November 2025
The African Spoonbill, Platalea Alba, is a long-legged wading bird often seen at Tremisana Dam. It gets its name from the spatulate shape of its bill that it uses to catch fish, molluscs, insects and other water inhabitants by swinging it side-to-side. When it senses some aquatic prey touching the inside of its bill, it snaps it shut.
What most people do not appreciate is that Nature has provided an additional mechanism to assist the Spoonbill in feeding. If one studies the bill, it is evident that the bottom is flat while the top has a curved growth. For those who have studied Physics, the enhanced feeding is explained by Bernouilli’s Principle. In short, Bernouilli’s Principle states that as a fluid’s speed increases, the pressure it exerts decreases. This concept explains the ‘lift’ in airplanes as the airflow changes because of lower air pressure.
Because the Spoonbill’s bill is flat on one side (underneath) and bulkier on the other (top), there are two streams of water moving at different speeds below and above the bill. The curved surface has faster moving water that results in lower pressure and consequently there is an upward ‘lift’ of water from below. This channels potential aquatic food items towards the open bill which readily snaps shut on detection of such items.
I hope our guides do not feel obliged to go into all this detail.
They certainly have some detailed reports and photos as witnessed below :
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 for November 2025
The summer heat has arrived and so too has the rain. The bush is starting to look green once more after a long dry season. The beautiful greens along with dashes of colour, from the different flowers bring the bush to life. The animals are enjoying the abundance of food and have renewed energy.
Giraffe Calf spotted along Olifants Road, during Sunset Drive. BNR
The first impala lambs have been sighted in both Balule and Kruger National Park, with their long legs and impressive speed they stay close to mom for safety. The impalas plan their pregnancies perfectly to coincide with the summer rains, giving their lambs the best chance of survival.
The bushwalk highlights.
The morning bushwalks have an extra dash of insect life after the rains, a crowd favourite being the dung beetles. The Olifants River itself has risen by a few meters, giving the hippos and crocodiles more water to explore. We found a dead hippo during a recent bushwalk, most likely the result of a battle between two bulls. This attracted a few hyenas, vultures and some very large crocodiles, it wasn’t long and the carcass was cleaned up.
My moment for the month of bushwalk involved a black rhino and a bachelor herd of elephant bulls. It was a cool morning with some cloud cover overhead, which is always pleasant for a walk. We had made our way along a ridge away from the vehicle. On the ridge opposite us we spotted an earthly coloured shade moving slowly along towards the west. It was a black rhino; we then planned the safest route and off we went.
Black Rhino sighted during morning bushwalk BNR
We used the wind to our advantage and chose a nice vantage point just east of the rhino, he didn’t pick us up. While we stood under a marula tree watching the rhino, six elephant bulls appeared from the west. We headed down the hill and up another small hill in search of the perfect vantage point. Once we had a good spot we stood and watched as the elephants spread out across the hill and the black rhino zig zagged his way through the elephants.
Game drive memorable moments.
Leopard and Rhino Rome
The leopard sightings have been great especially on Rome, my favorite took place during a sundowner drive. Rocky and I had headed out on a mission to check the water holes and hoped that the animals needed a drink. We arrived at the water hole and there lying next to the water was a white rhino bull. He was fast asleep enjoying the afternoon sun, not at all bothered by our presence. It wasn’t long after stopping that we looked past the rhino and there under a tree in deep shade lay a large male leopard. The leopard moved out from under the tree, came down to the water and gave us all the perfect opportunity for some beautiful pictures.
Leopard drinking at Rome water hole. During sundowner drive. BNR
Leopard on Rome showing his teeth while he yawned. Sundowner drive. BNR
Red-crested Korhaan on Marula Road.
We often see the Red-crested Korhaan on game drives, if your incredibly lucky you’ll see them doing their courtship display. On a recent sundowner drive we got lucky, not only did we see the male fly up into the sky and drop down like a ball, but we also saw his red crest.
Red-crested Korhaan on Marula Road, showing off his red crest. Sundowner drive. BNR
Once the Korhaan has attracted a female with his dramatic arial display, he will do a dance for her. The dance consists of head bobbing and moving forwards and backwards, if the female likes his dancing, then they will pair off.
Wild Dog on Olifants road during sunset drive.
The Wild Dog numbers are very low, and our pack had a rough time last year because of the lions and hyena in Balule. So, when you do see one of these fast-moving canines, you are incredibly lucky. We received a call on the radio to say a Wild Dog was moving along Olifants Road. We zoomed off in hot pursuit. The Wild Dog was particularly mobile so to try to get a picture was difficult, but we did at least have a wonderful view of him running down the road and past the side of us.
He was gone as quick as a flash into the thick bush and off to find his friends.
Rome 1 river cleanup went well, walking area clean again.
Viva Safaris is very fortunate in having Luke on our staff. Not only is he the highest qualified walking guide in the reserve, but his committment to conservation is unparalleled. With the recent rains, plastic bottles have been found along the banks of the Olifants River. Thanks to Dumisani and Luke for their great efforts.
MARC sent the following:
My father turned 70 years young on the 17th of November. We went to Ballito to go celebrate this special milestone with him and the rest of our family. We had a lovely celebration and a fun filled week of quality sun and beach time.
Piero and I also enjoyed some time watching the Springboks (our national Rugby team) beat the Irish and then we also enjoyed the Proteas (our national Cricket team) win a Cricket Test series in India for the first time in over 25 years.
We arrived back in the bush on the 24th of November to what seemed like a completely different place. The bush had transformed from the dusty yellow and brown to beautiful lush wet and green.
Fatherly Love!! Father and Son Giraffe seen bonding at Rome 3.
We had some lovely rain over the past few weeks which has turned the bushveld into a green haven overnight. Our herbivores especially the Elephants and Rhinos seem joyful with a lot more choices to eat. Some of the Impala ewes have dropped their young and the little guys have been seen stretching their legs and running to and fro and suckling from their respective mothers. The morning Bushwalks are filled with a wonderful chorus of various summer visitors most notably the call of the Woodland Kingfisher fills the air once more.
Impala ewe with a newborn lamb
We had some really exciting and somewhat peculiar sightings in November. From my mom Sandy being eyed by a lion to lionesses chased up trees.
Prior to Piero’s 70th Birthday he and Sandy were doing their monthly visit to the lodges. The one afternoon the Takazile pride of lions walked directly in front of Tremisana Lodge’s dining area during midday. The male lion who came from the back suddenly locked eyes onto Sandy who was wearing a black and white striped dress. Suddenly the lion growled fiercely and started running with intent directly towards her until he halted instantly a few meters from her as he reached the electric fenceline. This certainly got all our hearts racing, especially Piero’s, who was now shouting wildly as he envisioned this Lion about to jump through the fence and attack and possibly kill his beloved wife. Piero, who doesn’t drink much alcohol, subsequently needed a double shot of whiskey to calm his nerves. This event was actually screened live on our Instagram Live feed which can still be viewed on our social media pages @vivasafaris today.
This Lion’s behavior is extremely peculiar and we all need to be aware of such instances in the future. Lions usually perceive humans to be a threat and rather avoid humans than seeing us as prey. Perhaps Sandy had the marked resemblance of a zebra in her black and white dress which intrigued this particular lion.
Takazile Pride of Lions admired by guests at Tremisana Lodge
Towards the very beginning of the month we had another specially unique sighting where two lionesses were chased up separate Marula Trees by a clan of Hyenas.
When we arrived at the sighting, which was a stone’s throw away from the Tremisana parking lot, these lionesses were already high up in the Marula trees with several Hyenas lurking below. Apparently the lionesses had attacked and killed a young Hyena and then the clan of hyenas, with revenge in mind, chased the lionesses towards Tremisana and their only escape route was to scale up the nearest Marula tree. These hyenas never let up and the lionesses spent the rest of the night sleeping in the tree with the Hyenas waiting patiently below. This was a first for many and certainly my first witnessing tree-climbing lions. What made it so much more special was that this all happened a mere 10 meters from our parking lot.
Lioness in a small Marula tree with Hyena looking on near Tremisana parking lot
During a sunset drive one evening I had the privilege of Piero and Sandy joining my drive.
On this particular evening we got 4 out of the Big 5. Lions, Rhino and Elephant all on our Tremisana property. We then found that elusive Leopard with some more Rhinos further on.
Leopard and tracker Dumisani seen at Rome 3
Elephant Bull seen at Tremisana
Rhino, Spoonbills and Grey Heron near Tremisana
Until next month
Marc
CHARL sent the following:
Nyala lamb right at front entrance to Main Building at Marc’s
Impala ewe and newborn lamb at Marc’s
VICTOR sent the following:
Leopard BNR
A male lion, Tremisana BNR
A male and a female giraffe Rome 1 BNR
Two white rhinos BNR
ANDY sent the following:
These members of the Birmingham pride were spotted on the H7, Kruger Park, on our way out, towards the end of our full day safari
Our resident elephant in front of the lapa at Tremisana, BNR
Zulu, the famous black rhino, was spotted on BNR
Stranded lioness cornered by hyenas, found itself up a tree at Tremisana, BNR
WHIAN sent the following:
Wild Dogs Olifants Bushwalk
Lion Tremisana Sunset
Leopard Sundowner Rome 1
Leopard Sundowner Rome 3
ELIAS AKA SMILEY sent the following:
17th November between Orpen and the reception there were the Birmingham pride.
On my sunset drive on the 19th November, we spotted a leopard on Olifants road.
On the 20th November on my sundowner drive, we spotted a white rhino in the middle of the road.
On the 13th November we drove down to Kruger National Park and we spotted an elephant at Nsemani dam.
ROCKY sent the following:
H7 one lioness and a sub adult male KNP
3 White Rhino BNR
Birmingham pride after chasing hyenas from their zebra carcass, ended up on the tar road KNP
African Wild Dog KNP
Breeding herd of Elephant KNP
Bachelor herd of buffalo near Kumana Dam KNP
Hyenas with pups KNP
African Wild Dog puppies KNP
RAYMOND sent the following:
H7 before Nsemani Dam, KNP
H7 KNP
S40 KNP
S36 KNP
QUINTON sent the following:
Buffalo seen at Marc’s Camp
GNU seen on bushwalk at Marc’s Camp
Hippos BNR sundowner drive
White Rhino – BNR
NHLANHLA sent the following:
Lion pride on Wildebeest kill KNP
KNP
BNR
NsemanI Dam KNP
Marc’s Camp
Steenbuck H7 KNP
Leopard Tortoise KNP
KNP
GEORGE sent these pics taken in KwaZulu Natal on our 7 day package:
PIERO sent the following:
I spent a few days up at the lodges in November.
Tourists enthralled by monkey mother and baby at Tremisana Lapa
Building team upgrading all 8 units at Masango Camp. Each unit will have an entrance lobby, main bedroom and large bathroom
DUMISANI sent the following:
White Rhino near Tremisana BNR
Wild Dog BNR
Male leopard BNR
Elephant and calf BNR
Lioness on Olifants Road near Tremisana BNR
Black Rhino BNR
I am very grateful to Fausto Imberti (Instagram: faustos1976) who I met at Tremisana. He kindly agreed to allow us to publish some wonderful photos he took on safari :
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :
Tremisana Report November 2025
A few weeks to go to Christmas and I am really excited. We will be putting up our Christmas decorations soon. In the Shona culture, November which is called ‘Mbudzi- meaning goat’, is considered a time for the regeneration of animal life. Especially animals like goats which are used in a lot of rituals in the Shona culture. People are not supposed to have weddings in November or people cannot elope and even certain cultural ceremonies such as the homecoming ceremony where we welcome the spirits of our loved ones home are put on hold. Growing up in a Christian home but with grandparents who were firm believers in African traditions, we had to observe their beliefs. All the celebrations in December always made up for November. It is amazing how times have changed, and still, traditional practices are a bone of contention in most family setups.
November also marks the beginning of the rainy season for most parts of the country. Rainy days and the smell of the wet soil always make me feel nostalgic. Mostly memories of my mother and me at the farm. The bush has a way of giving me back some beautiful childhood memories that words alone cannot explain.
We have been blessed with a few days of good rain. More rain is expected in the coming days. I am excited and grateful that my son, Miracle, will be coming to spend some time with me at the lodge. I am looking forward to documenting our adventures together. A special thanks to our General Manager, Piero, and Sandy for allowing me to have him over while I work.
We have had awesome sightings around the lodge. The guests were very excited. We had a pride of lions close to the Lapa. Later at night, we could hear them growling at the back. I decided not to hang my laundry at the back that evening. Safety first, I honestly do not trust my running capabilities. I might react like a wildebeest. Observe first and run later. The guests were very excited. One cold rainy day we had two hyenas fighting at the watering hole. My favorite pictures for this month have to be the rhino in front of the sunset, supplied by my colleague Ed and the one for the giraffe and leopard supplied by one of our lovely guests Mr David Olsen. I need to dust off my camera and get it charged.
Giraffe taken by guest David Olsen
Leopard taken by guest David Olsen
Rhino and sunset
The lodge has been busy, with a large number of guests during the middle and end of the month. December is definitely going to be a busy, awesome month.
KATEKANI, MARC’S TREEHOUSES, MASANGO AND DUMELA
CHARL, Manager of Southern Camps, reports:
The big rains have started. We have been blessed with quite a few downpours or rain waking up the bush. It always amazes me to see how quickly the bush can green up after the rains within a few days. The large areas in Kruger Park that were burnt have had a drastic difference between the areas that didn’t burn. 
Wild Dogs seen at Marcs Camp before the rain
Red Paintbrush Lily
As it warms up we begin to see a lot more movement of insects and other things we don’t normally see on a daily basis. With terrapins and tortoises showing up they are always a crowd favourite at the Breakfast Dam at Marcs Camp coming up to the surface while we eat ,looking for bread. It’s not only us who get breakfast down by the dam but the terrapins and the fish eagerly wait their turn. I was fortunate enough to spot a very well camouflaged spotted bush snake as well in the bushes around the breakfast dam probably one of the largest ones I have seen in my life. Our baby nyala has also grown up quite quickly its quite often seen in the morning waiting around the bar area for it to warm up a little before heading to the bush to find mom and go for a walk in the bush and drink. 
Southern Masked Weaver hanging on its nest
At Katekani, Gertrude and Mandla have been hard at work making a few new gardens around the kitchen area with all the rain that’s been falling. I hope the plants will take soon and fill out the new beds. Our neighbours, Kapama, have cleared the area where the fence is to go but still not begun the process of erecting the new fence. We will then be completely surrounded by Big 5 at the camp and I am sure we will have a few sightings from the decks at the rooms. This week already I have seen a pride of 11 lions close to the fence as well a group of 2 bull elephants hanging around the fence line as if they are waiting for the new fence to be erected so they can go and explore the new property. 
New Chef Gertrude at Katekani
At Masango the renovation are in full swing with one more unit and the main hall scheduled for completion by the middle of December. We have begun the process of purchasing furniture for the unit we had purchased new beds not so long ago but now we have nice new couches for the new extended veranda definitely think that is going to be a nice place to sit and relax between activities.
Dumela has one again in my opinion been the first property where baby impalas were born as I had seen the first baby at Dumela about a week before I started seeing them on Marcs Camp or even Kruger Park.
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
November 2025 has been another great month, surpassing our expectations. Our figures are well up on those for November 2024.
We have bought yet another brand new OSV for Kruger. This model is a 4×4 and already it has caused massive competition among the guides. To be fair, guides that drive regularly in Kruger should have preference to the rangers that work mainly in Balule Nature Reserve. We now can give each guide his own vehicle. Head Guide Luke and mechanic Ricus are happy as they now can allocate responsibility to an individual driver.
Overall 2025 has been a good year. We started poorly – our February figures were the worst for a long time – but it has all come right.
It has not been plain- sailing. There have been issues that required my direct intervention. We have a ZERO tolerance towards theft and unfortunately staff have been dismissed.
I believe that my job as GM requires a tight micro-management style. There will always be someone on the staff that will take a chance and I must try my best to minimize resultant damage to the company. It is sometimes very trying. I joined the Septuagenerian Club on the 17th November. Sandra and I were pleased to get a photo with all 11 grandchildren.
Earlier in November, I visited both my oncologist and my cardiologist. Both advised that I am medically OK. It was personally pleasing to me that I weighed in at 99.7kg. On my 15th birthday I weighed 100kg but that included a little more muscle !!
My close friends are advising me to slow down somewhat. I have been thinking of exactly where this may happen. Pehaps it is best to leave it in the hands of the Almighty – I will surely get the message once I start messing up.
On behalf of all at Viva Safaris, I wish you a holy Christmas period and a restful holiday time.
Marco, our brilliant webmaster, has chosen the following reviews posted in the last month:
“TOP budget Kruger safari” from TripAdvisor
Fausto I, Italy
Non è stato per niente facile trovare Viva Safaris e questa metologia di safari, nella quale tutta la squadra di Piero è impegnata giorno e notte per far ammirare la Beltà del Creato. Natura, fauna al 100%.
Credo che le mie foto parlino da sole.
Rapporto qualità-prezzo ottimo.
Capitale umano dei ragazzi INESTIMABILE.
“Mind blowing trip – Animals, Kindness, Comfort, and Adventure” from TripAdvisor
Chandler L, UK
I can’t recommend this company enough! At first, I was nervous to try to make new friends, but it’s impossible not to. How can you not bond when viewing cats, rhinos, birds, etc. together?
The staff thought of every need and comfort we would need. The conversations with the guides felt so genuine, and they were open to sharing about themselves, making the experience even deeper.
Godi was my favorite guide- he was excited to show us the park, connected well with other guides, and was so knowledgeable.I also really enjoyed time with Smiley, Luke, and Quintin.
Lastly, I adored the treehouses. I’ve never slept so peacefully. The bed was so comfortable, and the music of the outdoors filled the room.
I hope you take a chance with Viva Safaris
“Absolument extraordinaire” from GetYourGuide
Elie-Emmanuel, France
Absolument extraordinaire.
Viva Safaris est la compagnie à choisir absolument pour un safari au Parc Krueger.
Tout est merveilleusement organisé, du transport initial jusqu’au retour, avec les activités. L’expérience est inoubliable.
J’ai personnellement eu la chance de voir tous les animaux du Big 5 en une seule journée au Krueger.
Merci pour ces magnifiques moments
“Unser Aufenthalt in der Tremisana Lodge war einfach von vorne bis hinten fantastisch!” from GetYourGuide
Dennis, Germany
Unser Aufenthalt in der Tremisana Lodge war einfach von vorne bis hinten fantastisch!
Alles war perfekt organisiert – vom Transfer über die Game Drives bis hin zu den Mahlzeiten. Das Essen war absolut köstlich, und man hat gemerkt, wie viel Liebe und Herzblut in allem steckt. Die Game Drives waren ein echtes Highlight: Wir hatten das unglaubliche Glück, die Big Five zu sehen! Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis inmitten der Natur. Aber das Allerbeste waren das Team in der Lodge – das gesamte Team war herzlich, hilfsbereit und hat uns das Gefühl gegeben, wirklich willkommen zu sein. Danke dafür!
Ein besonderes Lob auch an Luke, den Camp Manager. Du machst einen tollen Job!
Wir können die Tremisana Lodge uneingeschränkt empfehlen – ein traumhafter Ort für alle, die Safari-Abenteuer und echte Gastfreundschaft suchen!
“Outstanding – loved every minute” from SafariBookings
Jon and Sarah, UK
We have just come back from a 6 day Safari with Viva Safaris at the Tremisana Lodge and I have to say it’s the best safari experience we could have hoped for.
We began the tour from Johannesburg and were picked up on time and the transfer up took about 6 hours with multiple stops for comfort breaks and lunch. Once we arrived (at about 4pm) we just had time to check in and then go out for an evening game drive. It took less than 5 minutes for us to come across our first elephant, promptly followed by rhino, as well as other common species like antelope and zebra.
The following day we did an early morning sunrise drive + bush walk which was a lovely experience to see the park on foot. The walk down to the river was fantastic and we got to see up close (but safely!) animals like hippo and crocodiles. Our evening drive that day was super eventful and we got to see more rhino and elephants as well as an incredibly rare encounter with african wild dogs!
The following 3 days we spent on full days in Kruger via Orpen Gate. These were the 3 best safari days you could want.
Immediately Day 1after entering the park we encountered a pride of lions and we proceeded to see a massive range of other wildlife and we lost count of how many elephants – as a guess we came across 200 of them throughout the day including several large herds with very young babies.
Day 2 we finally (after many years of trying) managed to see a leopard, thus completing our big 5! It was so nice to see it happily sat under a tree watching the world go by close to the side of the road. We also spotted many more elephants and more lions etc.
Day 3 was equally as exciting with 2 more sets of lions, more rhino and even more baby elephants and a super cute baby giraffe.
Our last morning before heading back to Johannesburg was an early rise 2h drive where we got to see Rhino again and also a leopard in the distance attempting to catch something but failing. The journey back again took us via Blythe Canyon which is one of the most spectacular views you could imagine. We got back to the airport by about 4:30 which left plenty of time for our evening flights.
Accommodation wise we stayed in the rooms at Tremisana. They were plenty big enough, had nice hot showers and even air-con if you really needed it. Not fancy, but absolutely what you need for a safari. What made the lodge so special though was it’s location and set up. Because you’re in the old private reserve you literally are amongst the animals! At breakfast we had elephant walk straight past us the other side of the fence and in the morning hyena could be seen watching you and sniffing out the fantastic hot breakfast food etc.
The staff and guides were first class. So friendly and knowledgeable and they really were so invested in wanting to make sure you had the best time possible. Quite how the guides spot the animals is also a mystery – they must have laser vision as they just see everything so quickly leaving you all the time you need to focus and do your own spotting once you work out what they have seen. They are super patient, they know exactly the right pace to go at and which angles are best for photos etc.
Overall – Viva Safari and Tremisana Lodge are right up there – and amazing value for money too. Definitely check them out!
“Our first safari – an unforgettable experience!!!” from Google
Evie Walklate, Australia
Our first safari – an unforgettable experience!!!
We had the most incredible time with Viva safaris and cannot wait to return. This was our first safari and could not recommend this trip enough.
Our 4 days were packed with amazing game drives, unique experiences and a great team of guides.
The food, room and lodge were great and made everything so easy and comfortable. We travelled as a very large group and the team were so accommodating in ensuring we were experiencing as many things together as possible.
A big thank you to our guides Whian and Smiley in particular. Their skill in spotting and tracking meant we had some amazing animal encounters.
“Wonderful experience” from TripAdvisor
Chris, France
Very well organized trip.
transport and accommodations are good, food plentiful, and all the activities (game drive and bush walk) led by knowledgeable people.
bonus: I met really interesting people from all over the world!
I recommend.
“We loved our stay at Tremisana” from Google
Janaki Dodia, UK
We loved our stay at Tremisana, we saw the big 5, the ugly 5 and so much more!
We even saw a “big tusker” elephant eventhough there are only 30 in the world!
The rangers and staff are amazing, especially thank you to Ray, Smiley & Whian – they are lovely people and extremely knowledgeable.
The food always had a special vegetarian option which was always tasty. The lodge itself was comfortable and has everything you need.
They run things very well and every staff member made the trip perfect including the cooks, cleaners, reception, rangers etc.
Solo safari” from TripAdvisor
jensh12345, Australia
Very good value safari.
Picked up by shuttle bus from Joburg and driven to Kruger.
Good comfortable accommodation. Lots of good food. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Had fabulous safari drives in comfortable vehicles. Saw lots of animals. Visited the animal rehabilitation centre which was fabulous.
Viva safaris is well run and very organised. Easy to book on line.
Until January 2026,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
