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:
- $86 to $213 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 Perdita Barran | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Superb Authentic Safari Experience
I recommend this Safari experience without reservation. We transferred from J'Berg, with a smooth hotel pick up. Drive to the Tresimina Lodge was in a well air-conditioned minivan with a couple of good stops including one for lunch in Dullstroom. On arrival we literally saw an Elephant right by the lodgings and that was certainly not the last! We got shown to our rooms, clean with fresh linen and mosquito nets, and almost straight away went for a sunset Safari and evening Brai (BBQ) in the bush. This kind of rest, eat, Safari schedule went on for the entire four days. We saw SO many fabulous and healthy looking animals, for me highlights were the tribes of Impala, Zebra, Giraffe and in main KP accompanied by Wildebeest. I also loved the early (5 am!!) walk in the bush, and the random encounters with real live wild animals of all shapes and sizes. Viva Safari have EXCELLENT guides, they are knowledgeable, they make you feel safe, and they clearly love the animals and the bush and don't seem to mind the at times naive questions from all tourists. We really had a great time. We encountered a Rhino at very very close quarters, all of us were surprised including the Rhino. Herds of buffalo and Impala in the distance and close by and for those that count 4/big5 🦁🦏🦛🦬 (and I often felt a Leopard was lurking somewhere near) 5/5 ugly 5 and so many birds big and small. As for the incredible strength of the dung beetles!! This would suit all types, Viva Safari look after you very well and the FOOD is fantastic, varied, plentiful and delicious. I also enjoyed meeting fellow travellers some single some couples and some mixed family groups. All made welcome.
Email Jon + Sarah | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding - loved every minute
We have just come back from a 6 day Safari with Viva Safaris at the Tremisana Lodge and I have to say it's the best safari experience we could have hoped for.
We began the tour from Johannesburg and were picked up on time and the transfer up took about 6 hours with multiple stops for comfort breaks and lunch. Once we arrived (at about 4pm) we just had time to check in and then go out for an evening game drive. It took less than 5 minutes for us to come across our first elephant, promptly followed by rhino, as well as other common species like antelope and zebra.
The following day we did an early morning sunrise drive + bush walk which was a lovely experience to see the park on foot. The walk down to the river was fantastic and we got to see up close (but safely!) animals like hippo and crocodiles. Our evening drive that day was super eventful and we got to see more rhino and elephants as well as an incredibly rare encounter with african wild dogs!
The following 3 days we spent on full days in Kruger via Orpen Gate. These were the 3 best safari days you could want.
Immediately Day 1after entering the park we encountered a pride of lions and we proceeded to see a massive range of other wildlife and we lost count of how many elephants - as a guess we came across 200 of them throughout the day including several large herds with very young babies.
Day 2 we finally (after many years of trying) managed to see a leopard, thus completing our big 5! It was so nice to see it happily sat under a tree watching the world go by close to the side of the road. We also spotted many more elephants and more lions etc.
Day 3 was equally as exciting with 2 more sets of lions, more rhino and even more baby elephants and a super cute baby giraffe.
Our last morning before heading back to Johannesburg was an early rise 2h drive where we got to see Rhino again and also a leopard in the distance attempting to catch something but failing. The journey back again took us via Blythe Canyon which is one of the most spectacular views you could imagine. We got back to the airport by about 4:30 which left plenty of time for our evening flights.
Accommodation wise we stayed in the rooms at Tremisana. They were plenty big enough, had nice hot showers and even air-con if you really needed it. Not fancy, but absolutely what you need for a safari. What made the lodge so special though was it's location and set up. Because you're in the old private reserve you literally are amongst the animals! At breakfast we had elephant walk straight past us the other side of the fence and in the morning hyena could be seen watching you and sniffing out the fantastic hot breakfast food etc.
The staff and guides were first class. So friendly and knowledgeable and they really were so invested in wanting to make sure you had the best time possible. Quite how the guides spot the animals is also a mystery - they must have laser vision as they just see everything so quickly leaving you all the time you need to focus and do your own spotting once you work out what they have seen. They are super patient, they know exactly the right pace to go at and which angles are best for photos etc.
Overall - Viva Safari and Tremisana Lodge are right up there - and amazing value for money too. Definitely check them out!
Email Jenni | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very good value safari
I booked 6 days in Kruger through viva safaris. Such good value. I stayed in marc’s treehouse camp. The staff were fabulous. Meals were excellent. I had a lovely cabin with a comfortable bed and good hot water. I thoroughly enjoyed our safari drives - seeing fabulous wild animsls close up.
ES
Email Graham & Lynn | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow!
Wow!
Just returned from a fabulous 7 day safari staying at Tremisana Game Lodge.
Situated on the Balule Nature Reserve, on the edge of Kruger National Park. Accommodation is in thatched lodges, in beautifully landscapes gardens, with many water features and a fabulous swimming pool. The staff are like one big happy family and we felt honoured to become part of the family during our stay. The Lapa, where all meals are taken is an ideal place to chill out and watch the animals visiting the waterhole just outside the property. Just beware of the pesky monkeys who’ll try and steal any food left lying around. The holiday included a bush walk, many drives at sunrise, sunset, barbecues in the bush, a couple of days in Kruger and a visit to the rehabilitation centre. All extremely memorable and every day is completely different. All the guides are extremely knowledgeable, so prepare to get educated on everything from mating habits to footprints and animal behaviour to spotting the different types of animal poop. It’s so much more than a holiday it’s is a huge learning experience! The guides are in regular radio contact so if an animal is spotted elsewhere then there’s nothing to match the excitement of a high speed rally drive to find the animal. Hang on tight, because you really will get bounced around in the jeeps, but it’s all part of the fun! The guides ensure you get to see everything you can and we were lucky enough to see all the Big 5 within 48 hours of arriving at the lodge. Whilst we were on holiday, we celebrated a big wedding anniversary, so a big shout the staff who decorated our lodge with flowers and also set out a romantic candlelit table for two at the bush barbecue. The whole holiday exceeded our expectations and we would most definitely recommend Viva Safari’s.
IT
Email Andrea Lustri | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful experience
Our 6 days with Viva Safaris were exceptional. They picked up us in Johannesburg, and we stayed at Tremisana Lodge, which is very welcoming. The room was simple but had everything we needed. The meals prepared by the women at the lodge were always good ( and sometimes an elephant would show up at breakfast to keep us company).
Of course, the most important part were the game drives. We really appreciated the variety of drives experiences offered, some at sunrise, others at sunset, and full day safaris in Kruger Park. The walking safari with guides Luke and Whian was also wonderful.
Mark has great knowledge of the area and explains everything in an exceptional way. A special thank you goes to our guide Smiley, who was absolutely phenomenal.
My partner and I have wonderful memories of the six days we spent with them, and we highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting South Africa.
Cheers from Andrea "the mechanic"
Email Ayan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Meticulously organised operator
We had an excellent time with Viva Safaris. You are in safe hands with this company as they are very organised with a diverse itinerary which makes the most of your time. We had a member of our group fall ill and the staff were planned and prepared to get them taken care of.
Our safari package contained two bush walks which was very enriching. We got to see the terrain up close and learn about the complex ecosystem at Kruger - I find bush walks are rare amongst other providers. The accomodations given by the company are in good condition and right on the edge of the park, with many animals approaching the camp sites. The food served for breakfast and dinner was very tasty and homely. All of the staff gave excellent service, being polite and always willing to help. The game drivers had expert knowledge of the park, the animals and were incredible spotters. Thank you Viva Safaris!
Unforgettable Safari Experience with Viva Safari
We went on a 6-day safari with Viva Safari and were absolutely thrilled with the entire experience. Everything was perfectly organized — from the transfers to the game drives, everything ran smoothly and stress-free. Of course, when it comes to wildlife, you always need a bit of luck, but we were incredibly fortunate and got to see so many amazing animals up close.
The guides were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, and it was great to chat with them and learn more about the animals and nature. The accommodation was beautiful, and everyone from the kitchen staff to the team on site did a fantastic job.
We can highly recommend Viva Safari to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable safari experience. And the absolute highlight was having breakfast while watching elephants right in front of the lodge — simply magical!
Email Dean | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic tour
It was best experience ever and Mark was fantastic. Tour guide. I give this guys five stars excellent.
Email Tissa | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Tremisana Safari Lodge is Magic
Viva Safaris and Patricia Landau, Thank you ever so much for arranging a wonderful safari holiday for us. We had a wonderful time. Everyone at the Tremisana Safari lodge, including the manager, were exceptionally good. We had a memorable time there and feel sad to leave. Hope we will be able to make a re-visit one day in the future. Thank you again. Wish you and the team at Viva Safari all the best. Tissa, Sheila and Anupa, London, UK. 18.9.2025
Email Wanda | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure
What a Fantastic Adventure we had at Tremisana Lodge/Viva Safari!
We quickly became a community of new & repeat guests, staff & guides. Each outing was unique in where we went, who was with us & which guides would accompany us to impart their tremendous knowledge of the animals on the quest for the big 5. Yes, we found them All & so much more along the way, up close & personal. The flora, fauna, sunsets & sunrises were absolutely gorgeous. We would gather at the patio with our new & newer friends for the most delicious, lovingly prepared meals (OMG the fried chicken & best buffalo pie in Africa). We shared our most recent spottings. stories, photos & contact info.
The facility was simply wonderful & the entire staff went above & beyond to make our stay most comfortable & memorable.
Thank you again - Ed, Mama D & all the ladies, Mark, Luke, V, Ray, Quint, Smiley & the entire staff for a once in a lifetime experience - WOW!!!
