October 2024
The Grey Heron, Ardea Cinerea, is a long-legged wader found near water. It is common throughout Kruger Park. It feeds mainly on aquatic prey, which it catches by a swift stabbing motion. It is often seen standing stationary, patiently waiting for a fish or frog to get within stab-range.
The Grey Heron stands about 1 metre tall. Overall, its plumage is grey, and the head and neck are white and a diagnostic black stripe extends from its eye to its black crest.
At Tremisana Dam, we have a Grey Heron that is seen regularly. It has befriended our resident hippo and can be found standing on the hippo’s back.
This Grey Heron, along with other waterbirds at Tremisana Dam such as the Hamerkop and Yellow-billed Stork are catching small Tilapia fish. Tremisana Dam is full of these fish. Last month I accompanied Luke and Marc on a short (15 minutes) fishing expedition at Tremisana Dam. We made sure we first checked that the hippo was elsewhere. Luke had advised he needed some young Tilapia for the ponds at Tremisana. The idea is to have these fish eat any mosquito larvae. We caught about 30 fish in 15 minutes – and now Luke and Marc believe they are experts and should go on a fishing trip to catch Tigerfish on the Zambezi River !!!
The Grey Heron is not restricted to Africa and can be found in Europe and Asia. The ancient Romans regarded the Grey Heron as the bird of divination. Apparently, it makes for good eating as, in 1465, the then Archbishop of York, George Neville, served 400 roast herons at a dinner party. I am sure my friend, Andy Dott, the chairman of York Nature Reserve, a neighbouring property to Tremisana, is not likely to engage in such culinary experiences.
The dry conditions continue. The elephants are learning how to avoid electric shocks. I watched in awe as the ringleader deliberately used his tusk to lift the high strand slowly and carefully until it snapped. Of course, this chap irreverently left his customary calling card.
He was seen in camp by professional photographer, Henk Graaf, from Amsterdam, who took this great close-up :
Henk is a very experienced wildlife photographer and told me that in all his years he has never been so close (less than 2 metres) to an elephant. He advised that his adrenaline rush was unbelievable.
The elephants are hungry. We have had a “spit and a spot” of rain. On the 20th I accompanied Luke on a Sundowner Drive and we enjoyed a most impressive spectacular display of lightning.
When I returned to Tremisana hoping to watch the Inter-Juventus football match, we had no electricity !!! I missed a 4-4 cracker of a game !!!
The lightning and associated storm produced little rain but successfully knocked out the electricity supply at Tremisana. Another storm near Acornhoek damaged the power supply to Marc’s Camp, Katekani, Masango Camp, Dumela Tented Camp and Sekekama Camp. Thanks to Charl and Marc who drove around with generators and managed to get water to unhappy guests at all our accommodation venues.
GAME VIEWING REPORTS FROM OUR GUIDES
BNR = Balule Nature Reserve
KNP = Kruger National Park
Viva Safaris guests have been fortunate this month. A few kills were seen. These include leopards on impalas and lions on wildebeest and buffalo in Kruger as well as wild dogs on an impala on the Olifants Road and lions on a young giraffe on Barnards on Balule Nature Reserve.
LUKE, Viva Safaris Head Guide:
The month of October has been a busy one, with guests coming on Safaris from all over the world. The trees are slowly shooting their new leaves, especially after a few sprinkles of rain recently.
The dams are still dry, and the elephants continue to search for food. The lush gardens of Tremisana continue to be a target.
Water being in short supply means the Olifants River continues to he a great place to view animals.
The bushwalks have been great, with many elephant encounters. One in specific was more memorable than the others.
To set the scene, we had walked down along a hippos pathway to the rivers edge.
As we got closer, we could hear splashing in the water. It might have been hippos or maybe even a large crocodile, but no, this time, it was a bachelor herd of elephants.
They all stood in formation, looking at the water, almost unsure of its safety.
The leader of the herd made the first move into the river. At this stage, we decided to move back to a high point and waited for them to move in our direction.
We just stayed still and viewed them walk past us, a great way to make yourself feel insignificantly small.
Lions are intimidating in a vehicle, but even more so when you’re on foot.
We had a great encounter with four lionesses and some young cubs.
We spotted the lionesses on a nearby ridge. They were lying flat, looking down into the valley. We used the terrain to our advantage and moved in for a closer look.
After viewing them stand up and move towards a Sheperd’s tree, we decided to give them space and head down to the river.
Along the river, we found some hippos and crocodiles to add to the excitement.
The driven safaris have been successful too, with a variety of different animals. Some of the cutest sightings have been the new baby elephants. One of them was still wobbly on its feet.
Red-Chested Cuckoo , during morning bushwalk. Rome 1 BNR.
Hippo Pod, enjoying some sun along the olifants River, Rome 1 , BNR
Elephant Bull, enjoying a mud puddle along the Olifants River, Rome 1. BNR
Male Lion , resting in the shade. Rome 1 , BNR
A lions foot. A hot day in Africa, Rome 1 , BNR
Luke with happy guests on Sundowner Drive BNR
MARC
October has been filled with numerous sightings of the rare and endangered African Painted dog, also know as the African Wild Dog.
There are only around 350 – 400 dogs left in the Kruger Park open system so seeing them as often as we have this month has been incredibly special and exciting not only for our guests, but also for our nature guides.
Wild dogs have been listed on the IUCN’s ( International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List since 1990 and are threatened mainly by habitat fragmentation, human persecution and outbreaks of diseases. These Wild dogs are specialized diurnal hunters of terrestrial ungulates, and capture their prey by using sheer stamina and co-operative hunting to exhaust their prey. We had the opportunity to see these dogs on several impala kills this month.
On the 25th October I guided on a Sundower drive where we were extremely fortunate. The drive started off with a wonderful sighting of a Breeding herd of Elephants down at the Olifants River on Rome 1. Here we also saw 3 little baby elephants that must have been less than 3 days old. It was a hot afternoon so I decided to try find more water and made my way to another Waterhole. As we arrived we found 4 White Rhinos, one of which was mud wallowing and taking a bath. Whilst we were enjoying the Rhino sighting, I looked a bit closer and to my excitement I noticed a beautiful big male Leopard basking in the sun just beyond the Rhinos. Seeing two of the rarest big 5 in one sighting was truly a special and unforgettable experience.
In other news, we have recieved our first rains of the Summer even though only a few quick cloud bursts. We hope and pray that we may get much more rain in the coming weeks.
The battle with the Elephants (Bad Boys of Balule) breaking into our Oasis of a camp is still ongoing as they are extremely persistent and hungry. We find ourselves daily trying to shoo them away with all sorts of loud noises so we can avoid any further break ins, damage to our perimeter fenceline and beautiful trees in camp.
Until Next month from my adventures in the bush.
Marc
Wild dogs near Tremisana BNR
White rhino and calf
Elephant suckling on Rome 1 BNR
CHARL
Nyala bull outside the Dumela Camp fence
Narina Trogon
Thembi and Paulina in their new uniforms.
Thin nyala bull waiting for kitchen scraps.
Thick tailed bush baby
NHLANHLA
Hippo pod in St Lucia estuary
Super close Buffalo in Hluhluwe Game Reserve
White Rhinos in Hluhluwe
Really close lion in Hluhluwe
BBQ served at picnic spot in Hluhluwe
RAYMOND
Tremisana Lodge BNR
Rome 1 BNR
White Rhino
Elephant nursing calf Rome 1 BNR
VICTOR
Nwanetsi bridge south of Satara camp Kruger Park
Road S126 east of Welverdiend waterhole near Satara Kruger Park
Female leopard south of Nyamarhi waterhole near Satara Kruger Park
A male lion road S41 north of Gudzani dam Kruger Park
ROCKY
KNP north of S127 one lioness with two cubs close to the road
White Rhino marking territory BNR
KNP male leopard east of Ngotso
Female cheetah near Orpen KNP
Female zebra with a baby behind with group of wildbeest s100 KNP
Breeding herd of buffalo south of Nsemane dam KNP
QUINTON
Kudu cow and Nyala bull seen at Masango Camp
Kudu cow at Masango Camp
Hyena and Guinea fowl seen at Tremisana
Steenbok seen at Tremisana
CHRISY
Rome 1 BNR
Marula Road BNR
Lioness feeding on young giraffe on Barnards BNR
ANDY
The giraffes were spotted on the S126 KNP
Buffalos spotted at Nwanetsi bridge, H1-3 KNP
The cheetah was spotted on the H7 KNP
Pride of lions with cubs on the S100 KNP
Elephants spotted on the H7 KNP
The hyena was spotted on the S126, about 300 metres from H1-4 on the remains of a juvenile elephant carcass KNP
SMILY
Wild dogs near Tremisana BNR
Young hippo in Olifants River BNR
Lion on Rome 1 BNR
Vervet monkey outside my room at Tremisana BNR
NADINE
Elephants on bushwalk, Rome 1 BNR
White rhino, BNR
White-bellied sunbird Tremisana Lodge BNR
Elephants Rome 4 BNR
PIERO
The game-viewing is at its very best with large concentrations of animals near water.
Rhino BNR
Hyena in waterhole at Tremisana BNR
Chrisy and lioness, Campfire BNR
Guests at new fireplace, Tremisana BNR
Elephants at waterhole in front of lapa at Tremisana BNR
Buffalo and Elephant against the Drakensberg Mountains background BNR
Wild Dogs near Satara KNP
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
NYARAI sent the following:
Tremisana Report October 2024
Finally the rains have started. It is not as much as we want it to be but it is promising of better days to come. I love the rainy season. Every time that it rains, the scent of the wet soil and the sound of the rain always grip me with a wave of nostalgia. Memories of my parents and me on our trips to the farm flood my mind. It is like being caught up in a space where the past and the present merge together and give you happiness. I guess that is one of the reasons why I love living out here.
The rains give a high chance of seeing animals around the various water sources in Balule. Despite it being still a bit dry, the animal sightings around the lodge have been great. Herds of elephants have been frequenting the lodge, exciting all the time. We have had a honey badger that has been making an appearance by the waterhole during dinner times as well as the hyena. 
The number of guests coming to the lodges is still good. This month we have had a number of trips to KwaZulu-Natal for guest taking part in our special 7 day Tremisana/ Pumusa Kruger Hluhluwe and St Lucia Safari. It is one of my favorite packages. It gives the guest a perfect blend of activities from a safari in Kruger and Northern Natal. Next time you decide to do a safari maybe this might be the perfect package for you.
The gardens are still looking great with a luscious green color. The ladies got a new uniform this month. Here is beautiful Caroline rocking her uniform.
Until next month take care and stay safe.
CHARL sent the following:
We are still suffering with the drought. Our rains are very late this year – we are already about a month late. The animals have definitely started to suffer and we are seeing the results, with a few thin animals being seen around the camp. But we are still frequented by lots of animals at both the camps this month – we have been fortunate enough to see some really special animals that we don’t often get to see and are quite rare finds.
We have had a thick tailed bush baby join us for dinner – the clients were able to observe as it moved from tree to tree and eventually on the bomas roof and we watched it disappear into the night. Being strictly nocturnal it makes it very difficult to photograph.
But I think I was very fortunate one early morning before the bushwalk to be able to observe a very rare and special bird in a tree close to the main lodge at Marcs Treehouse Camp called a Narina Trogon. Unfortunately, not wanting to spook it I couldn’t get closer for a good picture.
Unfortunately, due to the drought, animals are so desperate for food that they don’t hesitate to jump the fences to go graze along the main road, causing both a danger to the animals as well as people as vehicles tend to speed and colliding with a big animal could be life threatening. We normally are quite good at just herding them with a team of guys back to a gate that we can open and push them back through like herding cattle. Unfortunately we had one stubborn Nyala bull this month that we had to lasso to get him back in with man power. They are very strong antelope so it took a team of guys to get him under control. Even the female on the other side of the fence wasn’t enough motivation to get him to come back. He was safely caught and returned deep into the farm.
We can only hope the rains come soon, as the two very small showers we have had could end up doing more bad than good – it can be enough rain so that the vegetation goes in to flush where they push all their new growth and when we have no follow up rain the hot days will burn off the new growth.
On the lodge front all the staff were ecstatic to receive two sets of new uniforms again this year the housekeeping and kitchen staff love parading around their new clothes, wearing them with pride.
Nyala near Breakfast Dam at Marcs
Pumusa Camp
Thankfully Hluhluwe has received copious rain and Pumusa is beautiful and green. Likewise, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and the Ismangaliso Wetland Park are lush.
Campfire Academy
I spent a night in a tent at Campfire to establish the safety situation for our guests on the 3 day Tented package. The lighting is great and I believe that the guests will be safe. We are looking into obtaining “walkie-talkie” radios in case our guide is snoring away when a guest would like to be accompanied to the ablutions.
Katekani Tented Lodge
I am told that the adjacent Bundox Safari Lodge has been bought by Kapama Game Reserve. This means that Katekani will now be fully surrounded by Kapama. We look forward to seeing and hearing more of the Big Five.
Masango Camp
With the upgraded air conditioned chalets, we have decided to offer a new product : a 3 day SELF DRIVE safari package. More on this under News for our Travel Partners.
Ezulwini
We are running a special rate on the 4 day luxury lodge package until 31 December 2024.
The tariff has been discounted by 25%.
CRAIG sent the following:
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
October 2024 has been very busy – it is the first time this year that our month-on-month numbers exceed the 2023 numbers.
I am pleased to note that Katekani has been very busy. This lodge is very upmarket compared to Tremisana insofar as the accommodation is exceptionally spacious. Each unit is about 50 square metres in extent and offers a bath as well as indoor and outdoor showers. The private splash pool of each suite overlooks the bush and the ample deck allows for great relaxing on the sundecks.
NEW VIVA SAFARIS PACKAGE
Masango Camp’s numbers will increase with the development of a new 3 day SELF DRIVE package.
This will suit tourists who arrive on a later flight or want to spend more time at the spectacular view points of the Panorama Route of the Blyde River Canyon. I acknowledge that the Viva Safaris overland packages are action-packed and that some tourists would have liked to spend a little more time at the Three Rondawels. We run a tight schedule as we endeavour to be back at O R Tambo airport by 17h00.
The package allows for greater freedom in that on day 1 we serve our Boma Dinner (BBQ or Venison Pot) only at 20h00, by which time we expect the guests to arrive.
On day 2, the guests will enjoy a full day in Kruger Park on our open vehicle.
On day 3, we conduct an early morning Bush Walk with an armed ranger before breakfast. The guests are then free to spend time at the pool and check-out is at 11h00.
We are offering this package at a fantastic opening tariff of R 4950 (about 250Euros).
NEW QUANTUM
Finally, the new Quantum has arrived. There are issues with the Transport Board in terms of permits.
Charl looks quite happy. He is now pushing hard for a new Open Sided Vehicle for Kruger trips.
We received the following reviews in October:
Unforgettable Safari Experience with Viva Safaris
Kevin E
Our safari experience with Viva Safaris was truly unforgettable. The program was a wonderful combination of multiple game drives, both in Kruger National Park and in the beautiful surrounding areas near the base camp. We also enjoyed an amazing bush walk. Everything was perfectly organized from the cozy base camp, featuring simple yet clean lodges and a lovely garden with seating areas and a nice view.
The staff made this experience truly special. Everyone was incredibly friendly and always ready to help. The guides were exceptional; they have a wealth of knowledge about nature and wildlife, which they shared with great enthusiasm and passion.
Viva Safaris offers a perfect balance between cost and quality. The meals were simple, yet delicious and prepared with love. For anyone looking for an authentic safari experience without too much luxury or high costs, this is an absolute must!
Moments of a lifetime. Small tour where you’re not a number!
Nicole N
The team at viva safaris made my 5 day safari amazing! Nothing was toi much trouble.
Saw 4 of the big 5, close up and with young. No quick, blink and you miss it encounters.
Missed seeing the leopards but Wow oh wow. Close up with a cheetah in Kruger. Moment of a lifetime.
Seeing African wild dogs chasing impala, brilliant.
My guide, Andy, was amazing!
If you’re staying, do spend the extra and do Katekani. It was just divine. The plunge pool with monkeys looking on, priceless. Then there is the food. The chef, Margreth, is super talented! Her soups and stuffed squash were to die for!
Ready to do the trip all over again.
Top Class Customer Experience!
Phillip M, UK
I spent a fantastic week at the Tremisana Lodge / Viva Safaris as a 60th birthday present from my wonderful daughter Gabby who accompanied me on this once in a lifetime experience.
We went on the 5 day Safari.
It greatly exceeded all our Expectations ; the communication, logistics, planning and delivery of every aspect was world class and customer focussed. All the management and staff are dedicated to ensuring you get the most from the experience . It Maybe a bit of a whirlwind break, from transfers, dawn walks to sunset drives but it’s all designed with the traveller in kind, making sure you get the most from this trip. However it is well worth the travel – an unforgettable holiday.
The staff are brilliant – they mingle with the tourists at every opportunity to explain the next steps and give friendly hints and tips as to make the most of your adventure. Special mention to Ed who works the clock round to maximise your enjoyment, and nothing was too much trouble for him. He arranged at very short notice a trip for us to an animal sanctuary and for that we are extremely grateful.
The rangers are brilliant at informing and educating , and persistent and effective at finding the wild animals on both local and Kruger expeditions – special mention to Desire, Smiley, Rocky, Mark, Luke, Quentin and Raymond who had envious success at animal tracking !
A diverse range of couples, singles, families and from all parts of the world were in the complex, and became tight knit on the tours and at meal times .
Never went hungry or thirsty either – thanks Mamma Dee – the evening drinks are extra, but are extremely cheap, and is settled amicably at the end of the visit ! We would highly recommend the Tremisana Lodge to any Safari lovers
Thanks for the many great memories all – hope to see you all again soon !
Phil & Gabby
Formidable
Valérie D, France
Bonjour,
De retour en France , je garde un souvenir merveilleux.
L’organisation avec les multiples sorties dans le Bush et la disponibilité des guides. L’aspect convivial était parfait.
Dommage que je parle si mal l’anglais.
La cuisine était excellente et le lodge très propre.
Un remerciement particulier à Luke qui nous a offert une balade puis de la rivière le matin et un happy hours avec une vue imprenable sur la rivière Olifants sans oublier cette petite frayeur avec le rhinocéros si près.
Un souvenir inoubliable
Merci à vous et toute l’équipe
Cordialement
Valérie Dessailly
Great times!
GavinW570, Canada
We had a great time here and did the 6 day package. One night in tremisana and 4 in Katekani. When looking at the Viva safaris options, Katekani is a step up for accommodation from Tremisana and a couple steps up from Marcs Treehouse.
There are a couple of proper walls a couple of canvas walls and a thatch roof. the photos do not due justice to how big the units are. We really enjoyed the outdoor shower.
With the itinerary you are on you do not get a lot of time at the lodge to enjoy the splash pools or the area. which works as the meal spot at Tremisana looks out over an open animal infested area where as Katekani is more in a forest.
Its a small lodge which allows for meeting the few other travellers and great meals prepared by Margaret and Mandla.
As mentioned the Viva safari itinerary keeps you very busy with safari’s and bush walks. It’s action packed and amazing. We left feeling like we there was no wasted time. We got to see all of the big 5, 4 days in a row of rhinos! All the guides were professional and amazing. We learned so much and they are amazing at spotting animals that you would surely drive by never knowing they were there with out a guide. Special Shout out to Victor and Smiley Halala Hakuna Matata Wow for bringing such amazing energy to the tours!
I have nothing to compare this tour with as its my first safari but I am sure that this was a great trip and Viva safaris did a great job managing logistics and as always the staff are the best thing about any trip and they did amazing. I hope Viva safaris is one of the good companies in SA and takes care of their staff.
Excelente estadía!!!!
Martin C, Myanmar
Fue una excelente experiencia!! Vinimos 5 amigos a conocer Sudáfrica y nos llevamos la mejor impresión!
La comida fue excelente! Las carpas estaban súper equipadas
Agua caliente para bañarse
Hicimos safari con Víctor y cn el guía alemán(no recuerdo su nombre)
Estuvieron fantásticos mucha información y pudimos ver los big five
Parfait!
LauMuse L, France
L experience avec Viva Safaris etait parfaite.
C est très bien organisé les hébergements etaient impeccables et originals.
J ai aussi apprécié la balade “dans le bush” avec un guide expérimenté. De même le professionnalisme et l amabilité des employés.
Pour les petits budgets ce safari “économique” a rempli toutes mes attentes et meme davantage.
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
