newsletter Archives - Page 2 of 13 - Kruger Park Safaris with Viva Safaris

July 2025

31 Jul 2025

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It seems to me that strife in our world is ever-increasing. Nowadays I am reluctant to watch TV news bulletins as I am invariably depressed. Strife has even entered my personal world via the beloved game reserve that has brought me much happiness and such a warm sense of...

June 2025

30 Jun 2025

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For me, the expression “A picture is worth a thousand words” evokes many emotions and memories. On the walls of our home, my wife Sandra and I have various items. These include photos of family, paintings of places we have visited, religious items such as a crucifix and a...

May 2025

31 May 2025

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From time to time, Viva Safaris encounter guests that show little or no interest in seeing the Big Five. This is refreshing and the guests invariably turn out to be birders. All birders are advised to book the 7 day Kruger/KwaZulu Natal safari package. They will see many birds in...

April 2025

30 Apr 2025

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From time to time, our Viva tourists who are interested in plants, ask about the huge Rubber Tree near the swimming pool at Tremisana. The tree is, in fact, a fig, FICUS ELASTICA It is an introduced species, native to subtropical South East Asia. My research indicates that it,...

March 2025

01 Apr 2025

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The European Roller, Coracias Garrulus, is a non-breeding summer migrant that arrives in SA around October and leaves for Eurasia towards the end of March. It is not as colourful as the Lilac-breasted Roller. Previously there was competition between the two species and my...

February 2025

02 Mar 2025

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On the 31 January 2025, I read a report of an elephant killing a tourist at the Malelane Gate of Kruger Park. He was on foot and out of his vehicle. Every now and again, we hear of elephants killing people in Africa. With the sustained drought in parts of Africa, elephants are...

December 2024 January 2025

30 Jan 2025

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Viva Safaris’ guests’ first wildlife experience is the Sunset Drive and Bush BBQ. Once the guests are seated in our open Landcruiser, our game ranger explains certain rules pertaining to game drives. These are intended to allow everyone to thoroughly enjoy the experience and to...

November 2024

01 Dec 2024

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This month, we have had more people applying for work at Viva Safaris than in any previous month over the last 33 years. In one sense, we feel flattered – it would appear that Viva Safaris has a reputation of being a stable and growing business that places staff welfare as...

October 2024

01 Nov 2024

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The Grey Heron, Ardea Cinerea, is a long-legged wader found near water. It is common throughout Kruger Park. It feeds mainly on aquatic prey, which it catches by a swift stabbing motion. It is often seen standing stationary, patiently waiting for a fish or frog to get within...

September 2024

01 Oct 2024

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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...