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:
- $83 to $206 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 Nicola | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
"Incredible Wildlife, Expert Guides, and Seamless Safari Adventures!"
We had an absolutely fantastic experience with Viva Safari — everything was brilliantly organised and ran like clockwork. The entire operation is clearly very professional, with enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable guides who truly love what they do.
Our safari experience included a wonderful mix of sunrise and sunset game drives, bush walks (which were thrilling!), and event meals out in the bush — all of which made the experience feel incredibly immersive. We always knew what to expect thanks to the clear communication from the team, which helped us make the most of every moment.
We stayed at Tremisana Lodge, which is right in the heart of the bush. It was an amazing location — we regularly saw wildlife right outside our accommodation, including lions, hyenas, elephants, and even honey badgers! The camp had a very sociable atmosphere, and the guides were always around for a chat or to answer questions, which made the whole experience even more engaging.
The food was plentiful and of a good standard, and everything was very well catered. If you're looking for great value for money, with the focus firmly on being out on safari as much as possible, Viva Safari is an excellent choice. The guides go out of their way to ensure you see as much as possible, and even the transfers and rest stops were well planned and efficient.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Viva Safari — you will not be disappointed!
US
Email Cari & Jesse Fairbanks | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tour guides that really care!
I would highly recommend Viva Safari’s! The staff is super friendly and communicates well with any needs that may arise. The tour guides worked really hard to get as many animal sightings as possible.
Email Zoe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Full on, fun and exciting experience
Very well organised - we were picked up from our hotel on time. Trf from Jo'berg to Tremisana does take most of the day, but you stop for lunch in a lovely little town, at a great restaurant. As soon as we arrived at the lodge, we were straight out on a sunset game drive, and then on to the bush bbq - make sure you wrap up warm for the drive (I'd recommend a hat, scarf and gloves if you can stand to take things like that on holiday!)
The next day was an early start for the sunrise drive, but then we had some chill out time during the day, which was much needed by that stage. Sunset drive was great, with a some drinks and nibbles, and a lovely lookout point to watch the sub go down.
The next two days were less hectic - sensible get up time for the approx 1 hour drive to Kruger, with full day drives on both days. The rest stop and restaurant is great - lots of choice on the menu.
Our final day was the drive back to Jo'berg, but via the Blyde River Canyon, which is spectacular. A real treat and a good opportunity to get some final souvenirs.
All of the rangers and guide were very friendly and knowledgable. Mama D is a legend - lovely food and they were able to cater for vegetarian and vegan needs in our group (although a couple of times the vegan dessert was a piece of fruit). Be mindful though - dinner is served quite late and then we tended to go straight to bed. That combined with being driven everywhere and I felt my waistline grow every day!
Accommodation at Tremisana is okay - a bit basic and nothing to write home about, but then you don't spend much time in your room anyway. The site itself is lovely, with a communal dining area (the Lapa) that overlooks a small clearing - we had hyenas and honey badgers there most evening and were treated to a full herd of elephants one morning.
Drinks are reasonably priced, as are the food prices in the rest stops in Kruger.
I'd really recommend this safari to anyone. 5 days seemed perfect to get the most from Kruger. We saw a few packs of lions and a couple of rhinos, as well as the usual elephants, giraffes, zebras etc. No leopard unfortunately - maybe next time?!
FR
Email Marie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good. The person we're in contact with by email is great and responsive.
Very good value for money. You get what you pay for. The tour is well organized and everything is well put together. The accommodations are good and the organization of the days is excellent.
US
Email Dee | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
We had an amazing time with Viva Safaris! Everything was taken care of, organized, and met our expectations. We could truly enjoy our time in South Africa and not think about transportation or lodging or all those small details. The guides were excellent and knowledgeable and staff was absolutely wonderful!
DE
Email Tom | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari Review
Awesome experience in every respect, absolutely nothing to complain about.
US
Email Diana | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Viva Safaris ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just returned from a 6 night safari with viva safaris. It was a trip of a lifetime. There were too many WOW moments to count.
From bookingsafari.com, to Patti from viva safari who helped with the booking process. Patti was awesome, answered all of my questions promptly.
The staff and guides at Tremisana Lodge were all top notch!
Highly recommend this company!
NO
Email Falk | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
perfect for budget travelers
Hi, we have had a great time.
Good accommodation, clean and nice.
Good food (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Very nice staff and guides.
Good safari experience, good tours. Guides with a excellent knowledge about the nature and the animals.
Good organised service and trips.
Thanks for the great time
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!
