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:
- $81 to $199 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
US
Email Greg Cunningham | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5-day Viva Safari in Tremisana Lodge near Kruger
Our 5-day safari at Tremisana Lodge near Kruger Natl Park exceeded expectations for my wife and I. Our trip started with a flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg, where we stayed the night at a comfortable but inexpensive Safari Lodge near the airport which Viva Safaris helped us to reserve. The next morning we had a 6-hour drive to Tremisana that was part of the package, arriving at the Lodge in the late afternoon. That evening we went on a 3-hour night drive where we saw a black-backed jackal mother (with cubs in a nearby termite mound), elephants (mothers and children), and numerous impala (the fast food of the bush). The following morning we went on a 'bush walk' just after sunrise where our guide, Rex, and his partner, Elias, tracked a black rhinoceros and her 2-year old daughter. Rex predicted that the rhinos would be near our jeep when we returned there an hour later, and, sure enough, they were happily munching twenty feet off the road upon our return. We were so close we could see them use their protuberances to strip the leaves off the branches, hear them chew the vegetation, and see the young rhino communicate with her mother in response to our presence. Prior to returning to the jeep we had seen a group of hippos next to several crocodiles in the river, and a troop of baboons across the river. Rex and Elias also showed us some of the 'little five' along our hike, and their communication with the group while tracking the rhinos at a distance truly enhanced the experience. During the middle of the day we enjoyed the small pool and lounging chairs, interacting with other guests from around the world. During the evenings of our stay we regularly went on drives, and saw many different types of animals, including giraffe, kudu, duiker, impala, steenbok, mongoose, hyena and others, often with their young. We were astounded how much wildlife there was considering how badly the drought seemed to be affecting the vegetation, but the lack of vegetation made seeing the animals easier, I think. Other highlights of the trip were the full day we spent in Kruger, where we saw small herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, impala, Cape buffalo, a pride of lions with the alpha female protecting a recent kill, a recent impala kill stored for safekeeping in a tree by a leopard, a lounging leopard under a tree just 30 feet from the jeep, and many other amazing sitings. We also enjoyed our visit to the Maholoholo Sanctuary, where we learned about the devastating impact that modern civilization has on these magnificent creatures and we enjoyed petting an 'ambassador' cheetah, feeding the vultures and watching an adult male lion take raw meat from our guide. Our trip to the private game reserve Tshukudu was also very enjoyable as we got within 50 feet of a pride of lions napping in a dry river bed. The male and female roared in response to the engine noise of our jeep. We saw a baby hippo with its protective mother in one of the water holes there as the sun set. On our farewell drive the morning of our departure, we experienced a poignant moment when we saw four lion cubs, one of whom had somehow gotten on the 'wrong side of the fence' and was chuffing at her litter mates. The three that were on our side of the fence were in obvious distress at the fact that their litter mate was separated from them, and all four were communicating with each other. Despite the immense size of Kruger Natl Park, which Tremisana Lodge is adjacent too without any fencing separating the two areas, this experience reminded us that habitat loss is one of the major problems facing the many species we encountered during our stay. Overall, we thought that Viva Safaris provided us with a terrific experience for a very affordable price. We enjoyed the breakfasts and dinners prepared by the kitchen staff that were served outdoors, with a troop of velvet monkeys playing amongst themselves and often attempting to play with the guests, the warthogs and yellow hornbills eating the leftover fruit disposed of by the staff just outside the protective fence, and a curious genet exploring the area around our dinner one evening. Everyone we talked to who was on safari with us wished we could stay 'just one more day' because every day yielded something unexpected and memorable. We appreciated all the hard work from the staff at Viva Safaris and felt like we had made a lasting connection with many of them; we can't wait to visit again!
Email dene | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fantastic experience,well looked after.always felt safe..every need accounted for .Mr brai is a gem.
Great service .well organized. All above expectations
All staff were very friendly and personable, helping to create a memorable experience.
All staff were very friendly and personable, helping to create a memorable experience. Everyone went out of their way to make sure you enjoyed yourself. Well done.
Fantastic introduction to africa
To begin my extended trip through Southern Africa I signed up for the 4 day Kruger Park tented safari. I was very glad Viva safari was able to accommodate my last minute change of pick up places when my flight was delayed by 24 hours. The night drive and broma was special and I learnt so much from the knowledgable guides about animal behaviour and how to identify them by their dung and tracks on the early morning bush walk. The wonderful accommodation, food and service at Katekani camp was greatly appreciated after a dusty day viewing wildlife. Thanks for a great safari
Email Grace | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Premier Park Experience
Our lodge was ideally situated and the staff were friendly and helpful. Willy who drove us around for our early morning and evening drives was excellent and engaging with a great sense of humour. Overall phenomenal experience! Thank you!
QA
Email Nicky B | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari surprises every day
We had a fantastic trip to Kruger National Park with Viva Safaris, with two destinations and therefore different experiences in each. We received superb hospitality, good, clean accommodation and they even catered for vegetarians and vegans.
The safari tours were well structured and informative and most of all, great fun. Some days the animals were quite determined not to be seen but the expert guides always found them in the end! The safari vehicles offered great views and shelter from the sun and we were never overcrowded. We also had bush walks (sturdy shoes/boots recommended) which were so enjoyable too.
Overall, the experiences we had were amazing and we hope to return in the future and would definitely use Viva Safaris again. They surpassed expectations on every level.
Email Jackie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond Expectations!
Our safari was amazing! The guide was punctual, polite and knowledgeable. Within a few hours we had sighted all of the Big 5! The day was one which I shall treasure forever.
HK
Email Bob Ikin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Full on
It was comprehensive and we we constantly viewing. I would suggest flying into Kruger from Joburg as the 6-7hour bus journey was a little labourious
US
Email Matt Lloyd | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience of a lifetime!
There are a huge and overwhelming number of options when researching a safari to Kruger: I can say without hesitation that you will not be disappointed on a trip arranged by Viva Safaris! I very much enjoyed my stay at Mark's Treehouse camp: the staff were very friendly and professional, and the trips to Kruger and surrounding game reserves very well organized. We saw all of the big five in one day! Loved it!
Email Georgia and Andrew | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly enjoyable and recommendable
Selecting a safari can be mind-boggling. We chose well when we chose Viva for Kruger Park. Clearly Viva understands the importance of their guests' expectations and meets them admirably. It was not expensive and gave us a brilliant first-time experience. Although the "processing" of guests runs like a well-oiled machine, the politeness, hospitality and grace of staff members was unfailing. Furthermore, when I was ill, they arranged a doctors' appointment, had one of their drivers take me to it and a staff member collected my medication. We had a room at Katekani which matched my dreams and delicious home cooking with plenty of variety, served with style. Gertrude and Margaret, our "hostesses", are gems. I hope they're treasured as employees, along with the Guides and Drivers. Having worked in hospitality and as a Guide, I recognise that shifts can be long, tedious and underpaid, especially in the affordable sector. I hope they are all rewarded suitably. Our game drives always included lots of thrilling animal sightings and entertaining, informative commentary. One tip: never rely on the weather and always take a jacket, preferably hooded. When night falls or the wind comes up, you don't want it to spoil your enjoyment.