Our 7-day safari experience with Viva Safaris in December 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary! This trip was a family adventure for my husband, our two children, and myself and we couldn’t have asked for a more memorable family experience. From start to finish, Viva Safaris exceeded our expectations with their thoughtful planning, outstanding service, and incredible attention to detail. It was fantastic to be picked up directly from Johannesburg Airport and dropped back after the safari. This door-to-door service made the experience so much more relaxing and hassle-free. The way the safari was organised made us feel like we had our own personalised itinerary, as though the entire adventure had been tailored just for our family.
Seeing the Big 4 (unfortunately no illusive leopard, only footprints) in their natural habitat was a dream come true, but the experience went far beyond that. Every game drive and bush walk offered unique sightings and insights, making us feel deeply connected to the African wilderness. The open-sided vehicles provided the perfect vantage point for animal viewing and added an immersive touch to the entire experience.
Tremisana Lodge, tucked in Balule Game Reserve (Greater Kruger), offered a unique opportunity to experience wildlife right on our doorstep. Visits from various animals (such as Hyenas and Elephants) to the lodge added an extra thrill for all of us. The rustic charm of the facilities blended perfectly with the surrounding natural beauty.
The staff at Viva Safaris are the true stars of this journey. George, our first driver, had a warm demeanour and excellent driving skills which made our transfers both comfortable and enjoyable. Solomon, our next driver, was incredibly kind and attentive, ensuring every moment on the road was as comfortable as possible even through a massive rain storm, allowing us to arrive safely to Tremisana. We then began the safari with Nadine, one of our guides and trackers, who amazed us with her knowledge and passion for the bush. Her uncanny ability to track animals and share fascinating details about their behaviours added so much depth to our experience. Brandon, another tracker and guide, was a highlight with his unparalleled expertise and infectious enthusiasm. We were fortunate to have him guide us twice, with each occasion more exciting than the last.
Luke then led us on a walking safari that was both thrilling and informative. His understanding of the ecosystem and focus on safety made it an unforgettable experience. Lucky, a remarkable tracker also assisted on the walking safari and the next day took us on a special drive to see lions before heading to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, going above and beyond to make the trip special. Andy’s deep knowledge and his passion for wildlife made our drive through Kruger National Park insightful and exciting, while Marc’s dedication to finding the best sightings and sharing his expertise added immense value, even while on a ‘Ferrari Safari!’ He didn’t want us to miss a sighting!
Raymond’s expertise in navigating the Kruger too and his keen eye for wildlife made our drive unforgettable (even through the pouring rain). Smiley’s cheerful personality and frequent use of “WOW” and “Hakuna Matata” brought a joyful energy to our safari, while Victor’s dedication to tracking and spotting wildlife ensured we saw an incredible array of animals.
We will never forget Mumma D’s amazing African themed meals! She and her team served up delicious food every day with 3 course dinners, making mealtimes as much of a highlight as the game drives. We can not forget to mention Educate, the master planner who ensured everything ran flawlessly. His thoughtful planning was evident throughout the trip, and he even managed to return my husband's sunglasses after he accidentally left them behind in a game drive vehicle.
Solly was not only an excellent driver but also a great conversationalist, making our journey back to Johannesburg enjoyable. Finally, Welcome’s professionalism and friendly attitude left a lasting impression on our family.
Every single staff member went above and beyond to ensure we had the best sightings and experiences. Whether it was a bush walk, morning or sunset drive, their enthusiasm and expertise shone through. The meals, logistics and planning were all seamlessly executed, making the trip feel like a perfectly orchestrated adventure. Viva Safaris delivered an experience that we will all cherish forever. We also enjoyed making new lifelong friends, both guests and staff. We highly recommend Viva Safaris to anyone planning a safari getaway to the Kruger National Park and Balule Game Reserve area. Thank you, Viva Safaris!