October 2026
Most safari-goers have been conditioned to believe that sightings of the Big Five constitute a successful wildlife experience. It has almost become an obsession. Guests may reduce a rich wilderness experience to frantically ticking off a checklist. In my opinion, the focus on seeing the Big Five detracts massively from the value of birds, reptiles, smaller mammals, insects, flora and sunset/sunrise dynamics.
This month, Rocky, one of Viva Safaris’ passionate game rangers, was fortunate to see a pangolin on the tar road near Satara in Kruger Park. The last two times we saw a pangolin was 4 years ago when Tolli spotted one in Balule. Luke, Head Guide, saw one on foot at Katekani Lodge about 3 years ago.
Like Tolli, Rocky tried his best to explain to his guests just how lucky they were as sightings of pangolins are exceptionally rare. Like Tolli, he was somewhat disappointed in his guests’ reactions. Perhaps we need to move away from the myth that a safari is successful only once all Big Five have been seen. Let us remember that a Kruger Park experience allows our guests to appreciate a living ecosystem and is not a staged production.
Pangolins and their parts have an extremely high blackmarket value driven by illegal demands for traditional medicines and meat. This despicable situation makes the pangolin the most trafficked mammal in the world !!!
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 October 2026
The heat is well and truly back in the bushveld, with no rain worth mentioning so far. The trees have beautiful green leaves with many currently in bloom, adding beautiful colour to the bush. The dry conditions still prevailing means the animals are often found near water holes. The waterhole near Tremisana has been a hot spot for the big mammals as well as some beautiful birds, including a Saddle-billed Stork which is very special.
Highlights from the game drives:
Lions on Sundowner Drive
We set off from Tremisana and were not sure what we might find, other than our for ever reliable impalas. The drive started with a small breeding herd of elephants at Campfire Dam, and a handful of different bird species. It was still hot so when the guest asked about the lions. I wasn’t too positive that they would be out and about just yet. We headed along Zebra Road on Campfire property and as we turned a corner, I could not believe my eyes. A pride of lions lay next to the road, sheltering in the shade of a small bush. We sat with them all by ourselves until they decided to stand up and move deeper into the block for a better patch of shade.
Lioness on Campfire property, sighted during sundowner drive. BNR
Leopard on Sunset Drive
We had arrived at Marula Boma for dinner after our first game drive, we had seen a variety of different animals already but no cats. During dinner we could hear hyena in the background and an elephant bull came through to drink at the waterhole. After a delicious braai under the Marula tree, we set off back to Tremisana. It wasn’t long before we had stopped, my tracker Khyle caught the eyes of something in his spotlight. It was a leopard lying in the fork of a Marula tree, we watched it for while before it climbed down the tree and vanished into the night.
Buffalo Bull on Tremisana property during sunset drive. BNR
Bush Walk highlights:
Elephant breeding herd on foot
The elephants have been very active in Olifants West Nature Reserve, especially along the Olifants river. On our daily bushwalks we often see them on route to the walking spot or during the walk itself. The most recent encounter took place during the bushwalk and it involved a breeding herd and a small bachelor herd of bulls. We had left the vehicle parked up from the Olifants river and headed out on foot towards the east. The first clue came with a breaking branch and then a visual of one elephant bull – we thought it was only him until more branches started to break. Elephants have very good senses, especially their sense of smell and hearing. We walked quietly through the thick bush and then used a termite mound and a shield to view the herd moving along a nearby ridge.
Spotted Hyena seen on route to the morning Bush Walk, along Marula road. BNR
Lions on route to the Bush Walk
The sightings on the Bush Walk mornings aren’t restricted to the Bush Walk but also during the drive to and from the Olifants river. The highlights included a lion and lioness, who simply appeared of nowhere and walked straight past in front of us. We had been viewing a herd of impalas when suddenly they started alarm calling – they had seen the lions long before us. On a separate occasion we found a leopard right next to the road, it was curled up like a house cat. The leopard eventually woke up and walked further into the bush, giving us all a wonderful visual.
Lion crossing Marula road while on route to morning Bush Walk, BNR
Black Rhino BNR
ROCKY sent the following:
Lioness crossing the road KNP
Hyena den H7 KNP
Rhinos KNP
Mating pairs of lions H6 KNP
Leopard S39 KNP
Buffalos H7 KNP
NEIL sent the following:
Neil and Elephant, BNR
Whian and Raymond enjoying a close up with a lioness, Campfire BNR
Zulu the Black Rhino BNR
Female leopard on a casual walk past our vehicle, Rome 1 BNR
Male leopard relaxing after a long hot day, Rome 3/4 BNR
CHARL sent the following:
First Dung Beetles at Dumela Lodge
Nyalas at Marc’s Camp
Leopard tortoise at Katekani
Spiny-flower Mantis at Marc’s Camp
WHIAN sent the following:
Whian working hard!
Lions and Buffalo, Morning Drive BNR
Lions, Morning Drive BNR
Leopard Rome 3 BNR
European Bee Eater Olifants Rd BNR
VICTOR sent the following:
Lioness Sundowner Drive BNR
Rhinos BNR
Herd of Buffalos south of Tremisana Dam BNR
Elephants, Campfire BNR
RAYMOND sent the following:
Campfire BNR
S39 KNP
H1-3 KNP
BNR
QUINTON sent the following:
Kudu cow seen at Marc’s Camp
Cape Buffalo seen on Bush Walk at Marc’s Camp
Southern Giraffe seen on Sundowner Drive BNR
Southern White Rhinoceros BNR
SMILEY sent the following:
3 October: Wild Dogs Rome 1 BNR
11 October: Two White Rhinos BNR
15 October: Lions at Marula Road BNR
20 October: Buffalos close to Campfire BNR
GEORGE sent the following:
All photos were taken at Hluhluwe Game Reserve, KZN
ANDY sent the following:
Ostrich KNP
Elephant spotted on the H7, KNP
Rhinos KNP
Lions at Tremisana
Leopard spotted at Rome 1, BNR
KHYLE sent the following:
Vulture at sunset on Rome 1 BNR
Lion on Morning Drive BNR
Black Rhino BNR
Leopard in a tree, Rome 1 Sunset Drive BNR
PIERO:
Close up with Elephant at Tremisana Lodge
Guests at Tremisana Lapa
Victor and guests near Elephant
Smiley and Khyle near Buffalo
Rhinos KNP
Victor and Khyle near Lion
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
TREMISANA
The hippo bull has returned. We have cleaned the borehole supplying water to Tremisana Dam and are confident that the water level will be maintained. The crocodile has attained an estimated length of 3 metres and is clearly feasting happily on the abundant Tilapia fish.
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :
October 2026
It is amazing how quickly another month has flown by! How I have managed to survive this heat in the Balule Plains is still a wonder to me. I must admit, I really miss the cold days and am eagerly waiting for the rain to arrive. I have had to dig out my hats from the suitcase, and they have certainly been doing a good job of keeping the sun off my head while spending time outdoors!
The animal sightings throughout the month have been nothing short of excellent. From leopards and rhinos to elephants, lions and other general game, Balule has certainly kept us entertained. Most of our guests managed to tick off the Big Five before heading out to Kruger. It is moments like these that remind us what a special gem Balule really is. There is always something wonderful waiting to be discovered in the bush.
The lodge has enjoyed a steady flow of guests throughout the month, and I am optimistic that the coming month will be just as busy.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the guests who continue to appreciate the work I do. Whether it is a warm hug, a handshake, a simple thank you or a thoughtful gift, every gesture means more to me than words can express. My heart is always overwhelmed by the kindness and appreciation shown.
A very special shout-out to Rami and his family for their incredibly generous gifts. Not only did they spoil me with chocolates, but they also gifted me my very first Harrods handbag! What a lovely surprise! I am truly grateful and appreciate the love and kindness they have shown me.
As another month comes to an end, I am reminded that it is not only the wildlife and beautiful surroundings that make this place special, but also the wonderful people we meet along the way. Thank you for making what we do so rewarding.
KATEKANI, MARC’S TREEHOUSES, MASANGO AND DUMELA
CHARL, Manager of Southern Camps, reports:
Marc’s Camp: We have been hard at work on the southern side of the lodge, preparing for the upcoming rainy season. However, with the uncertainty surrounding the potential El Niño weather pattern, it remains difficult to predict how much rainfall we can expect this year.We have completed the grass roof at Room 10 and will now be moving on to Room 12. Grass roofs require ongoing maintenance, including brushing and topping up the grass every few years, to ensure they remain in good condition. Given the uncertainty surrounding this year’s rainfall, we believe it is best to prepare for the possibility of limited rain and ensure that our facilities are ready for whatever conditions the season may bring.
Dumela: We have nearly completed the bathroom tiling project at Dumela, with only Tent 7 still to be completed. Projects of this nature can be challenging to carry out while working around guest bookings, as access to the tents is often limited. This can slow down progress, but the improvements are certainly worthwhile and will contribute to the overall standard and appearance of the accommodation.
Summer has definitely arrived, with the birds becoming increasingly active and beginning to nest. I have already spotted two different species nesting at Dumela: a fork-tailed drongo and a pair of scarlet-breasted sunbirds nesting in my garden. It is wonderful to see the birdlife thriving as we move into the summer season.
Drongo eggs at Dumela
Katekani: We have purchased the necessary timber to begin replacing the underlying wooden structure of the decks at Katekani.
Unfortunately, termites have damaged the deck structure at Room 2B. Although the deck itself has plastic decking boards, the supporting structure underneath is timber, which has been affected by the termites.
The repair process will involve removing the plastic decking boards, replacing the damaged wooden framework, and then reinstalling the boards once the new structure is complete.
Given and Vusi at deck for 2B
While this is a fairly involved project, it is necessary to ensure the long-term safety and durability of the deck. Once the work is completed, we anticipate that the repaired structure should provide us with approximately another ten years of service.
Our focus remains on maintaining the lodge facilities, completing essential upgrades, and ensuring that everything is in the best possible condition for our guests and the seasons ahead.
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
October 2026 has been a relatively quiet month. I am not certain why our guest numbers are down. Perhaps there is a universal concern about reduced spending capacity because of the increased fuel costs and associated money scarcity.
Our policy with respect to acquisitions is very simple : We buy what is deemed necessary but avoid spending on luxuries.
At a SanParks vehicle auction this month, Viva bought 5 vehicles. These include 3 pickup “bakkies” as we call them in SA as well as 2 OSVs (Open Sided Vehicles) for use in Kruger Park.
We are pleased to advise that both our young guides, Khyle van Vuuren and Neil Heintzberger, passed their assessment tests and are now fully qualified guides. They are very enthusiastic.
Marco, Webmaster, has chosen the following reviews posted this month:
“A Wonderful Experience” from TripAdvisor
Celeste T
We had a really lovely time at the second camp during our 4 day, 3 night Kruger trip. Quinton and Janita were both so warm, friendly and welcoming, and they made us feel very comfortable during our stay.
They were always happy to help and were just genuinely lovely people to spend time with. This part of the trip felt very personal and memorable because of them.
Thank you so much Quinton and Janita for taking such good care of us. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend it!
“What an amazing experience!!” from TripAdvisor
Krista L
Viva Safaris, you have some truly outstanding guides on your team! A special shout-out to Vic, V, and of course, Smiley! ❤️ You guys made the experience so much fun, made us feel safe, and shared your incredible knowledge with us every step of the way.
You are a huge part of what made this safari so amazing!
A big thank-you to Walter and the rest of the meal services team for their warm hospitality and delicious food that made us feel right at home!
The accommodations were everything I expected—cozy, comfortable and just right for an African safari.
Thank you all for an unforgettable experience! 🐘🦁❤️
“5 dias de safaris inesqueciveis!” from TripAdvisor
Lully RAS, Brazil
Fiz o safari de 5 dias, 4 noites e pernoitei no Tremisana. As excursões foram maravilhosas, avistamos muitos animais. Os guias são ótimos, explicam sobre a vida selvagem, e comunicam-se entre si para todos terem a experiencia de ver os animais mais dificeis como leões,cheetas, leopardo, bufalos. Na pousada voce ficam em um quarto individual com aposentos grandes e ar condicionado/ventilador. Inclui cafe da manhã, janta e alguns almoços, tbm tem piscina para intervalos entre as excursões. Os funcionarios da pousada são simpaticos e prestativos. Uma experiencia inesquecivel!
“I loved it, and could have stayed another week!” from TripAdvisor
Jannike, Denmark
I had a wonderful time at Tremisana lodge. I loved my room, the lodge, the staff, the food, the animals visiting the waterhole and the game drives.
I had six days, which was good, because we had rain and wind first two days. Still went out on drives despite weather, but less fun than when the sun was out, for obvious reasons, 😁.
It is a busy schedule, but animals is what you come for, so that is how it should be, I could have stayed a week more, at least.
Game drives at Kruger was exceptional, especially the last one, be prepared that each day is different, and you might see very few or a lot of animals, depending on on day, weather and luck.
Highly recommend this, if you look for a good budget stay!
“We got lucky!” from SafariBookings
Bruce, Switzerland
We booked without anyone’s recommendation, but boy did we get lucky.
Tremisana Lodge and the tour run by Viva Safaris organised everything for us. The lodge itself was perfect for us with clean and spacious rooms. The food was so delicious and the staff were always friendly.
It was so nice to see the camaraderie within the guides and staff. Going on a game drive has a certain amount of luck, but the knowledgeable guides certainly increase the chances of seeing all types of animals.
We will go again.
“Experiencia increíble! Superó nuestra expectativas!” from TripAdvisor
Ileana, Argentina
Alojarse en Tremisana fue la expericnai perfecta para nuestra estadía!
El lugar es hermoso, las camas cómodas y todos los servicios excelentes!
En especial la comida de Mama Bella y Mama D y su cariño para con nosotras!!!
La predisposición y profesionalismo de Ed en todos los detalles, todos los conductores y rangers, en especial la excelente vista de Neal, la sonrisa de Rocky y el profesionalismo de Luke!!
Pasamos unos dias inolvidables que quedarán guardados para siempre en mi corazón!
“Highly recommended!” from GetYourGuide
Toni-Maree, Australia
I highly recommend this experience for those who have the energy and enthusiasm to go on Safari.
The team at Tremisana were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Educate, Welcome, George, Solomon 1 and 2, Quinton, Andy, Smiley, Luke and Kyle – all gave their best as guides and drivers.
The catering team and service staff were dedicated to their work. I felt safe and welcomed. The vehicles were reliable and blankets were available for cooler weather. The transfer buses were good. I would recommend changing the older manual buses to automatic for ease of driving over long distances. The off road driving can be bumpy so bring a cushion!
All in all, I treasure my time in Tremisana, Balule and Kruger. An unforgettable experience!
MARC has sent me a reminder in respect of Viva Safaris videos:
Want a sneak peek of the magic that’s waiting for you at Viva Safaris?
Follow us on our social media pages to catch our latest daily wildlife sightings.
From majestic Elephants and Rhinos to the local lion Prides in the Balule Nature Reserve and Central Kruger National Park.
Stay up to date with what our guests are seeing in real-time and get inspired for your own safari adventure with us.
Follow us @vivasafaris on Instagram & Facebook.
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
