September 2025

The responsibilities of tour operators and lodge owners like Viva Safaris are not limited to ensuring that our guests have a safe, well-guided and enjoyable wildlife experience. All lodge owners must commit to a realistic conservation ethic.

Apart from alerting our guests to the horrific trade in wildlife parts such as rhino horn, pangolin meat and scales and vulture eyes, we need to pass on our love of God’s creation of our wildlife.
To this end, I have told all our guides that our guests must be encouraged not to litter. My instruction is to collect any litter found in the bush during game drives. We are not allowed to leave our vehicles in Kruger Park, but I am happy to have our guides alight from our open vehicles and, after checking for potential danger, pick up the offending plastic bag or beer can carelessly left on the side of the road by some uneducated and uncaring litterer.

In Balule Nature Reserve, my instruction is also to collect all litter encountered on game drives. We go a step further : on those properties that we traverse that have Olifants River frontage, Rome 1 , Rome 3 and Rome 4, Head Guide Luke Ovendale goes regularly with Viva staff to collect any litter that may have been washed down from upstream.

There are other constraints that I have put in place. In Kruger Park earlier this month, Sandra and I were in my private sedan watching a pride of lions near Skukuza in the south of the Kruger Park. An OSV (open sided vehicle) arrived and promptly radioed in the sighting. Within 5 minutes, we were surrounded by about 15 OSVs, all jockeying for key positions to show the lions to their guests. Our viewing experience was totally ruined. I drove off in disgust and on the way encountered multiple other OSVs all racing at tremendous speed to the sighting. The speed limit on the very good tar roads in Kruger is 50km/h. I reckon these maniacs were driving at double that figure.

Sure enough, we found a dying yellow-billed hornbill that had been struck by a speeding OSV.

There is plenty roadkill on the tar roads in Kruger. Despite sustained pleas from Viva guides for radios in the Kruger OSVs, I have steadfastly refused.

In Balule Nature Reserve, I have also noted the odd “Ferrari Safari” but thankfully there are no tarred roads and the guides cannot drive too fast.

Conservation is not a luxury – it is a priority that we all should start becoming very concerned about and get involved.

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 September 2025

Black Rhino on foot – It had already been a lovely walk along the Olifants River, we had enjoyed multiple hippo sightings, crocodiles, giraffe, an elephant bull and many lovely birds. It was about to get a whole lot more exciting, as we descended from the top of the final hill something grayish caught my eye.  It was a black rhino slowly moving below us in the valley, feeding as he walked. We checked the wind and worked out the best way to approach, without putting ourselves in danger or upsetting the rhino.

We all stood under a small tree on a rocky outcrop, the perfect vantage point to enjoy this special sighting.  Eventually the rhino started to make his way in our direction, still unaware of our presence. So we all moved together with speed and found a route back to the game viewer safely.

Elephant breeding herd on foot crossing the river – At first we spotted the elephants far off from the river, they had been spending time in the shade of a sycamore fig tree. A few stomach rumbles later and the herd had headed towards the edge of the river for a drink. We moved to the edge of the river opposite the elephants and used the large roots of a fig tree as seats to watch nature’s cinema.


Elephant herd drinking water on Rome 1 along the Olifants River, during morning bushwalk. BNR

The sighting ended with the elephant herd crossing the river to our side, we then moved up the bank and viewed them from above.

The game drives have been great this month packed with memorable sightings, all of the big five and more. The lions have been on Tremisana property a few times, scouting out potential prey specifically impala. We also enjoyed a sighting of the new territorial male lion on Rome 1 property, during sundowner drive.  He had a big full belly and just wanted to sleep it off; we had a close up view thanks to the fact that he fell asleep on the road.

The black and white rhinos have been frequent sightings during the afternoon drives and on route to the bushwalks in the mornings.  The black rhino being the harder one to find is very special to see, considering how few we have left in the wild.


White rhinos on sundowner drive, BNR

Of all this month’s cat sighting my best one took place during a sunset drive, we received an update regarding a leopard in a tree on Rome 3/4 property. We headed straight there and it was magnificent, lying stretched over a marula tree branch with a full tummy. The leopard had caught an impala sometime the day before and kept it safe up high in the tree.


Leopard in a marula tree, on Rome 3/4 . Sunset drive. BNR

The buffalo sightings have been great on Rome 1 property, often moving towards water during the late afternoon. We had a herd surround us during a sunset drive, they slowly moved around us feeding on whatever grass they could find.


Buffalo herd on Rome 1 , during Sunset drive. BNR

Another great month, full of memorable moments on safari with wonderful guests.


MARC sent the following:

The 1st of September marks the start of Spring in the Southern hemisphere. Even though we haven’t had rain, the Knob-thorn and Marula trees have slowly started to produce beautiful new green shoots and leaves.


Marula tree with fresh new green leaves


Buffalo and Red Billed Oxpecker – Tremisana

In the beginning of the month I took my family and joined some friends to go ground camping in the most Southern section of the Kruger National Park. It was alot of fun, the one evening we had two honey badgers do a midnight raid on our kitchen as we were forced to share our left overs of a delicious Potjie (slow cooked stew cooked in a cast iron pot over a hot coal fire)  

The game sightings were good down south but the bigger herds of game are more often seen in the central areas where we take our Viva Safari guests. I was pleased to see several Rhinos in the surrounding area which we don’t often see in the public section of the Kruger. We also had 2 great sightings of the endangered African Wild dog (Painted dogs)


White Rhino BNR


Wild Dogs in Kruger Park

Big 5 Game sightings in Balule have been great once more. We still haven’t had much rain so the grass level is extremely low which makes it somewhat easier to find the predators.


Elephant in the Tremisana Parking Lot

We see Hyenas almost every evening and our Leopard sightings have been extremely good especially on our Rome 3 /Rome 4 Traverse. 

The lions move in and out of the area and they have come to Tremisana searching for food a couple times this month and on one occasion they caught a Warthog.


Lioness at Tremisana

My favourite sighting of the month came during a sunset drive were we found a beautiful leopard cross the road right in front of us. Later on in the drive we found another leopard with a full tummy just busy lying next to a hyena who was finishing up the last of his Impala. This was a very interesting sighting as the leopard just lay there not giving a care in the world that the hyena was right beside him finishing its meal. Later, both predators just lay in the grass less than 10m from each other with full satisfied tummy’s.


Leopard on Olifants Road

Until next month..

Marc


CHARL sent the following:


Elephant bull on sundowner drive close to the vehicle.


Rhino resting next to a dam with wounds around his eyes from fighting with another bull.


Leopard feeding on an impala in a tree.


RAYMOND sent the following:


S39 KNP


H7 KNP


BNR


Elephants BNR


SMILEY sent the following:

We had amazing sightings on BNR in September:









ANDY sent the following:


Rocky and clients with elephant at Tremisana lodge


Mating pair of lions spotted on the S 39,  Kruger Park


Viva vehicle close to leopard with kill


VICTOR sent the following:


Herd of Buffalos BNR


Lioness south of Tremisana dam BNR


Elephant bull near Satara KNP


Wild dogs near Satara KNP


ROCKY sent the following:


Breeding herd of elephants KNP


Giraffes KNP


Rhinos BNR


Mating pair of lions, KNP


Breeding herd of Buffalos KNP


QUINTON sent the following:

Viva Safaris is pleased that guests are still booking the 14 day volunteer safari. We are pleased to help the local community.


Ashley and Jeff doing Volunteer work at a local community creche


White Rhino near Viva vehicle BNR


Giraffe BNR


WHIAN sent the following:


Lion Morning drive BNR


Leopard Sunset drive BNR


Leopard Sundowner BNR


Lions Kruger


NHLANHLA sent the following:


White lion on road KNP


Mating pair KNP


Ostriches KNP


Warthog KNP


Elephant KNP


DUMISANI sent the following:


Buffalo bull at Tremisana BNR


Leopard on Rome 3 BNR


Lioness at Tremisana BNR


Elephants on Rome 1 BNR


Spotted Hyena resting outside Tremisana Lodge BNR


GEORGE conducted two safaris to Hluhluwe and St Lucia. He sent the following selection taken by clients:


Impalas at Pumusa Bush Camp, Hluhluwe


White Rhino Hluhluwe


Warthog Hluhluwe


Elephant iSimangaliso Wetland Park


Crocodile St Lucia


Jackal Buzzard St Lucia


Little Bee-eater St Lucia


Hippos St Lucia


Buffalo Hluhluwe

NEWS FROM OUR LODGES

TREMISANA
 
NYARAI, Office Manager, reports :

Tremisana Report September 2025

The lodge was very busy this month. It exceeded my expectations. It’s become very warm and sunny. Pool time and sunscreen is a must. Because of my choice of hairstyles I mostly sit by the staircase submerged in water with my head out of the water. The animal sightings around the lodge included rhino, elephants and lions.

September is the month where we celebrate Heritage Day. It encompasses celebrating our culture, language, history, tradition. Part of my roots are from the Korekore group which is part of the Shona people. We are  known for our spiritual beliefs and distinct dialect. I remember having to pay extra attention when conversing with my grandmother over a plate of sorghum pap, kale mixed with peanut butter and stewed wild pig.She spoke the Korekore dialect while I spoke the zezuru dialect. I believe our love for food made us understand each other better.There is Shona proverb that says. ” Ukama igasva hunozadziswa nekudya.” meaning relationships are made complete by sharing a meal.

In the honour of heritage day I decided to capture a few cultural items we sell here at the lodge.




Zulu Alice Band


Zulu necklace 


Zulu earrings


Gourd. The seeds inside the gourd make a beautiful sound used to make music


Hard carved African wooden busts

NEWS FOR OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS

Viva Safaris has, once again, had a very good month.  

We have bought a new Toyota OSV that happens to have an automatic gearbox. I am sure that there will be competition for this vehicle. We have also bought a new Toyota Quantum to be used for return transfers from Johannesburg to the lodges. 

Sandra and I have cleared out some redundant items and donated these to the lodges. These include some furniture, office equipment and various odds and ends. Charl claimed the electric citrus juicer for Katekani and we look forward to serving freshly squeezed orange juice to our guests during the fruiting season. Thanks to Charl for driving a fully loaded bakkie (pickup van) and trailer. We also donated some good condition baby clothes and toys. Charl is to become a father in early October.

Rochelle Barham sent the following emails :

From: Rochele Barham
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2025 4:50 AM
To: piero@vivasafaris.com
Subject: For Mama Dee

Hi Piero,

My family and I had the absolute privilege of visiting the Tremisana Lodge a few weeks ago. Our experience was so amazing that we fell in love with the entire staff—and in particular the food service staff headed by Mama D. I’ve never felt so welcomed nor loved on-the-spot like I did at Tremisana. I hope to visit again. Please let your entire staff know fknow that “Rochele Big 3” loves and appreciates them so much for providing the experience of a lifetime. And please share this photo with Mama D. We just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her!!!

Many thanks!!!
Rochele Barham



From: Rochele Barham
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2025 3:20 PM
To: piero@vivasafaris.com
Subject:

Hello Piero,

I had the MOST AMAZING time ever at Tremisana Lodge! The staff was absolutely the best. I left feeling like family and hope that I can visit again.

Please share these photos with your staff.

Many thanks!!!
Rochele






We have selected these reviews, all posted this month :


“A Dream Come True with Viva Safari Tours” from TripAdvisor
Amy P, Australia
From start to finish, this tour was a masterclass in wildlife exploration, expertly guided and thoughtfully curated to deliver unforgettable moments in the bush.

The game drives were the highlight—thrilling, immersive, and expertly led by guides who truly know the land. Their ability to track elusive animals, share fascinating insights, and create a sense of adventure made every outing feel like a scene from a nature documentary. We saw the Big Five and so much more, often up close and in breathtaking settings. The guides’ passion for conservation and storytelling added depth to every sighting.

What sets Viva apart is the personal touch. The team made sure we were never just passengers—we were participants in a shared journey. Whether it was a quiet moment watching elephants at a watering hole or the excitement of spotting a leopard in the trees, the guides created space for awe and connection.

Our base at Katekani Tented Lodge was the perfect complement to the safari experience. The lodge was serene and beautifully integrated into the landscape, but it was the staff who truly made it special. Warm, attentive, and always ready with a smile or a story, they made us feel like part of the family.

This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a soul-stirring adventure. Viva Safari Tours delivers the kind of safari that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

“Wow! Amazing experience from start to finish” from TripAdvisor
Lorraine R, UK
We have just returned from 6 days in Tremisani Lodge. We absolutely loved it & was such good value for money.

Staying in the lodge we really felt we were immersed in the safari. The animals come to is while having dinner as there is a waterhole out front, which just adds to the experience. It was a full on itinery with hardly any downtime, this was ideal for us.

Great to bring everyone together at mealtimes, including the guides and staff, over an open fire. It really felt like family and the staff who cooked & looked after the accommodation, were all amazing. Food was excellent, home cooked with care & plentiful. Maximum of 9 people per wagon on safari trips but sometimes there were only 6 of us.

The guides & spotters were so knowledgeable & involve you so much in the activity. They were all great personalities. Great mix of activity from bush walk, bush bbq, sunset & sunrise drives, full days in Kruger.

We loved every minute & got to see everything & so much more. Plus you see the animals so close to the vehicles.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to go on safari. An amazing place!!! Well done everyone xx

“Immersed in Africa” from TripAdvisor
VickyP72, UK
Our family all loved the safari experience provided by Luke and his fantastic team.

The whole four-days was superbly organised – all the team members knew what every set of guests were doing each day and what animals we had seen. We got up close to far more animals than we were expecting.

Watching an elephant visiting the water hole as we drunk morning coffee on the terrace was only surpassed by the rhino the following day.

If you want knowledgeable passionate guides who love what they and a supporting team providing tasty home cooked food, then this company is for you.

They are a family who welcome you into their home on a wild and exciting private reserve.

“Simply the best” from TripAdvisor
Kylee M, Australia
We booked this safari expecting to see some of the big 5. What we received was all of them and much more. This company we chose by chance and they are so well organised that nothing was left to chance.

We stayed at both of their accomodation choices which was tremisana and Marc’s tents. We were two Aussie girls thinking we could do anything. Tremisana is luxury. Marc’s tents whilst also great for the traveller was probably our first time stepping into the unknown.the staff work between both lodges and they made us both feel so comfortable that we couldn’t but love the whole experience.

You have the likes of Shah and Quinton who went above and beyond for us both.

Smiley the fun loving driver on some of our bushwalks and game drives.mind you we seen all of the animals up close and the unforgettable pictures.

I have to tell you the food in both places is like eating at 5 star restaurants. Sarina is both beautiful, smiles each and every morning to our lunches and dinners. She gives passion to her food and the cakes each day even better.

Thank you to everyone at both from Kylee and Abby

“VIVA SAFARIS” from GetYourGuide
Michelle, Germany
Alles war super organisiert, von Anfang bis Ende! Die Ausflüge waren toll und die Guides haben sich sehr viel Mühe gegeben. Wir hatten eine gute Zeit. Das Baumhaus ist sehr einfach gestaltet und man muss sich bewusst sein dass man mitten in der Natur ist, es war aber ein einmaliges Erlebnis. Danke!

“Muy recomendable” from GetYourGuide
Elena, Spain
Excelente trato por parte de todo el equipo. Locaciones muy adecuadas, comidas exquisitas. Ambiente y compañía muy agradables. Muy recomendable.

“Une expérience immersive magique” from Google
Justine Jeandel, France
Nous avons séjourné 4 jours au tremisana lodge, c’était incroyable !

Nous avons été accueilli par un éléphant à quelques mètres du lodge. Plusieurs petits singes se balade proche de nous. Une expérience immersive magique !
La nourriture était super bonne et diverses.

Les activités sont très bien organisé.

Nous avons apprécié la diversités des activités proposé tel que la balade dans la savane, le petit déjeuner au bord de la rivière des hippopotames, l’apéro au sommet de la savane et le BBQ au milieu des hyènes. Des moments inoubliables. Merci à viva Safari d’avoir réalisé notre rêve. Nous avons même vu le big five!

“Amazing Adventure” from SafariBookings
Wanda, USA
What a Fantastic Adventure we had at Tremisana Lodge/Viva Safari!

We quickly became a community of new & repeat guests, staff & guides. Each outing was unique in where we went, who was with us & which guides would accompany us to impart their tremendous knowledge of the animals on the quest for the big 5. Yes, we found them All & so much more along the way, up close & personal. The flora, fauna, sunsets & sunrises were absolutely gorgeous. We would gather at the patio with our new & newer friends for the most delicious, lovingly prepared meals (OMG the fried chicken & best buffalo pie in Africa). We shared our most recent spottings. stories, photos & contact info.

The facility was simply wonderful & the entire staff went above & beyond to make our stay most comfortable & memorable.

Thank you again – Ed, Mama D & all the ladies, Mark, Luke, V, Ray, Quint, Smiley & the entire staff for a once in a lifetime experience – WOW!!!

“Highly Recommend Viva Safaris!” from SafariBookings
Blake, Australia
I recently got back from a seven day Safari Tour, and I couldn’t be happier. It was my first time going on safari and I’m very glad i picked Viva Safaris from getting picked up at my airport hotel in Johannesburg, to the beautiful lodge that i stayed in for the week, to the incredible Safari guides that where so helpful, and i learnt so much from.

everything it was fantastic!

Enjoyed the bush walk , 2 full days in Kruger , and so much more

We saw the big 5, As a wildlife photographer i was extremely happy with the shots i got and also the guides helping out to get great shots.

The Early morning drives and late afternoon and evening drives are perfect for photography.

They’re a very organised company and reliable , offering great communication and extremely great value for money.

Ill be back next year

Thank you and I highly recommend Viva Safaris


Until next month, 

With kind regards,
Piero
General Manager
Viva Safaris