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October 2025

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In last month’s newsletter I indicated how speeding leads to terrible wildlife roadkill.  I regret to advise that on or around 19 October a beautiful male leopard was run over on the tar road close to the Olifants West gate. This happened despite the Ingwe Research program having...

September 2025

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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...

August 2025

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Kruger Park is set apart from all other game reserves in terms of its diversity of wildlife. The massive herds of wildebeest in the Serengeti, the huge concentrations of animals around the Etosha waterholes and the great herds of elephants along the Chobe River are certainly...

July 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...