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:
- $79 to $195 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
SA
Email Bee Reyes | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Patti was Amazing. She assisted us with our bookings and ensured everything went smoothly
We went with ViVa Safaris last September 2023, For our amazing Safari Tours. We were assisted by Patti, she went beyond helping us, as our flight was delayed by 2 hours. Patti and the team made sure that we were able to join our guided tour on the day of our arrival. Despite the delays, everything else went smoothly. The accommodation, tours, services, and The Wonderful Staff that make ViVa Safari have made our experience truly memorable. We highly recommend ViVa Safari who is looking to have a great adventure!…Many thanks again ViVa Safari❤️
CH
Email Thomas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Adventurous Journey into the Wild: Wildlife Encounters, Warm Hospitality, and Memorable Moments
I booked a three-day package and was picked up directly from my hotel in Johannesburg. The drive to Kruger was quite long, taking approximately 6 hours or more. Upon arrival at the Tremisana Safari Lodge in the late afternoon, we immediately embarked on our first trip around the lodge in the Greater Kruger area. We were fortunate to spot some elephants and a lion during the excursion.
After the trip, we enjoyed a delightful dinner under a large tree in the bush. The food was beautifully cooked with a lot of care and attention.
The following day, we spent the entire day exploring Kruger National Park (BEST PART OF THE TRIP), with lunch at a restaurant located inside the park.
In the evening, we reached Marks Tree House where our luggage was already waiting for us. The "tents" (which I personally consider more like huts) were acceptable for a night's stay. However, I would have preferred a room with its own toilet and shower. It is possible to upgrade or ensure the right accommodation when making the initial booking.
At Marks Tree House, we were treated to a delicious homemade dinner and gathered around a large fire, creating a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere for the evening.
The next morning, we embarked on a walking safari around the neighborhood. Although there wasn't much activity during this particular walk, it was still enjoyable. In my opinion, the morning walk could have been extended to three hours to enhance the experience.
On our way back to Johannesburg, we visited a viewpoint that offered stunning vistas of rolling hills and a beautiful canyon. The restaurant where we had lunch on both legs of the journey to and from Johannesburg provided a variety of high-quality food options.
All in all, I would recommend booking at least an additional night since the travel time to and from Johannisburg is quite long.
I highly recommend Viva Safari to everyone. The entire trip was well organized, and the staff members were exceptionally nice and helpful. It is evident that this is more than just a job for them.
Thank you, Viva Safari. I hope to visit again in the future.
IE
Email Ruben Garcia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Overpriced for what you get
TLDR: Overpriced for what you get.
Starting with the good part, company was very accomodating since our flight got cancelled and we could change our safari from 4 to 3 days and all people working there were very nice.
Now, it's horribly overpriced given the quality of the accomodation and food received. Tremisana lodge is old, not very well maintained and just clean enough. The food was very dissapointing, one of us was vegetarian and the options given were "well, you just don't eat the meat, eat everything else", that's by all means not catering for vegetarians. We were lucky we had some food with us because portions were quite small, also lunch not included in the package.
Safari itself is ok but streamlined for tourists, there's an adjacent private reserve were they take you twice to see some lions. It's basically a big private zoo but not at all a safari experience. The full day in Kruger park is more real, nice 4x4 jeeps to travel around and we got to see some animals but the fact that these vehicles travel alone and without radio leaves you to your own luck finding animals (in other safaris cars would talk to each other if they see something).
Given South Africa prices, ~1200 EURO for 2 nights accomodation and a bit of safari this is hugely overpriced.
US
Email Bruno Fortuna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing perfect experience
Perfect from day 0 to day 6. Since the pick up at the airport by Salomon the 1st then taken by Salomon the 2nd, reception by all the amazing staff and Tuney making everything the best, the guides/drivers King George and Mr. Victor simply no words for these two heroes and Mama “C” and all the ladies cooking amazing diners. Couldn’t recommend and like it more. And likely forgetting others special names. Thank you!
Email Johan and Susan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent staff,so proffessional and friendly,accommodation and vehicles top class sightings great!!
From pickup just one amazing journey. Will never use another operator again.Friends for life
CA
Email Chris | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very knowledgeable, fun, hardworking staff!
This experience was truly amazing!! Sleeping in the treehouses was an experience I would love to do again! Viva safaris provided such a fun environment. Got to see so many animals during the safaris. Truly enjoyed the meals they provided. It was also great to kickback with new friends and enjoy some Castle lites! Cheers! Would love to do this again!
Fun, well organized and an amazing family experience.
My family and I wanted to do a Safari in South Africa, it took a long time to make the decision on what company to go with but we finally decided Viva Safari.
My mum, dad, sister and her boyfriend and myself spent 2 nights at one camp and 2 nights in tree house. The treatment by staff was superb and the drives were such an eye opener and breathtaking when seeing so many diferente animals. Very non artificial, we felt as f we were in middle of nowhere but safe at the same time.
The food and timing was shocking by its quality and variety (probably ate too much).
Overall the trip was a 10/10, a brilliant way to spend a family holiday and an experience of a lifetime.
Recommend it, you will not regret it!
DE
Email Sophie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect trip, unforgettable memories
Everything was wonderful. I got fetched up at the airport in Johannesburg, then spend one night at Tremisana, where I had a wonderful time, with nice people, amazing night safari, braii in the bush and special morning bush walk with "Hakuna Matata". What an awesome man!
The next day we went to Marc's Tree House, where I spend the rest of my trip (4 nights). The stuff is great and the food very tasty. It was so fun to meet some nyalas on your way to the breakfast. The tree houses are stylish if you don't matter with some bugs. :D. and the loud silence in the night is unforgettable!!!
While my safari tours, I have seen a big variety of animals, espacially the cheethas have been great, I will never forget how I felt, sitting in the open vehicle and watching these big cats eating an impala...
All in all I had a perfect trip!!! Thank you so much!
Email Lee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organised,excellent guides/staff,good accommodation
From the moment we inquired about a Safari Holiday with Viva Safaris everything was taken care of, cannot recommend them enough, if you're looking for a Safari in the Kruger,look no further than Viva Safaris
US
Email Matt | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Safari
First time to South Africa. Absolutely Fantastic.
August. Few, if no, mosquitoes. We didn't use mosquito nets. No problem.
Animal sightings were great during the day. The Guides were super animal finders. Dress cool weather in the morning. Open cars, lots of wind. Bring buff, knit cap, good jacket, it rained one day. It warmed up nicely during the day, low 60's F.
The walks with the guide, loved the walks, getting close to the dirt and trees, and river. No animal sightings on the walks.
The night drives and night animal searches: Not that great. Few, random animals. The best at night was a stop to look at stars.
The food at Marc's Tree house: EXCELLENT. The dinner and breakfast were great.
The food you buy in Kruger Park: use the convenient store. Prices are very good, and lines are quick. Restaurants in Park take too long. You will be late.
I had to be a little flexible with my rooms. The staff switched rooms on us twice. I didn't care, I took whatever room, and it turned out great.
Mahalo halo animal rescue center was EXCELLENT.