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
CA
Email Ray | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ultimate experience and Birthday ever
Viva Safaris Katekani Tented Lodge left nothing more to desire as this facility is first class.
From rooms to indoor or outdoor shower, Tub and outdoor personal pool and the amazing sounds of
Africa at night heard through the tented end of the suite along with prepared, sit down and served meals.
All tours on time, Luke and his staff are the very best, what more can I say, will be my personal choice always.
PS: My birthday party was awesome in South Africa.............there is so much more but.....Always and Thanks
CA
Email Helene | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sleep out Safari
What an amazing experience, at no time did I feel unsafe, everyone was so professional
US
Email Jamie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Time at Marc's Treehouse
We loved our stay at Marc's Treehouse. The coordinator at the treehouse was so friendly and awesome! We had such a fun time. The treehouse we were in was wonderful, safe but still felt like camping! The food was also great! We enjoyed all of our private reserve drives, bush walks, and Kruger day. It was so much fun. We stayed at Tremisani lodge for one night. It was also relaxing. Our room was very toasty and we were supposed to be accomodated in a room of 3 isntad of 2 room but other than that it was wonderful. Definitely recommend!
ID
Email Iva | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good first taste of a safari experience
Booking reservation communication was prompt and quick. Had no expectation as to what a Kruger Safari would be like. We did the 3-day Masango Camp. It was unfortunate that the first night, we were the only guests on the camp site; could not help but feel a little left out from the other group. We also did not get to experience a braai during our stay. Masango Camp would have felt much better had it had more guests staying with us. "Nyala" room was very spacious, with a private bathroom. In the morning we could hear lions roaring. Staff was excellent. Our caretaker at Masango Camp (Mama Pauline woot woot!) was more than happy to assist us. Victor was superb! Very warm and easygoing and attentive - he had no problems laughing at himself. Our safari guide, Patrick, was very knowledgeable and patient - we got to see 4 out of the Big 5 (no rhinos!). Errisson was very pleasant and funny when giving us the bushwalk tour. Hopefully this would be more safaris in our future!
Email John | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fascinating worthwhile trip and great guide/driver trip
Collection and drop off went well, apart from a slight delay switching minibuses on the way back. We felt packed in at times but no complaints, you were busy.
The tours at the camp were good and we were really impressed by our driver/guide who was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The vehicles are old and need replacing. The accommodation was ok - a bit tired - and the food and drinks were fine; just occasionally the level of service overall slipped.
The tour to Kruger went well but the arrangement of the vehicle with the driver in the front and the passengers behind in the back meant that communications with him were difficult, but he was very helpful when we did have a problem which was nothing to do with Viva Safaris
US
Email Rye | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent experience!
I was in contact with Patti, who was very helpful and prompt in her responses to my requests and she was able to tailor my itinerary, while also offering additional alternatives. I traveled solo and stayed three nights at Tremisana Lodge and the rooms were clean, spacious, and there was actually hot water, and the food was great. I've been on plenty of safaris and I'm fairly simple when it comes to amenities, but there were more than enough at Tremisana Lodge. Maybe the wi-fi could have been a bit more reliable, but then again I wasn't there for that in the first place, so it was a plus it was available at all.
I can't say enough about all of the staff, they were all very welcoming and helpful throughout my stay. From the chefs, to the guides, and lodge staff (Rex, Eva, Robin, Elias, Pretty, and anyone else I may have missed, a big thank you! You all made my experience an incredible one!) Each guide worked very hard to find a wide array of wildlife, so that was much appreciated. Although, I have been to South Africa before, it was my first time to Kruger National Park and the surrounding areas.
For reference, I did the four day safari and my itinerary included game drives, a bush walk, and bush braai in Balule Game Reserve, with one full day in Kruger National Park, which is open-attached to Balule, so the animals can roam freely between each. We were able to find lions (lioness & cubs), black/white rhino, zebra, giraffe, hippo, hyena, waterbuck, jackal, cape buffalo, wildebeest, elephants, and even a verreaux's eagle owl (very rare), to name a few. All in all, the experience was just what I was looking for, time out and away from the daily grind while also enjoying the beautiful landscape and it did not disappoint.
In addition, Viva Safaris pick up and drop off in Jo'burg so that was a huge perk. On my return to Jo'Burg, my itinerary included a short stop-off at Blyde River Canyon, which was absolutely amazing! The views were incredible and definitely capped off a great trip to ZAR.
Again, I just want to send a warm thank you to all of the staff and guides who made my stay an incredible one!
I appreciate your hospitality, flexibility, and hard work to provide a great experience during my stay and I would highly recommend Viva Safaris.
Hope to see you again soon!
-Rye
Email David | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great but tiring experience
One of the plus points with Viva Safaris is that they pick you up from your J'oburg hotel and drop you back there at the end of the safari which does make life a whole lot easier. What happens when you arrive at Tremisana? You drop your bags and head off on a game drive and twenty minutes later you arrive in front of 4 lions who are sunning themselves. After that , elephants, zebra's etc and then evening meal in the bush followed by 3 more lions, what a start! Next morning up at 5 for a game walk, fascinating. Then followed by an evening drive, a full day in the Kruger, another early morning drive and then back to J'oburg. a full on experience. Accommodation was good, food was fine. Also we got the impression thsat the people there , particularly the two who took us on the bush walk really cared about the bush and the animals
Email Mikey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant experience with good service and rangers.
My wife and I did a 4 day package and really enjoyed our time. Rangers Eva and Sam were particularly very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Rex was moody at times which was disappointing.
The lodges are safe and decently furnished. The meals provided were fantastic and great quality. Especially the morning breakfasts and dinners. The kitchen staff always happy with a smile on their faces. The morning drives and sunsets drives were eventful and animals plenty. The bush walk was good fun (aside from Rex who was moody).
We found the owners a little strange as they would appear for dinner and then avoid sitting or saying at least hi to the guests. Quite grumpy to say the least.
I would urge Viva to include a tshirt in their price or charge $10 extra as this is required on bush walks (most people we noticed didn't have camo clothing and got shouted at by Rex - very embarrassing.
Overall we would recommend Viva as good value, good staff, lovely lodges and food and good effort overall!
Email Marie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
My husband and I have just stepped out of van of viva safari our driver delivered us back to Johannesburg airport at time as promised. We have had an amazing three days with viva safari. With our guide Sam we indentified 32 species of wild animals and discussed 6 birds native to Kruger park. Victor at tree house lodge was very welcoming and informative with sharing his local knowledge. Our evening guide Eva also gave us an exciting and amazing tour of private park spotting kudu elephants giraffes etc in dark. Thank you to all staff at viva safaris for giving us such an amazing adventure....well worth the long distant travel from Australia!
SE
Email Irina S | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, unforgettable, top quality trip
We was party of 4 person . Stay a 6 day at Tremisana Lodge. This trip was a dream come true. Thank you all staff for fantastic for. Special Thank you to Joanne, Iris, Sam and Rex, also wonderful ladies at the kitchen. Food was excellent all or trips to Kruger Par was simply unforgettable . We saw Big Five!!
Will strongly recommend to choose Viva Safari för all why wants to visit Kruger Park!