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The Leadwood Tree, Combretum Imberbe, has a special place in many bushlovers’ hearts. It may be its toughness or its imposing display, even once dead, that gives the Leadwood a primordial aura. My good bush friend, Laurence Saad, owner of the Ezulwini Lodges, where Viva Safaris...

The African Pied Wagtail, Motacilla aguimp, inhabits subtropical areas and is always found near water. It is monogamous and makes a cup-shaped nest in vegetation near water. It is mainly insectivorous but also feeds on grass seeds, tadpoles and small fish. The word ‘pied’ means ‘...

From time to time, I am reminded that Nature appears to have extremely cruel animals. For example, the way in which wild dogs bite and dismember still-alive prey has given them a reputation for cruelty. The experts advise that the prey is in such a state of shock that it is...

Quite understandably, we are often asked about the dangers involved with going on safari. There are occasions when guests may encounter snakes or spiders and I always recommend that every tourist brings a torch. Not only will this allow better visibility at night but it enhances...

One of the highlights of the VIVA SAFARIS packages is the BUSH WALK along the Olifants River led by an armed ranger. The opportunity to be out of a vehicle and on ground traversed by the Big Five is an energising experience. Adrenalin surges may be high notwithstanding the...

April 2022 will be remembered as the month in which we had terrible floods in my home province, KwaZulu Natal. The devastation was severe and over 435 people sadly lost their lives. Thousands are homeless. I have no doubt that the floods were a direct result of climate change....

Last week, while I was clearing up my office, I came across the very first newsletter I ever sent. At that stage, the newsletters were issued quarterly and this one was dated 4th quarter of 1999.Marco, webmaster extraordinaire, has printed newsletters going back to the beginning...

The Crested Guineafowl, Guttera  Edoardi, is uncommon in Kruger Park, frequenting the forested areas in the north. It is common in KwaZulu Natal and even occurs in Durban, my hometown. It is often detected by its call as it is quite noisy but is not readily seen as it prefers...

Most tourists who visit the Kruger Park usually see two primates : the Vervet Monkey and the Chacma Baboon. There is a third, exceptionally rare primate: the Samango Monkey. In Kruger, it was found only in the extreme north and originally moved to the Punda Maria region from the...

November 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of Viva Safaris.From very humble beginnings, Viva has grown steadily to become one of the most sought-after safari operators to Kruger Park.It has been a whole lot of fun. Hard work and astute business decisions have...