newsletter Archives - Page 10 of 13 - Kruger Park Safaris with Viva Safaris

May 2017

12 Jun 2017

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The domestication of wild animals is, for me personally, not a good idea. I have little interest in walking with lions or “interacting” with elephants. The fact that most elephant-back safari operations are closing down is good news to me. There are some of Viva’s guests that...

Lioness right in front of Rex’s Landcruiser.

April 2017

14 May 2017

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The Spotted Hyena, Crocuta crocuta, is so named because of the irregular brown spots on a sandy yellow background coat. The young, interestingly, are dark brown, almost black. The Spotted Hyena has a strong neck and forequarters with a sloping back. It is the “Jaws” of the bush,...

March 2017

12 Apr 2017

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The Warthog, Phacochoerus Africanus, is now as common and as entertaining a visitor to the Tremisana Lodge gardens as the monkey troop. Perhaps they are even more welcome as warthogs do not bother guests at breakfast time, trying to steal food. We have replaced the small yoghurts...

February 2017

07 Mar 2017

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The Bateleur, Terathopius Ecaudatus, is a striking Eagle . Its colourful plumage and short tail render it unmistakeable. “Ecaudatus” in Latin means “ tail-less “. In Afrikaans it is called “Berghaan “ literally “Mountain Rooster” – a good description ! The word “Bateleur”...

December 2016 / January 2017

06 Feb 2017

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The rains have had an amazing effect on the veld. Lush grass and vibrant green foliage bear testimony to the end of the drought. The young impala are having a great time ! The herbivores certainly suffered during the drought and I believe that the numbers of zebra, wildebeest,...

Brilliant shot of Wild Dog pack on the road.

November 2016

08 Dec 2016

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The Greater Kudu, Tragelaphus Strepsiceros, is the third largest antelope in Kruger Park, after the Eland and Roan Antelope. The Kudu is an elegant antelope with bulls having magnificent spiral horns that can grow up to 1.75 metres long. Its coat is fawn-coloured with the sides...

September 2016

11 Oct 2016

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The drought continued throughout September 2016. Unlike Kruger Park, some of the Private Game Reserves that Viva Safaris visit have decided to feed the animals. Both Kapama Game Reserve and Tshukudu Game Reserve have been feeding their grazers on a daily basis. In Kruger I am...

August 2016

07 Sep 2016

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The Small-spotted Genet, Genetta Genetta, is widely distributed throughout South Africa. Genets have long, sleek bodies and equally long tails, short legs and relatively long, rounded ears. The general body colour is off-white to grey and is liberally covered with dark brown to...

Leopard with fresh Duiker kill up a Marula Tree.

July 2016

13 Aug 2016

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Last month’s newsletter indicated our concerns about poaching by ill-informed locals. Underpinning these nefarious activities is a need to earn cash – poverty is widespread in the communities adjacent to Kruger Park. It is critically important that the owners of Game Lodges and...

June 2016

18 Jul 2016

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The White-backed Vulture, Gyps Africanus, is the most common vulture species in the Kruger Park. It is also the most common vulture in Africa. Guests who book our 5 and 6 day packages go to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre where they can interact with some rehabilitated...