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:
- $78 to $193 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 Andrew | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very fund 5-day safari
Had a great time with Viva Safaris. Did a 5-day, 4-night safari, with the first night at Tremisana Lodge and the last 3 days at Marc's Treehouse. The various drives and walks to see animals were fantastic. We saw tons of animals and had knowledgeable guides who could tell us a lot about what we were seeing (and find more animals for us). The trip to the animal rehab center was fun, too. All in all, the safari was very well organized by all the Viva Safaris staff. The food provided was also very good, and they were very accommodating with dietary restrictions.
The one negative would be the accommodations. Our room at Tremisana Lodge was in poor condition and the bathroom was basically in the same room as the bed. This may have been an outlier room at Tremisana, but it was still below expectations, particularly since Tremisana is supposed to be one of their nicer lodges. Marc's Treehouse also was a bit disappointing. Only a few of the cabins were true treehouses - the rest were just cabins made of bamboo and tree branches. And because the property is sprawling, some of the cabins are a 10-15 minute walk from the main lodge area, which was inconvenient and difficult to do with suitcases.
The staff at both lodges was fantastic, though, and helpful at all times. Viva was also helpful in planning the trip, and answered all questions ahead of time. Highly recommend using Viva for a South African safari, but I would keep expectations regarding accommodations a bit low.
US
Email Wood | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Vacation by Kruger Park for reasonable price
Pros:
Very reasonable prices for location and accommodations.
On time pick up at JNB hotel.
Lodge Rooms was clean and comfortable but a bit small for our family of 3.
Program/tours - variety of tours and places to go, really enjoyed the conservation visit!
Breakfast was very good, as well as other meals.
Lodge staff friendly.
Most of the guides, despite of young, looked passioned about their job and were very friendly.
Cons:
Location - day to go to Kruger was cold and had to ride 30-40 mins on open vehicle (with tarp on one side).
Lodge bar only accepts cash - this was an issue for us, since we did not take much cash on our trip, so we could not drink as much we wanted on our vacation!
Liability Waiver - this created a big commotion on the van to the Lodge. None of us know about that when we booked the trip. The explanations were confusing. Some told us was for the van ride only and others that it was for the Safari tours. I have done Safaris before and don't recall signing nothing like that. This was an unpleasant and unnecessary stress during our Vacation.
Internet - only works on the lobby area.
AR
Email Nora Virginia Venialgo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
great experience
I felt very happy with the service and the personal of viva safaris. the places were great, the food, and the guides. it was a great experience. i 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
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!
SE
Email Fredrik Wiberg | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly professional and welcoming Safari arrangement!
Among several other competing organizers Viva Safari distinguished by giving quick and clear information about the arrangement pre our visit. Thanks to Ms Landau. Once we arrived in Sout Africa we were most warmly welcomed and had four days of beautiful safari.
Special thanks to the the knowledgeable staff particularly Smiley, Nadine and Charl. We really enjoyed your professional and engaging "lectures" and guidings.
The transport from Johannesburg worked well however one of the four drivers did not feel as well skilled. I had to ask him to cool down.
SE
Email Svalle Ottosson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Makes the safari fit your individual scedule: Short or long. Rough or comfy.
For a short safari (3-4 days) the living quarters is not important as we spent most time out in the bush. We never used the pool or the bar as we went out early and came back late.
Professional, helpfull and knowlegeable staff.
We picked Viva Safaris because they collect at most hotels in Joburg. - Not just from the airport.
Email Trudi | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything we wanted
We were really happy with all the services provided by Viva Safaris and the whole team were great - from being picked up in Johannesburg, being met at Tremisana and experiencing our first safari - everything was perfect and well organised. The team are friendly and knowledgeable and really made our experience special.
Thanks to you and everyone at Viva Safaris for a great time.
I would definitely recommend them for value for money, seeing a huge range of animals and meeting other like minded travellers.
NL
Email Sam | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good
It was a really could experience! Passionate staff and rangers. Loved it!