
The accommodation, food, and housekeeping were all amazing. A massive highlight for us was dinner time; every evening while we ate, we were treated to visits from elephants, lions, and a beautiful array of birds right by the camp. It was pure magic.
Our itinerary was perfectly balanced with morning and evening game drives, amazing safari bush walks down to the river, and two full days inside Kruger National Park. The wildlife viewing was spectacular—we were blessed to see both the Big 5 and the “Ugly 5,” as well as lots more wired and wonderful wildlife and we were constantly amazed by just how close the wildlife came to the jeeps.
What truly sets this experience apart, though, is the team. All of our guides were exceptional and incredibly knowledgeable. A huge shout out to John, Smiley, Rocky, Nadine, George, Whian, Andy and Raymond (to name a few), who made our outings so memorable. A special mention must go to Luke, the Camp Manager and Head Guide. Luke is fantastic—his organization, deep knowledge, and uncanny ability to locate wildlife on the game drives made our trip extra special. (And yes, Luke, you definitely earned this shoutout! 😂)
If you are planning a safari, this is the one to book. We left with lifelong memories and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you to the whole team!
Thanks Ed and all the rest of your team. Was a pleasure and honor to be your guests.
“I cannot recommend this trip and Viva Safaris enough!” from GetYourGuide
Cari, Canada
I rarely bother to write reviews but I felt I had to for this one because I cannot begin to describe what an incredible experience this was!
The guides and staff at Tremisana lodge and connected with Viva Safaris are all wonderful and I truly loved every second of my trip.
Seeing so many different animals and learning about them from the guides was like being immersed in a BBC or national geographic documentary and was so interesting and fun.
The accommodations at Tremisana were also great. Clean, comfortable, and a beautiful spot (with as much ambience as the monkeys will allow for!). I also really enjoyed the food provided by the lodge.
I have quite severe dietary restrictions (celiac disease) and the kitchen staff at the lodge were incredibly knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure I was safe and could eat all of the meals.
Overall I cannot recommend this trip and Viva Safaris enough!
“Jeder, der in Südafrika Urlaub machen möchte, sollte unbedingt die Safaritour buchen!” from GetYourGuide
Sara, Germany
Jeder, der in Südafrika Urlaub machen möchte, sollte unbedingt die Safaritour buchen. Im Kruger Nationalpark haben wir alle Big 5 gesehen. Die Chalets und das Essen waren zwar nicht der Bringer, dafür hat man so viele Tiere gesehen. Besonders die Buschwanderung war ein Highlight. Wir standen sehr nahe an Hippos, Krokodile und Affen. Sollte ich erneut nach Südafrika kommen, werde ich die Safaritour erneut buchen.
“We saw the Big 5 – twice!” from GetYourGuide
Andrea, USA
Our group of 7 had an amazing 6 day safari. We saw the Big 5 – twice! We also saw a live kill our first night and many rare animals.
Every activity was thoughtfully planned and not a minute wasted. Even the transfer days included cultural stops so break up travel time.
We were fortunate to have Smiley, Andy, John, V, Victoria, and Ray guiding us – all of which were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.
The food at camp was delicious and the accommodations were cleaned daily.
For anyone planning a safari, I would highly recommend Viva Safaris!
“Exelente experiencia” from TripAdvisor
Traveler26917484263, Argentina
En Tremisana nos sentimos como en casa. Cada una de las personas han sido muy amables y cálidos con nosotros. Desde el chófer que hace el traslado desde Johannesburgo, hasta el personal del alojamiento que nos preparaba las comidas. Incluso las charlas con Luck,el jefe de guías, durante las cenas fueron muy agradables.
Todas las comidas realmente deliciosas, con sabor a hogar.
En los safaris, se sentía el amor de cada guía por su trabajo, transmitiendo todo su conocimiento.
Estamos muy felices de la elección que hicimos al elegir Viva safaris para cumplir nuestro sueño.
“5 Star Safari” from TripAdvisor
Julie E
Our 7‑day safari at Tremisana was absolutely amazing. The rooms were clean, comfortable and the lodge was a perfect place to unwind after long days of adventure.
Every member of the team was friendly, welcoming and genuinely happy to make our stay special.
All of the guides were incredibly knowledgeable, not just about the wildlife but the landscape, conservation, and the rhythms of the bush. From early‑morning game drives to magical sundowners, we had incredible opportunities to see a wide range of animals up close.
The meals were fantastic and delicious as well.
This was truly a 5‑star experience from start to finish.
The elephants visiting the lodge was beyond amazing
My advice to anyone on safari would be enjoy each day don’t go chasing the next animal. Each animal is so unique enjoy them all
We received the following email :
From: Reach4Recovery KZN
Sent: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 13:39
To: bookings@vivasafaris.co.za
Subject: Thank you for supporting us!
Good Afternoon Sandy & Piero
We just wanted to personally express our sincere thanks and appreciation for your support at our recent fundraising event at Royal Durban Golf Club, and helping us to continue to make a difference where it is needed most.
Please see our letter of thanks attached.
Warm Regards
Jenny Caldwell
Reach for Recovery
Regional Chairperson KZN
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
