September 2024
The drought continues. Elephants, driven by hunger, are causing major damage to all lodges and private homes in Olifants West Nature Reserve.
The day after I arrived at Tremisana, a wily elephant bull managed to get into the camp. These elephants are very intelligent. He was able to knock down supporting poles on both sides so that the electrified fence fell and the electric potential ( 6000 volts ) was earthed. He then simply walked across the downed fence.
Broken tree right outside chalet 11
After smashing the palm tree, he left his calling card
Thanks to Wynand Britz Jnr, we procured the very top of the range energizer and the elephants have not broken in since then.
I understand that the wildlife authorities in Namibia and Zimbabwe have given the green light to cull elephants in Namibia’s Etosha Pan and various Zimbabwean Game Reserves. The minister in Namibia has justified this action by claiming that, with the extremely dire drought conditions, all animals are likely to die if there is no culling. He further indicated that elephant meat would be supplied at minimal cost to the starving local population around Etosha Pan. My concern is that this action may very well lead to wholesale slaughter of many more animals to not only sustain but also increase the illegal bush-meat trade.
In Southern Africa, the rains delineate the seasons and the yearly cycles of vegetation, water availability and, most importantly for safari-goers, the distribution and concentration of wildlife.
Safari operators in Southern Africa overwhelmingly recommend that safaris be booked towards the end of the dry season. August is usually Viva Safaris’ busiest month. Prey animals are forced to gather at permanent water where predators lie in wait. Our guides have an easy job finding lions because they know exactly where to look and also because visibility is much better when the grass cover is minimal and most trees have lost their leaves.
We advise our prospective guests to consider other aspects when planning a safari. Lush green backgrounds of every verdant hue imaginable as well as truly spectacular skies in the rainy season are a photographer’s delight. The rain cleans the dust from the coats of the animals and the abundance of flowers, butterflies, insects and migratory species of colourful birds add to the wildlife experience. Over the many decades that I have shown animals to tourists, I have also detected great happiness among the guests in seeing the newborn frolicking in the abundant pasture. In the dry season, some of my guests felt decidedly uncomfortable when they saw the prey animals struggling so much.
The dry conditions at Tremisana have resulted in animals moving large distances in search of forage.
We had a Wild Dog pack kill an impala at Tremisana Dam on 21 September. The next day, the same pack was seen on the Rome 4 property about 12 km away.
Wild Dogs on an impala kill at Tremisana Dam
Tremisana Dam is the only dam in the region with good water. The hippo comes and goes. He travels great distances to find food. On 27th September, a lioness killed a warthog at 11h00 near Tremisana Dam. We heard monkeys alarm-calling at 13h30 and our lunch guests saw another lioness walking down to the dam. At 16h30, the two lionesses caught an impala ram.
Lionesses eating impala ram at Tremisana
As long as the rains keep away, animals are coming to drink at Tremisana Dam and a lot of brilliant wildlife action will be had.
In Kruger Park, Nsemani Dam is presently a mud patch. Ngirivane, Mazithi, Kumana and Ngotso dams are all empty.
Our guides show our guests lots of animals along the Nwanedzi River, that, although not flowing, has numerous pools. Wildlife sightings have been excellent as evidenced in the reports and photos below.
Sightings in Kruger have been fantastic. The lion prides are sedentary and large prides are very likely to be seen camping out at the waterholes near Orpen Gate, at Welverdiend on the Sweni road and at Shibotwana on the S 100 where Casper, the White lion hangs out.
A photo of Casper taken by Raymond last week shows he has aged considerably
GAME VIEWING REPORTS FROM OUR GUIDES
BNR = Balule Nature Reserve
KNP = Kruger National Park
LUKE, Viva Safaris Head Guide:
The month of September continues to be dry. However, a few of the trees in the bush are beginning to shoot new leaves. This is providing some palatable food for the browsers. The animals are eating the new leaves as quickly as they are shooting.
The herd of elephant bulls that have been breaking into lodges within Balule Nature Reserve are still around and continue to find their way into the gardens of several lodges in the area, Tremisana included.
The Bushwalks have been great along the Olifants river, with animals frequenting the river for water and to cool off.
The hippos are still enjoying the river, although the water level has dropped significantly since the start of winter.
We have enjoyed many wonderful elephant approaches on foot, often intercepting them as they make their way up from the river after drinking. The elephant herds are wonderful to watch, especially the interactions between the different family members and, of course, the small elephant calves.
The game drives within Balule Nature Reserve have been great, with up-close encounters with various members of the Big Five and others. The lion pride took down an impala east of Tremisana Lodge. When we arrived at the scene, a young male lion and a lioness were wresting over what remained of the carcass.
During a recent Sunset Drive, we had the great privilege of seeing a pack of African Wild Dogs. The dogs made their way from the west, straight past Tremisana Lodge, and towards the east. I could count at least 6 pups and 3 adults as they ran past our vehicle.
My final highlight is one of the most recent ones and one of the best lioness sightings I’ve had in a long time. It all started after lunch at Tremisana, when a lioness was seen walking past the Lapa area. We then went out on the afternoon drive and found her near Tremisana dam. We spent a good deal of time with her as she walked through the bush, smelling the air. It was an incredible experience to be so close to such a big cat.
Lioness near Tremisana dam, BNR
Black Rhino on a morning drive, with calf, BNR
African Wild Dogs sleeping at the water hole on Rome 4, BNR
Elephant calf following its mother, Rome 4 BNR
MARC:
Even though Spring is in the air in the Southern Hemisphere, I personally experienced some of the coldest days I’ve had here at Tremisana since I arrived last summer. A low-pressure system over the country has brought unreasonably cold temperatures and strong winds throughout the country. There was over 30cm of snow recorded in parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State.
Saying that, towards the end of the month the temperatures have soared to over 40 degrees Celsius and we are well on our way to the Summer.
On a Sunset Drive we had the privilege to drive alongside a male lion for almost half an hour. He seemed very disturbed and anxious during this time and he was circling hastily back and forth, scent marking often and he could not stop roaring.
Eventually, to our surprise 2 young cubs came running out of the thicket and immediately we could see that the King of the Jungle’s anxiety subsided. The cubs then shared a special and unique bonding interaction with their father and we all enjoyed the 3 of them cuddling and nuzzling for a few minutes. This was an extremely rare sighting as usually it’s the lionesses that are the ones that look after the cubs, but in this instance their father was on babysitting duty and he was evidently extremely concerned that he had lost scent of them and he might have been in big trouble when mom returned to lost cubs.
Another exciting sighting was on the 25th of September. We were outside the vehicle busy enjoying snacks and some sundowner drinks with guests when all of a sudden we were joined by 3 White Rhinos. We all silently hid behind the open landcruiser and continued to enjoy our snacks and sundowners whilst this crash of Rhino walked on past.
News on the Elephant front for the month is that one Big Bull Elephant broke into our lodge once more. Fortunately my wife Sune heard him inside, and we quickly chased him out before he could damage too many trees. We have now installed 2 separate energizers to enhance the protection of our lush Oasis and I’ll be on Elephant duty once more.
Until Next month… Cheers
Lion calling for his cubs – Barnards, BNR
Elephants Tremisana, BNR
Lioness on Tremisana, BNR
White Rhinos during Sundowner Drive, BNR
RAYMOND:
H7, KNP
Nwamatsatsa bridge, KNP
Rome 4 waterhole, BNR
Barnards, BNR
These buffalo were spotted on the S100, KNP
Lion Rome 3, BNR
NADINE:
Wild Dog, Campfire BNR
Kudu bull, Rome 1 BNR
Young zebra, Rome 4 BNR
Giraffe with newborn, Barnards BNR
CHRISY:
Elephants on Rome 1, BNR
Wild dogs on a kill at Tremisana dam, BNR
Rhinos during Sundowner Drive, BNR
VICTOR:
Buffalo herd near Welverdiend waterhole, KNP
White lion Casper north of Nwanetsi bridge near Satara KNP
Three lioness south of Sweni bridge near Satara KNP
ROCKY:
A group of animals near Nsemani dam KNP
Two lionesses S126 KNP
A herd of about 200 buffalo H6 KNP
Small breeding herd of elephants S106 KNP
Giraffe bull browsing next to the road north of Satara KNP
ANDY:
These African Wild Dogs were spotted around Tremisana dam feeding on an impala during our Sundowner Drive, BNR
This pride of lions was spotted on the S100 at Shibotwana waterhole, KNP
Victor and guests eyeballing elephant bull, KNP
Herd of elephants at Nsemani dam, KNP
QUINTON:
Buffalo cow and calf seen on bushwalk at Marc’s Camp
Guests having a swim after Moholoholo morning tour, Marcs Camp
Nyala bull at Masango Camp
ELIAS:
2nd September: We saw a huge herd of Buffalo on Rome 3, BNR.
5th September: We saw a giraffe and a zebra on Olifants road, BNR.
16th September: We saw a White Rhino, BNR
20th September: We saw an elephant bull at Tremisana near the breakfast area, BNR
CHARL:
Big elephant bull seen on Rome 3, BNR
White Rhino up close in Hluhluwe on KZN tour.
Lunch with an elephant at Hilltop Camp, Hluhluwe on KZN tour
Guests at Pumusa Camp, Hluhluwe
Heritage Day at Marcs Camp: Connie, Charl and Thembi
NHLANHLA:
Lionesses, BNR
Rhinos, Hluhluwe
Wild Dogs, BNR
PIERO:
Together with my wife Sandra, I spent 13 days at the lodges – the longest period for a long time. We had our daughter Natasha and her family with us. We took them on four game drives on BNR and all were very successful. Thanks to Raymond who called us, and we had a fantastic sighting of a leopard and kill on the Campfire property. 
Fantastic leopard sighting
Thanks to Marc, who called us in to see three White Rhinos.
Showing 3 White Rhino to the gang
We saw close-up elephants and lionesses on a kill at Tremisana.
Showing close up elephant to family
Lionesses on impala kill at Tremisana
Full day in Kruger:
I did an inspection trip on the 28th September and saw many more animals than I had on Balule. I saw animals that are very seldom seen on Balule such as ostrich, buffalo and cheetah. The cheetah was extraordinary: a female cheetah with 4 cubs had killed an impala 8km north of Satara. A pride of 13 lions arrived and chased the cheetah, who were fortunate not to lose their lives. We also saw a Black Rhino on the Sweni road and a hungry elephant trying to get in at Orpen Gate.
Hungry elephant at Orpen Gate
NEWS FROM OUR LODGES
NYARAI sent the following on TREMISANA LODGE:
Tremisana Report September 2024
It’s springtime in the Balule Plains. We are still waiting for the rains to replenish the dry ground. The watering holes are drying up and the vegetation is still a sad brown shade and very dry. The greenery in the Tremisana garden makes one forget the dryness outside. I think a rain dance or two would remedy the situation.
We are already experiencing very high temperatures one would think it is summer already. Trust me the pool really looks appealing from my desk. We have purchased new pool lounger cushions and the comfort is what one needs after getting an african massage on game drive and a dip in the refreshing Tremisana pool.
September is the month that we celebrate Heritage Day. We celebrate diversity in culture and history of South Africa . I love Heritage Day because I get to dress up in traditional clothes. The intricate beadwork and bright colors are a fashion essential. We have a gift shop that is stocked up with beautiful bead jewelry. 
It had been a good month and I have made new friends. Special thanks to Bryan who shared some of his pictures with me. I really appreciate the guests that share their experiences with me. I have selected my favorite shots to share with you as well. They say one good turn deserves another 
Until next month take care and stay safe
CHARL sent his report on the Southern Lodges:
Marc’s Camp Report
With the dry spell still upon us the herds of buffalo have been frequenting the camp overnight. They are looking for the last remaining grasses and water lucky for them we have managed to keep the breakfast dam full attracting lots of animals to the camp. We have finally finished up with all our work on grass roofs in preparation for the rain season and are busy with patching reeds on the treehouses. The work never ends but thankfully we are fortunate enough to work around the animals and constantly have them around the camp both great for our guests as well as us.
Leopard seen on tar road outside Marc’s
Nyalas walking through the camp browsing
Katekani Report
We can definitely see we are on the incline to our busy season with the numbers picking up we had a night this month where all 8 of our suites were in use and we have had a consistent flow of guests. Our dinners are always interesting at Katekani as we never know who will show up between the resident hyena or Porcupine coming to either drink from our small dam or to see if there are any scraps lying around for them.
Sunset at Katekani
Owl seen in the bush at Katekani
SANDRA’S BIRTHDAY
A BIG thank you to Charl and his fiancé Charlotte for having organized a lovely BBQ at Masango Camp for my wife, Sandra’s 68th birthday. Our daughter Natasha and husband Jean-Luc and children Luca, Gabriella, Raphael and Juliette and our son Marc and wife Sune and child Joshie all came to celebrate.
CRAIG, Manager at Ezulwini River Lodge, sent the following :
The joy of being on safari takes many shapes and forms as witnessed by our recent guests at Ezulwini. We’ve experienced many highs on our daily morning and afternoon safaris, getting to see great things from impalas to rhinos. Our guests decided to have a relaxing afternoon and enjoy an extended sundowner break along the Olifants River. It was while enjoying the beauty of nature that we were reminded that you are always on safari and that the animals are always around as we were treated to a herd of elephants playing in the river and one brave elephant venturing across.
Reminding us to enjoy every moment and take it all in.
NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
We have had a good September but, like all months thus far in 2024, fewer guests than the numbers in 2023. I think this drop is related to reduced average disposable income of prospective tourists as well as the ever-deteriorating war scenarios.
As always, our staff are working hard and the reports I have gleaned from tourists to whom I have spoken at the lodges are impressive. Well done to all !
We are running a SPECIAL on our 4 day Ezulwini Luxury Lodge package. Any safari package booked from 1 October 2024 for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 will be discounted by 20%. The 4 day Ezulwini package will cost around R 30 000 per person sharing – exceptional value !!
We welcome two new guides to Viva Safaris : Chrisy is a product of Campfire Academy and has her ARH ( Advanced Rifle Handling ) certificate and, with Luke as her mentor, will be doing her required hours on Big Five walks. She started mid-September and I am very impressed with her all-round contribution.
Desiree has her FGASA (Field Guides Association of SA) certificate obtained from F J More Field Guide College. Her job description includes overnighting in a tent at Campfire that hosts guests on Viva’s very affordable 3 day tented safari. We need her there for the security of our guests. The elephants eventually exhausted the patience of Letitia Cronje and her fellow trustees. Every night they would arrive and simply smash the fence and destroy the trees and vegetation. A decision was made to keep the property unfenced. Together with Viva’s management team comprising Marc, Charl, Luke and Nyarai, I went last week to have a look. We decided to not erect a fence around our 4 tents and the passage to the ablutions. Motion-sensor lights have been placed around all the tents and the path to the ablutions. I know that our overseas tourists are not “bush-savvy” and may still put their lives at risk while on a late-night visit to the toilets. Desiree will be available to accompany them and ensure their safety.
Management team Charl, Nyarai, Marc and Luke
I thank all our guests who have written reviews on various platforms, including Tripadvisor.
What pleases me so very much is the time spent in thought and effort in writing such detailed reviews. They are way better than the 4 liners some other operators and lodges receive. I am truly touched by the genuine emotions that motivate these unbelievably highest quality reviews.
Amazing Experience
Maria P, Germany
Me and my mum had the pleasure to go on a 5 day safari at Tremisana lodge. The experience with Viva Safaris was truly unforgettable! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the warm and welcoming staff who made us feel right at home. Their hospitality and attentiveness were second to none and exceeded all my expectations.
The lodge was beautiful—comfortable, clean, and perfectly nestled in the natural surroundings. Waking up to the sights and sounds of the African bush was an experience we will cherish forever. The food was another highlight of the trip. Every meal was delicious! Whether it was a hearty breakfast before setting off on a game drive or a delicious BBQ right in the bush, the quality and presentation of the food were consistently excellent.
Of course, the safari experience itself was phenomenal. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife, offering fascinating insights into the animals and their habitats. We had the pleasure to go on activities with Nadine, Luke, Smiley and Rocky and they were all awesome! Thanks to their expertise, we were able to witness some incredible wildlife sightings, including the Big Five. Each game drive felt like an adventure, and the guides’ deep understanding of the environment made the experience even more enriching.
In summary, Viva Safaris delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish. The combination of lovely staff, amazing food, beautiful lodges, and unforgettable wildlife sightings made this a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I cannot recommend Viva Safaris highly enough—if you are looking for an authentic, well-organized, and magical safari experience, this is the company to choose!
Guys, thank you for everything! We had the best time with you and we can´t wait to come back.
Maria & Mama
Amei
Paloma M, Brazil
Foi perfeito!
Tive um problema com o vôo e perdi 1 dia de Safari infelizmente, mas fui rapidamente auxiliada.
Os funcionários são uns amores, mesmo eu não falando inglês fizeram de tudo para me ajudar… Só tenho a agradecer e dizer que foi a melhor escolha que eu fiz ….
O transporte, passeios, ajudas, comidas, acomodação tudo excelente 🥰
Run don’t walk to book! Worth every penny!
Mia R, USA
I can’t speak highly enough of my experience with them. As soon as you get there you hit the ground running. They waste no time and you start with a sunset drive.
My two favorite tour guides were Nadine and Smiley by far! You can tell they love their job and are so knowledgeable. They go out of their way to try and make sure you see the big 5! If you don’t, you know it wasn’t for lack of trying. I wish I could give them 5 stars alone!
I will definitely book again with Vivas. The smaller drives were better than the full Kruger day. Also the food was AMAZING! Mama D throws down in the kitchen. Everyone was so personable and nice.
I have allergies and they made me fresh gluten free bread every morning. 5 stars all around!
Great Experience at Marc’s Camp
Audrey D, Belgium
I went on the 6 days Safari (2 days at Tremisana and 4 days in a treehouse at Marc’s Camp) and it was amazing !
The organization was really good : pick up and drop off at the airport, great activities during the 6 days (2 days in Kruger Park, several drive games in Tremisana, the Maholoholo rehabilitation center and the panoramic road), good food and good accomodations.
We had different guides for our activities, which is great because they all have their way for the drive game.
The lodges at Marc’s Treehouse are great, well furnished and comfortable. It was getting cold when I was there so take warm clothes if you go there during winter. Having animals walking in the camp is really nice.
All the staff was really nice and attentive. The guides are amazing in their job, Quinton was helpful when needed. The food was good and the dinner time with all the people staying at Marc’s Camp was a really great experience.
Consigliatissimo!
Patrizia, Italy
esperienza intensa e immersiva, il safari è stato bellissimo e i driver delle jeep erano praticamente degli esperti degli animali che incontravamo ed hanno dato più valore agli avvistamenti.
Organizzione perfetta e sempre puntuale, personale gentile e sorridente. Da sottolineare la cena in mezzo alla natura a lume di candela inclusa nel safari serale e la colazione circondati da amichevoli impala e scimmiette in un campeggio a dir poco caratteristico.
un consiglio alle donne… portatevi un asciugacapelli 😉 e per tutti, nel pernottamento al Tree house, cercate di avere un bagaglio piccolo per portarvi solo il necessario per la notte (potete lasciare in reception le valigie più grandi) perché le tende sono lontane ed immerse in un bosco… nella notte non mancheranno suoni di natura e animali che popolano il bosco.
Consigliatissimo!
Pat was incredible. Knowledge, informative and very pleasant. Very quick to respond to questions.
Ryan Shorkend, Israel
We booked a 4 night, 5 day, safari experience and arrived with very high expectations. Our expectations were met and even outdone.
From the first pickup from Sandton, we were greeted warmly by a great driver by the name Welcome 😁. Then a pleasant drive to the park (with a yummy lunch break), where we were again welcomed warmly and straight out into the action.
Our very first exciting viewing was a pride of lionesses. And from there, we were overwhelmed with incredible sightings. By the end of day 2, we were lucky seeing all big 5. An unforgettable rush of adrenaline following a leopard must be mentioned too.
The following days were no less exhilarating with sightings of wild dogs and black rhinos.
Every delicious breakfast and dinner was served by an amazingly warm team whom deserve a lot of credit. The guide team, Luke, Rocky, Victor, Raymond, Nadine, Quentin ….words do not do justice, you guys are the best of the best. Your knowledge, passion and friendliness shine bright.
Thanks for an incredible time. We will be back, without a doubt.
Until next month,
With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris
