Reviews

Average User Rating
5.0/5

Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 320
  • 4 star 31
  • 3 star 2
  • 2 star 6
  • 1 star 0

Sort By: Date Most Helpful 1-10 of 320 Reviews
Justin Lindsay   –  
New Zealand NZ
Visited: July 2026 Reviewed: Jul 22, 2026

Email Justin Lindsay  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Viva Safaris are a very welcoming and exceptionally well-organised tour operator.
5/5

I found Viva to be an excellent company to work with. Communication was clear throughout and despite what seemed like a huge amount of moving parts everything ran seamlessly. The safari itself was of course excellent and the absolute highlight of my time in South Africa. I will be back someday and I will definitely be using Viva Safari again.

Barbara and Phil Rasnick   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2026 Reviewed: Jul 15, 2026

Email Barbara and Phil Rasnick  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Outstanding!
5/5

I will review Viva Safaris and Tremisana Lodge together. To quote Smiley (Viva Guide), WOW! Besides seeing all the animals in the setting in which God intended, the guides really made all the difference to us. They were funny, accommodating, professional, and soooo knowledgeable about the animals and the plants in the area. We learned quite a bit about what would kill or heal us. : ) The ladies that cooked for us were so nice and friendly. The food was delicious and there was always plenty to eat. The accommodations are not considered 5 star, but we didn't plan to spend several days in the bush in lush accommodations. It was clean, well maintained, daily cleaning service, nice pool area (even though a tad chilly when we were there). You spend very little time in your room. Wi-fi is currently only available in the Lapa (dining area). But again, we all need to unplug when you are in Africa. I wouldn't plan on working any at all while there. We felt safe at Tremisana because there is a tall electric fence completely around it. There are monkeys everywhere at the lodge which keeps things interesting. They make for some interesting hi-jinks. Just be sure and keep the door to your room closed. We had no complaints with our stay. So much so that we are going back in 2027. We have had people ask us why we aren't going to a different area. When you have had the experience we had this year, why would we? Special thanks to Smiley, V, Andy and Raymond.

Neil and Alison   –  
Australia AU
Visited: June 2026 Reviewed: Jul 5, 2026

Email Neil and Alison

Excellent value for money
5/5

Just returned from a safari holiday to South Africa. We chose Viva Safaris for two reasons. Good reviews and Patti Landau!! Her excellent communication skills in answering all the information we requested and her warm personality gave us the confidence to go ahead.
Viva safaris is a well organised operation with an outstanding team.
The guides, kitchen staff and drivers were a pleasure to interact with and made the holiday so much more fun and enjoyable.
The only downside was the shower fittings and maybe some suitable accommodation for couples at Tremisana. The rooms are quite cramped with a double and two single beds !!
We will never forget Tremisana and Pumusa and take this opportunity to thank each and every one at Viva Safaris ( Patti, Ed, Rocky, Smiley,Andy and kitchen team at Tremisana) ( George, Nellie, Sanzo and Zakiel at Pumusa) for doing an awesome job. Though we did not get to see lions and leopards we did see an amazing array of animals. An incredible experience on the whole!!
Hope to be back one day soon to do it all again and hopefully see two of the big five we missed out on !!!

Conrad   –  
Australia AU
Visited: June 2026 Reviewed: Jul 3, 2026

Email Conrad  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Well planned and executed
5/5

We booked a 7 Day Tremisana/Pumusa Kruger Hluhluwe and St Lucia Safari, 3 nights in Tremisana and 3 at Hluhluwe.
Pre booking - Patti, our main contact was brilliant. No question was too hard and all our queries got prompt responses. She was one of the key reason we opted for Viva safari of the numerous options available on the market.
Tour - Activities were carried out as stipulated on the brochure and whilst the operators juggled with the various groups and movements (behind the scenes), the program itself was carried out smoothly and always on time. You can rely on what they say you will get, at least it was our experience.
Facility Staff - Service with a smile. Pleasant, courteous and always willing to help. Dietary issues, no probs
Tour staff- knowledgeable in their roles and worked hard to ensure that sightings were given the best option. We saw plenty.
Facilities- Adequate, could do with a minor makeover, but nothing to complain about
In summary, we had a great ti e, met our objectives of the tour outcomes and we felt it delivered, hence ‘value for money’

Stella Zuccotti   –  
Italy IT
Visited: June 2026 Reviewed: Jun 10, 2026

Email Stella Zuccotti  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Viva Safari was amazing and very helpful
5/5

Viva Safari take care of everything.
I had also a problem with my luggage that was lost in Etiopia. When arrived they took care of everything. I really appreciate it.
We saw a lot of animals was an amazing experience.
Rocky was my favourite guide. He spot animals and was very funny everytime!!!!
WOW Rocky.

David Lessnau   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2026 Reviewed: Jun 9, 2026

Email David Lessnau  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Great value for the money
5/5

We just returned from our Safari with Viva Safari. We went on a a five night 6-day Safari and it was wonderful. I had gone on the Safari about 20 years ago with Oversea Adventure Travel. O. A. T. It also was excellent but it cost $15,000 for the two of us 20 years ago so I would assume now it's probably $30,000. This one was well worth price. They're charging which I thought was reasonable. We saw the big five and until numbers of other animals. We even saw a pack of 12 wild dogs which I understand is quite rare to see. The food was good. The guides were good and the accommodations were good. I took a video while I was on the Safari and I'll post a link below so you can watch it if you want to.
https://youtu.be/MGIXZFaovlA?si=n6-3Q5XEPu2ZoGFA

Samantha   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: May 2026 Reviewed: Jun 1, 2026

Email Samantha  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Magical experience
5/5

As a first time solo traveller, first time to Africa and safari, I have to say that my entire holiday experience was spectacular. The highlight was my safari which I booked through Viva Safari's. From the initial booking experience via email to the actual holiday itself, I have been nothing but impressed with their efficiency and friendly nature. I cannot fault any aspect of my safari, the lodges, the food, the information, communication, comfort, facilities, game drives and different experiences and value for money was clearly outstanding and magical. I never once felt alone and felt part of a big family the entire time. I will definitely be returning and would use and highly recommend Viva to anyone thinking of a safari. THANK YOU for making my trip so special.

Juul   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: May 2026 Reviewed: May 19, 2026

Email Juul  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Well organized safari
5/5

Everything was well organized. The staff was nice and funny. They do their best to spot many animals. Tremisana was a good lodge. The food was tasty and varied.
Sometimes you have to drop off another group for a different safari, which means you travel a little longer, but it was well arranged so we didn't have to wait unnecessarily long.

Amy   –  
Australia AU
Visited: April 2026 Reviewed: May 8, 2026

Email Amy  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Friendly, funny and polite
5/5

Absolutely value for money. The vast range of activities during the day and night as well as the accommodation was worth every cent.

Leanna C   –  
Canada CA
Visited: April 2026 Reviewed: Apr 24, 2026

Email Leanna C  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Best experience ever! And we've travelled a lot.
5/5

This safari exceeded my expectations in every way, and I have very high expectations. The food and housekeeping we're great. The guides were very competent. They knew where to find the animals, and could spot animals that most people would not spot. I can't say enough good things about Viva Safaris. I will definitely be telling everyone I know about how amazing they are, and what a magical experience we had.

Average User Rating
5.0/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 320
  • 4 star 31
  • 3 star 2
  • 2 star 6
  • 1 star 0
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