Viva Safaris team look forward to seeing you soon!
Viva Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 1991)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range tours that, when possible, use accommodations owned and operated by them
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $84 to $207 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Dean Camm | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
7 Day Viva Safari - June 2025
I do not normally provide reviews but on this occasion decided to provide potential Viva Safari visitors with an insight as to our experiences.
I booked the safari directly with Viva Safaris rather than going through a tour operator. From my first emails, Patricia Landau was exceptionally prompt and helpful in her responses. I asked many questions and was provided with all the information I needed. We selected the 7 day safari based at the Tremisana Lodge. We were picked up promptly at our Johannesburg airport hotel and driven to Kruger in time for our first sunset drive. Amazingly we saw 3 of the big 5 on that first drive. Once back at the lodge we checked into our accommodation which is rustic and comfortable. During our week we were driven by numerous of the Viva team. All were very informative about the animals and were keen to enable us to see as many different species as possible. We found Andy and Marc to be extremely enthusiastic, every day seemed an adventure for them too. The schedules are packed each day. Having been on a safari previously we were delighted with the amount of time out in jeeps on this Viva safari. We must have averaged over 7 hours per day actually tracking animals. We managed to see all the big 5, with the highlights being 8 lions walking beside the jeep literally 5 minutes from the lodge, a cheetah walking beside the jeep in Kruger, 3 hyena cubs lazing by the road in Kruger and 14 giraffes walking beside the road totally ignoring us, a boa constrictor sunbathing in a tree and 2 male wildebeest fighting for territory and breeding rights. With regard to the lodge itself, the team worked hard to ensure we were well fed, the food was good, plentiful and filling and the chefs added their own cakes, cookies and desserts. Each mealtime the visitors met at the Lapa restaurant to discuss their sightings, share experiences and add to the enjoyment. Just outside the perimeter of the Lapa (literally 20 metres from our seats) we had daily visits from hyenas, a family of 5 warthogs, honey badgers, elephants, guinea fowl and numerous other birds. At Tremisana we met many fun loving people from all over Europe, Asia and America which all added to the experience. What a fantastic holiday. It was definitely a 5 out of 5 experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to spend their safari holiday actually viewing animals rather than sitting beside a pool.
NL
Email Robbert | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a team, what an experience
Communication with Viva Safaris up to the safari itself was pleasant: Patti responded quickly and helped me in getting the perfect package. The safari itself was to die for: driving on the savannah during sunrise, seeing the whole sky turn orange and red, passing a group of zebras while hearing the roar of a lion further away from the vehicle. I kept thinking 'this won't be my only safari'.
The team itself was nothing short of amazing too: very kind and helpful, amazing food (especially dinners were my highlight, though I would recommend getting something like protein shakes or bars if you want to stick to your daily protein goals. It is possible to reach 100gr on a daily basis, but with the available South African diet you go way up in calories as well. I.e. Billtong has +30gr of protein but is also easily +400 in kcal per 100gr) the catering staff always had the biggest smile on their faces and the rangers/ drivers were always willing to explain during the drives. Also, I had my stay in the Tremisana Lodge and it was very comfortable. A/C available but not needed since I went un June (at night temperatures would be around 12-15C), small fridge, good shower and more than enough space for 2 people.
I would def book again with Viva Safaris, my safari has been amazing thanks to the team and the savannah!
PH
Email Patrick | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best value for money safari!
Had a great time for my safari! I would recommend Viva Safari to anyone who wants a value for money safari experience. Viva Safaris provide excellent customer service and made sure their customers get their moneys worth.
ID
Email Ikhsan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well planned
It was a great experience and worth of money. I would recommend to take more than 2 days, you never know what can you see in the park.
IT
Email Margherita | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Patricia helped me so much to book the best experience for my need. The all experience was so great!
I did not really know what to look for or to expect when coming to South Africa. I had very little time to find information my self and Patricia from Viva Safari helped me so so much to understand what I actually wanted to see and for how many days. I did a 3 night / 4 days safari from Johannesburg. Staying at Tremisana on the first night was very confortable, the other two night I stayed at the Tree House that was instead much much wilder, but overall it was great to combine the two sleeping places. All guides I met were very experienced and passionate. I am vegetarian/vegan and a vegetarian food option was always ready for me as well. I loved doing the bush walks and the evening safari. The day in kruger is very long but I loved it. Overall, very high raccomanded. I would love to go back. Thank you!
BB
Email Safari traveler | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent guide, modest accommodation, helpful staff
The guide was very polite helpful and educated.
The stay was simple but nice and worth the price.
The other staff were polite and arba
Email Ankush Darade | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Safari Adventure Like No Other
Absolutely unforgettable experience with Viva Safari and Tremisana Lodge! From the moment we booked, the team was professional, responsive, and passionate about delivering an exceptional safari adventure. Our guide Smily, Mark and Rocky, were knowledgeable and took us on an incredible journey through the stunning landscapes of Kruger National Park and Surrounding private big 5 reserves. Spotting majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and playful elephants, Cape Buffalo and Leopard in their natural habitat was truly exhilarating. The accommodations were comfortable, and the meals were delicious. Highly recommend this operator for their expertise, safety, and commitment to sustainable tourism. Can't wait to plan our next adventure with them!"
Email Nicole | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
You must book! Big 5 within 24 hours!
Wow wow wow. Viva Safaris you are a dream! Big 5 within 24 hours!!! I travelled as a solo young female and I honestly couldn’t have felt safer and couldn’t recommend this safari experience more if I tried—it was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Tremisana Lodge and Balule Nature Reserve completely exceeded all expectations; it truly felt like the heart of the wild. We saw more wildlife in Balule than we did in Kruger National Park itself—elephants strolling past during breakfast, hyenas lurking nearby at dinner, and so many unforgettable sightings in between. Wild dogs, rhinos, lions, leopards, a cheetah close by and more!
Every detail was so thoughtfully taken care of. From the cozy blankets on those chilly morning game drives to the way all dietary needs were perfectly catered for, it was clear how much care goes into making guests feel comfortable and at home. The whole experience ran so smoothly thanks to the amazing organization by Educate—everything was seamless, and we always felt safe, informed, and totally immersed in nature. It was the trip of a lifetime, and I’m beyond grateful.
Luke, Smiley, and Victor were the absolute best guides during my Viva Safari adventure! Their passion, knowledge, and energy made every moment unforgettable—from the early morning game drives to the full Kruger days. Luke’s wisdom and knowledge on the drives and bush walks, Andy’s sharp eye, Smiley’s contagious laughter, and Victor’s deep understanding of the bush brought the whole experience to life. I couldn’t have asked for a better trio—they made it magical!
I will be returning!!!!
Email Micky and Sara | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A brilliant tour operator that provides the best bespoke safaris with the best team!!
What can I say. The six day safari with Viva Safaris been extraordinary from start to finish! We’ve stayed in all sorts of accommodation from tree houses to rustic lodges. We’ve eaten superb African food including a wonderful Bush BBQ. We’ve been on sunset and sunrise drives, bush walks and full day safaris in Kruger. We’ve been so well looked after by a mass of the loveliest drivers, guides and chefs. We’ve been joined on our adventures by a lovely motley crew of people from around the world! We’ve seen a plethora of beautiful animals and birds and reptiles in their natural habitats!! We’ve been to the incredible Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where they care for injured and sick wildlife across Kruger and wherever possible make them better and return them to the wild.
We will never forget these few days. We just feel so lucky!!! A few names to mention in particular: Rocky, Victor and Andy. Sharl, Ed, Sinky, Mandler and Margaret. And all the ladies who looked after us at all three lodges!
Thank you Viva!! We would totally recommend you!!! Micky and Sara
ES
Email Peio Sagastigordia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very suitable for any budget and the Balule reserve is amazing.
With Viva Safaris you can have all the experiences that exist on a safari, or almost all of them. We went in August, and on the first day we had almost seen the Big 5.
The treatment of the people is spectacular, both the guides and the staff at the camps.
It is true that we missed a little more time with the animals, or walking a little more on the bushwalk, but I imagine that the rules have something to do with these decisions.
I am very happy to have chosen them as my first experience in Africa. I am looking forward to returning, and I do not rule out doing it with them.
Thanks to the entire Viva Safari team, from Bilbao.
Esti and Peio