October 2025
In last month’s newsletter I indicated how speeding leads to terrible wildlife roadkill.
I regret to advise that on or around 19 October a beautiful male leopard was run over on the tar road close to the Olifants West gate. This happened despite the Ingwe Research program having fitted a leopard-proof fence all along the boundary. Perhaps the leopard was trying unsuccessfully to get in.
There are some very unethical practices relating to leopard sightings. In his book, “Changing a Leopard’s Spots” highly respected tracker Alex van den Heever details how he and top ranger Renias Mhlongo worked at the well-known Londolozi Private Reserve. Part of their work included habituating leopards. Leopards are naturally secretive and shy and, in time, the leopards of Londolozi became comfortable in the presence of game-drive vehicles.
Unfortunately, they can become over-habituated. A very senior KNP manager sent me a photo of a leopard that had climbed on top of the bonnet of an OSV (open sided vehicle) in Kruger Park. He advised that it was likely that a Londolozi leopard had found its way into Kruger Park. I have also seen photos of cheetah on vehicles in the Serengeti. These photos are anathema to me.
In BNR, there are fewer leopards than at Londolozi. I am very dismayed and terribly upset when I see various lodge vehicles chasing leopards to afford the clients a close-up photographic opportunity. The disregard of proper protocol at sightings (max of 2 vehicles at a time) is, in my opinion, over- ruled by guides “chasing the tip”. It is possible that the leopard is so traumatized that it seeks quieter places and may leave the Reserve and then gets run over.
Equally unethical is the practice of some lodges to bait leopards. It is a relatively simple matter to shoot an impala, haul it up to a fork in a tree and wait. The grateful tourists click away merrily, none the wiser.
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 October 2025
Luke doing what he loves best
Lioness with two cubs at Campfire during our drive to the bushwalk location along the Olifants River
The day had just begun, and my guests and I were on our way for a bushwalk along the Olifants River.
We always have a short drive before the bushwalk to get to the walking area on Rome 1. On the way, my backup, Whian, picked up on lioness tracks along Olifants road heading north into Campfire property.
We followed the tracks towards a drainage line, and there lying next to a bush was a lioness with her two cubs.
We sat and watched as they played around and then suckled on their mother. A very special moment for my guests and me. 
Lioness with two cubs on Campfire property, during drive to bushwalk location. BNR
Leopard on the eastern cutline of Rome 1 during Sunset Drive.
We had set off on a sunset drive on a warm afternoon with the hope of finding as much as possible; our first animal sighting was an elephant near Tremisana Lodge. The sun had set behind the Drakensberg mountain range, and the spotlight was out in search of eyes.
I decided to try my luck and do a loop on Rome 1, with the hope of finding a cat and, much to our excitement, a cat we did find. While driving along the eastern cutline, Dumisani, my tracker spotted something next to the road, a leopard!!!
We spent a good fifteen minutes or so with the beautiful cat, as she walked along the road and then headed to the west and disappeared into the darkness. 
Beautiful Leopard BNR
Great Rhino sightings throughout the reserve during afternoon and sunset drives.
We have enjoyed some wonderful rhino sightings during the afternoon Sundowner and Sunset Drives. During most of these sightings, the rhinos were either at the water or on their way to drink water. The white and black rhinos have featured, with the latter often being in the thicker bush where they enjoy feeding. 
White Rhino, BNR
Elephant sightings on all our traverses with a wonderful muddy experience on Barnards’ property
The elephants have been around Tremisana Lodge, which has been the case for most of the dry season. My guests and I enjoyed a particularly enjoyable sighting of a herd of elephant splashing in the mud on the Barnards property. The herd had already been to drink fresh borehole water at a nearby drinking hole and decided since it was such a warm day that they needed a lovely mud bath.
We could smell the mud, and if we got any closer, we would have been splashed with mud too, a wonderful memory with these gentle giants. 
Herd of elephant splashing in the mud on Barnards property during Sunset Drive. BNR
A herd of buffalo on the move towards Tremisana property during Sunset Drive.
The buffalo herd is still roaming through from time to time. We have had them at Tremisana dam a few times this month. The last sighting was as we set off on our sunset drive, we could see them in the distance slowly moving in our direction.
We waited along Olifants Road, and the buffalos moved past us not far from the game viewer.
Herd of Buffalo opposite Tremisana Lodge, found them during Afternoon Drive and again on Sunset Drive. BNR.
The morning bushwalks along the Olifants River have been highlighted with some incredible hippo encounters, especially thanks to a few of the bulls having the occasional argument. The water level along the Olifants River is low at the moment, but the water is clear enough to spot a few fish. I saw a particularly big sharptooth catfish during a recent walk which was exciting for me.
The crocodiles are enjoying the summer heat and have been spending most of the day sun bathing on the sandbanks, always an impressive reptile to see along the Olifants River.
Of the large mammals, the elephants have shown up the most during the bushwalk. Not long ago, we had to find an alternative route back to the game viewer because of a herd of elephants. We spotted them from a high point and then made a plan to view them before taking a wide berth around them back to the game viewer. 
Lion on the move near Tremisana dam during Sunset Drive. BNR
The most rewarding moment during a bushwalk this month was a special sighting of four lionesses. We found and followed their tracks along the river until we could follow them no longer. At this point, we had given up until a troop of monkeys started to alarm call. We moved up from the river, and with binoculars, we could see the lionesses in the distance moving up from the river and into the shade.
Another great month in the bushveld with more special moments to remember.
RAYMOND sent the following:
Lions, including Casper the White Lion on a young elephant kill KNP
H7 KNP
H7 KNP
Olifants River on a bushwalk BNR
Before Nghala dam KNP
S100 at Shibotwana waterhole KNP
ANDY sent the following:
This old lion was spotted in front of the lapa, Tremisana, BNR
Elephant breeding herd at Orpen Gate entrance KNP
VICTOR sent the following:
White Rhinos BNR
Pride of lions south of Tremisana dam BNR
Herd of Buffalos Rome 4 BNR
CHARL sent the following:
Rhino BNR
Wild dog KNP
Giraffes at sunset KNP
Hyena pups sniffing my vehicle on the Timbavati road KNP
QUINTON sent the following:
White Rhino seen on Morning Drive with Viva safari vehicle in background BNR
Male lion seen on Sundowner Drive at Tremisana BNR
Giraffes seen at Marc’s Camp
ROCKY sent the following:
Breeding herd of elephant crossing in between our open vehicles KNP
A White Rhino BNR
African Wild Dogs KNP
A male leopard Sundowner Drive Rome 4 BNR
Two male lions on S41 walking away after being chased by an elephant KNP
A dazzle of Zebra and troop of Baboons at the Ngirivana waterhole KNP
ELIAS AKA SMILEY sent the following:
We had amazing sightings in Kruger National Park on October 21.
When we entered the Orpen Gate we saw 5 female lions feeding on a buffalo.
The same day, we saw a herd of buffalos on S36 Rockvale KNP
We also saw a male giraffe.
On the 22 October just before we went out for bush walk, we saw one male lion on Tremisana property. 
GEORGE took a safari to Hluhluwe and St Lucia. He sent the following:
White Rhinos wallowing near vehicle, Hluhluwe
Buffalo herd near vehicle, Hluhluwe
Boat on St Lucia estuary
Young people perform cultural dance at St Lucia
NHLANHLA sent the following:
H7 KNP
Nyala bull Marc’s Camp
H7 KNP
S126 KNP
H7 KNP
DUMISANI sent the following:
Female giraffe on Barnard Sundowner Drive BNR
Two elephant bulls at Tremisana waterhole Sunset Drive BNR
Leopard coming from the waterhole Rome 3 Sunset Drive BNR
Breeding herd BNR
Rhino bull BNR
Warthog south of Tremisana property Morning Drive BNR
Lioness on its way to drink water opposite Tremisana Lodge Sunset Drive BNR
WHIAN sent the following:
Lions at Tremisana during Sunset Drive BNR 
Lions at Campfire during Afternoon Drive BNR 
Lion at Tremisana during Morning Drive BNR
Rhino BNR
MARC sent the following:
There is something truly magical about the very first rains of the season. October has been mostly hot and dry; however, one afternoon during a sundowner drive, the heavens opened up on us, and we all got absolutely drenched. It was an awesome experience and an afternoon to remember as the electric storm passed overhead.
Leopard sightings have been great once more. One evening during a sunset drive on the way back from the Marula Boma, we found 2 leopards in the same marula tree. One was busy feasting on what looked like the remains of a common/grey duiker, whilst the other, that was significantly smaller, was high above in the tree. The leopard eating was probably the dominant male in the area, whilst the other one above seemed to be a very submissive female. My presumptions were that the female probably made the kill, and then the larger male arrived and chased her off her prize and scavenged on the remains. There were also several hyenas below waiting for the scraps, which made the sighting that much more exciting.
On another occasion during an extended morning drive, I found a beautiful big male leopard that was having a relaxing morning just hanging out in another marula tree. Leopards love climbing marula trees, as the wood is softer, which makes it easier for them to get their claws into as they climb.
Leopard in Marula tree at Rome 3/4 BNR
We stayed with this sighting for almost an hour and finally got the action we needed. We witnessed the leopard yawning, stretching, and then climbing down the tree. Once on the ground, he walked directly in front of our vehicle and then proceeded to stalk some impala.
Leopard walking right past vehicle seen at Rome 3/4 BNR
The beauty about this particular sighting was that we were the only vehicle with this leopard for quite some time, which made it an extremely exclusive and special sighting.
Lion sightings have been really good at Tremisana itself. The lions have paid our local waterhole regular visits this month. We have seen the lions coming and going from the Lapa dining area. On one occasion the lions were trying to hunt buffalo to no avail, and then just last week they caught a female giraffe a few hundred metres from Tremisana. This meant that they were in the area for a few days and came to drink water at our dam and waterhole regularly.
Lioness with a shoulder wound seen at Tremisana Lodge BNR
Lions at Tremisana Dam BNR
Male lion right in front of our Tracker Dumi at Tremisana BNR
Previously dominant Male Lion seen lying near Tremisana workshop malnourished BNR
Elephants, rhino and buffalo have also been plentiful. One sighting to remember was the interaction between an elephant cow, her calf and a big bull rhino.
Rhino and Elephant cow and calf BNR
Victor and the White Rhino BNR
All in all, it’s been a phenomenal month for game viewing.
We hope and pray the heavens continue to open up and that our current very dry land can be blessed with plenty of water in the coming weeks.
Until next month
Marc
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :
Tremisana Report October 2025
The hot days are upon us. I have seen a lot of guests gravitate towards the pool. The Balule plains have become very dry. We did have a bit of rain, but the rains haven’t done much to replenish the watering holes. There is a watering hole in front of the Lapa and a dam behind the lodge. I believe it is the reason why we have a lot of animals around the lodge.
We have had elephants, lions, buffalo and rhino, among others. The guests have been really excited on arrival. One would believe that we called them to say hello to the guests before they went on the Sunset Drive. Apart from elephants, my other favorite animal has to be the giraffe, their graceful walk, height, and gorgeous eyelashes. 
The lodge has been very busy. This month, we had a lot of family groups staying with us. The homely environment that the lodge and staff give makes it a suitable place for families. Our guides are very patient during game drives. Even with our other guests who do not speak English, they have their first language. I am taking longer than I would like, but my French lessons are coming along great. I can do a full on greeting and introduction, but I quickly have to say ‘ Je parle un peau francais. Mes excuses. Meaning” I speak a bit of French. My apologies.’ That has earned me a couple of dinner nights of French lesson words.
The gardens are starting to turn green again. Blooms are now popping here and there, which is a really needed splash of color. I have one desert rose or impala lily in front of my office that I am parenting. It is a succulent bush that has the most breath taking color flowers. It grows well in hot, dry areas. The plant does well in full sun. I think Tremisana is the best place. I am sure when I go home for my break, I will return to more than one flower. Exciting times for me as a plant parent.
KATEKANI, MARC’S TREEHOUSES, MASANGO AND DUMELA
CHARL, Manager of Southern Camps, reports :
Marc’s Camp
Unfortunately, the big rains have still not come yet and the bush is still quite dry with only 17mm of rain that has fallen so far. The game tends to be attracted to our Breakfast Dam where we often see animals like nyalas, impalas and giraffes joining us in the camp. We have been very fortunate to be able to have giraffes on morning walks for a few days in a row. It’s always great for the clients starting every morning with a large group of nyalas at the breakfast dam.
Below please find photos of Treehouse 2:
Original treehouse
View from the bed
View from the deck
Masango Camp
Our renovations at Masango are in full swing with the first 4 units scheduled for completion by the 31st of October, meaning we are half way though the rooms. I am looking forward for the first clients in the newly renovated rooms with their enclosed verandas allowed clients a nice place to just relax between activities.
Renick ,Ronnie ,Vusie,Sylvester and Given. Hard working building staff
Katekani
Katekani has been frequented by a young hyena and porcupine during dinner time always nice to have the animals in and arrange camp for our clients it allows them game viewing opportunities even in the camp not always necessary to go out to the bush to see game. 
Chef Gertrude and Mandla at breakfast time
Gertrude made the clients a special bubble bath for their honeymoon
Dumela
Dumela Camp with the temperatures on the rise is always a great place to be with the massive swimming pool always looking welcoming and our resident bushbuck family have a new baby so the population is steadily growing.
I often find last year’s baby a young male hiding behind or even sometimes under my personal vehicle.
Congratulations to Charlotte and Charl on the birth of their daughter, Aylin.
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
We welcome the new routes opened by airline FlySafair. These are relatively cheap direct flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit. At present, there are 3 flights weekly. Our guests from Cape Town can now fly directly to Eastgate airport. Viva Safaris offers a free transfer from Eastgate airport to Tremisana.
Our new OSV is ready for action. Thanks to our talented mechanic, Ricus, for adding some special touches.
Ricus with new OSV
Our recent reviews are awesome. The last 18 reviews on Viva Safaris have all been 5/5.
It is important to note that these are genuine reviews. They are sufficiently detailed to show they were not elicited. Some unscrupulous operators get their staff to hound guests into writing reviews believing that the sheer quantity of reviews will convince a potential tourist to book.
When I look at any review of any venue I may wish to visit, I check the number of reviews that the reviewer has ever posted. If these are very few, I have an immediate doubt as to the authenticity and veracity of the review. The next thing I look at is the length of the review, If it is 4 or 5 sentences long and of an expected stereotypical nature, then I do not take this review too seriously. I then read the content carefully to assess how heartfelt and genuine the review is. Generally, the quality of the reviews and not the quantity swings it for me.
Today’s tourists are so different from those of 20 years ago. They do not rely solely on the advice of travel agents. Being extremely tech-savvy, they undertake their own research into tour operators and lodges. I am pleased to read the exceptional reviews that Viva Safaris gets on various platforms.
Marco has chosen the following reviews posted in October :
“Warm, welcoming and knowledgeable introduction to the wildlife of the region. Guiding, accommodation, food all excellent” from TripAdvisor
Chiliflakes3, London UK
Warm, welcoming and knowledgeable introduction to the wildlife of the region. The guides were all good. Among the many memorable experiences, we especially appreciated a walk where we learned a huge amount about how people have lived and still live connected with the landscape and its plants and animals.
Tremisama is beautiful and comfortable, with delicious home-cooked food. It was wonderful that wildlife was all around, in the trees, around the waterhole in front of the terrace and even on the terrace.
From pick-up to drop-off and all the experiences between, everything was perfectly organised so that we didn’t have to worry about anything.
The staff were simply delightful!
We can completely recommend Viva Safaris if you are coming to South Africa.
“Amazing!” from TripAdvisor
Lindylou2309, UK
This 7 day safari exceeding all expectations.
From the in-depth knowledge of all the guides to the friendly staff in the accommodation.
The staff went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure you had a memorable and enjoyable holiday.
They have created the utmost family atmosphere and we felt privileged to be welcomed into their family during our 7 day stay.
Everything is extremely well organised and each day of your holiday is completely different.
The guides do their utmost to ensure you not only get the most of your holiday, but to ensure you see all the wildlife you want to see.
We saw all the Big Five within the first 48 hours of our holiday.
Thank you to everyone at Viva Safaris for making this the most memorable holiday we’ve ever had.
We will most definitely recommend you to all our friends and we hope to visit you again sometime.
“Wow! Amazing experience from start to finish” from TripAdvisor
Leona, Ireland
Would highly recommend Viva Safaris, my sister and I, had an amazing time.
We stayed at the Tremisana Lodge. Beds where very comfortable and our room was cleaned everyday.
Foods was great, home made by the lovely ladies.
The drives and the bush walks were unforgettable. Marc, Luke, Victor, Smiley, Jan’s, Sonny and Andy where all amazing guides. They really made sure we had a great experience.
Tremisana lodge had a very warm family feeling would definitely return in the future.
Recommend doing 7 days 6 night package. Absolutely great value for money, right from the start, to pick up and drop offs and everything in between.
“Fantastic Experience” from TripAdvisor
Ashley, USA
My husband and I booked the 14 day volunteer safari and had an amazing experience.
Viva coordinated a volunteer project for us through the local church where we spent several days giving a classroom at a nearby creche a facelift.
We went on game drives, bush walks, and spent three days at Kruger National Park.
The staff at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge are first rate.
Many thanks to Quinton, Shal, Miss Tinki, Richard, Walter, Serafina, Connie, Renek, Rocky, Godi, and Nomsa (I apologize if I spelled any names wrong) for the good food and great care you showed us.
We’ll be back!
“Not a single bad thing to say” from TripAdvisor
Thomas B, USA
The six days spent with Viva Safaris at Tremesina exceeded all expectations.
Each and every member of the staff do an exceptional job of assuring that each guest has a wonderful, stress free experience.
The facilities are well maintained and spotless, the food is plentiful and delicious, and the staff are engaging and welcoming.
I would highly recommend Tremesina and hope to return myself in the next few years. Do keep in mind that this is NOT a luxury “pamper me” safari experience with a spa like feel where you are brought a cup of tea in bed and have your safari clothes laid out for you. This is for people whose primary objective is to experience the beauty of Africa, its wildlife, and its people.
A few words of advice for anyone thinking of going here or anywhere on Safari.
1) Bring plenty of Rand to tip. Everyone is going to work hard for you, so show them the love.
2) Bring GOOD binoculars. This is not a wildlife amusement park where the animals are always within 20 feet (although quite often they are!). Good 10×40 binoculars will assure that you are not the person missing out on that pride of lions while everyone else is oohing and ahhing.
If you are on the fence about going, don’t be. It is a trip of a lifetime!
“Die Organisation und der Transport waren genial.” from GetYourGuide
Julia, Germany
Die Organisation und der Transport waren genial. Die Safari Touren waren beeindruckend und ebenfalls super organisiert und die Guides waren super freundlich und professionell. Das Preis Leistungs Verhältnis hat gestimmt und ich kann es es als Reise mit Kindern nur empfehlen. Immer wieder gerne.
“Fantastic Experience!!!!” from TripAdvisor
Martin Isaac, Argentina
Everything perfect, spectacular attention, all the staff are very attentive and willing, from the guides of the departures to the people who served breakfast and dinner.
The person who resects you and organizes your activities every day, a genius!
A pleasure, we saw many animals and the guides approached and braked so we can take the best pictures!!
Let’s hear it for this whole stand!!! And the well-tailored facilities for a safari, every candlelit dinner and stove were magical! Along with the always varied homemade food.
I recommend it 1000×1000
“Just returned from a fabulous 7 day safari staying at Tremisana Game Lodge.” from SafariBookings
Graham and Lynn, Spain
Situated on the Balule Nature Reserve, on the edge of Kruger National Park. Accommodation is in thatched lodges, in beautifully landscapes gardens, with many water features and a fabulous swimming pool. The staff are like one big happy family and we felt honoured to become part of the family during our stay. The Lapa, where all meals are taken is an ideal place to chill out and watch the animals visiting the waterhole just outside the property. Just beware of the pesky monkeys who’ll try and steal any food left lying around. The holiday included a bush walk, many drives at sunrise, sunset, barbecues in the bush, a couple of days in Kruger and a visit to the rehabilitation centre. All extremely memorable and every day is completely different. All the guides are extremely knowledgeable, so prepare to get educated on everything from mating habits to footprints and animal behaviour to spotting the different types of animal poop. It’s so much more than a holiday it’s is a huge learning experience! The guides are in regular radio contact so if an animal is spotted elsewhere then there’s nothing to match the excitement of a high speed rally drive to find the animal. Hang on tight, because you really will get bounced around in the jeeps, but it’s all part of the fun! The guides ensure you get to see everything you can and we were lucky enough to see all the Big 5 within 48 hours of arriving at the lodge. Whilst we were on holiday, we celebrated a big wedding anniversary, so a big shout the staff who decorated our lodge with flowers and also set out a romantic candlelit table for two at the bush barbecue. The whole holiday exceeded our expectations and we would most definitely recommend Viva Safari’s.
“Meticulously organised operator” from SafariBookings
Ayan, UK
We had an excellent time with Viva Safaris. You are in safe hands with this company as they are very organised with a diverse itinerary which makes the most of your time. We had a member of our group fall ill and the staff were planned and prepared to get them taken care of.
Our safari package contained two bush walks which was very enriching. We got to see the terrain up close and learn about the complex ecosystem at Kruger – I find bush walks are rare amongst other providers.
The accomodations given by the company are in good condition and right on the edge of the park, with many animals approaching the camp sites.
The food served for breakfast and dinner was very tasty and homely.
All of the staff gave excellent service, being polite and always willing to help. The game drivers had expert knowledge of the park, the animals and were incredible spotters.
Thank you Viva Safaris!
“Our 6 days with Viva Safaris were exceptional. ” from SafariBookings
Andrea, Italy
They picked up us in Johannesburg, and we stayed at Tremisana Lodge, which is very welcoming. The room was simple but had everything we needed. The meals prepared by the women at the lodge were always good ( and sometimes an elephant would show up at breakfast to keep us company).
Of course, the most important part were the game drives. We really appreciated the variety of drives experiences offered, some at sunrise, others at sunset, and full day safaris in Kruger Park. The walking safari with guides Luke and Whian was also wonderful.
Mark has great knowledge of the area and explains everything in an exceptional way. A special thank you goes to our guide Smiley, who was absolutely phenomenal.
My partner and I have wonderful memories of the six days we spent with them, and we highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting South Africa.
Cheers from Andrea “the mechanic”
“What an unforgettable week with Viva Safaris! ” from Google
Valeria Mustata, Italy
We had the best time at Tremisana Lodge — amazing food, lovely people, and so many incredible moments!
Big thanks to the wonderful cooks for the delicious meals, to our awesome guides Marc and Luke for all the fun (and all the knowledge!), and to the super friendly drivers Quetin and Rocky.
Patricia, you’re the best — always there for us!
And a special shoutout to Whian — on day one he took us straight to see lions just a few meters from the entrance. What a start!
Thank you all for making this trip so special. Can’t wait to come back! ✨
“UNFORGETTABLE” from GetYourGuide
Michael, Belgium
We lived ecstatic moments thanks to the guides, drivers and personal who put us in the very best conditions to enjoy the moments.
All the visits, walks, lunches, commodities were simple terrific.
Many thanks for permitting us to live this type of unforgettable moments!
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
