Viva Safaris team look forward to seeing you soon!
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 $200 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
PL
Email Wojciech | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Overall amazing experience
Overall amazing experience, highly recommended and one of the best trips in my life!! The booking process with Patricia Landau was perfect- she was very helpful and ready to answer all of the questions. I really loved Marc's Treehouse Lodge which was stunning- the lodge was rather an experience than an accomodation, and it was gorgeous! The tents are located near the river, in a game reserve- in the night you can hear hyenas calling, lions roaring and thousands of insects and birds- such an incredible feeling to fall asleep with all these animals around. Tremisana was very good too, but little bit old and basic, nice but not as unusual as Marc's was. The way to the lodge was quite long (>7h) but the landscapes are fantastic and you can take beautiful pics. The first sunset drive was amazing- we have spotted lots of stunning animals and the pictures from my camera came out GREAT. Balule Nature Reserve is very good for animal sightings, its easy to spot the BIG 5 (even though we have not seen the leopard, but it's just a bad luck, because most of the Viva Safari's clients have seen it; although we have seen lots of rhinos which I was very looking forward to, and I loved it!!). The boma BBQ was very nice and we even had a hyena that came to boma looking for some food- astounding experience!! The bushwalks were amazing ), so were the guides (credits to Smiley/Hakuna Matata, Joshua and Quinton)- very informative, you can really experience the bush and get some knowledge about it. Moholoholo Rehab Centre was very interesting, it was shocking to get the knowledge about pouching and poisoning the rhinos. The game drives were usually stunning too, but unfortunately we had no luck in Kruger- no predators at all, but the safari was nice anyway. Although I think the full-day Kruger safari is organised at the wrong part of the day- you leave the lodge at 8:00 and arrive at 10:00 or later so you miss the early morning, where most of the animals are active and easier to spot. Then you are driving around noon and afternoon when its superhot and many animals are just hiding looking for some cooler places. Then around 17:00 starts another very good part of the day to spot animals as the sun goes down, but unfortunately you leave around 16.30-17:00 so you miss another great part of the day when animals are most active. Therefore I think the full-day Kruger isn't really good organised. I've seen many reviews from people complaining about that and Viva Safaris claiming in the answers that in this area of the park, the time you do the game drives is the best part of the day. I find this statement not true, and even our safari guides repeated many times that during our drives (between 10:00-16:30) it is way too hot and it might be hard to spot animals, which in fact was true, as sometimes we were driving an hour without seeing anything. Obviously I am very aware that safari sightings are never guaranteed, Kruger is a HUGE area and you need a lot of luck too, but basing on 2-days safari in Kruger we did, I think it should be organised other way, e.g. to leave the lodge earlier so that you don't miss the morning drive. I think the menagement was little bit hectic too- very often we were waiting for other clients from other lodges and sometimes we were late. Unfurtunately guides at Tremisana were sometimes late too- at one of our game drives we started with a 20min delay, then drove away just to get the information that we need to be back because 2 more clients are left at the lodge and someone needs to take them- eventually the game drive lasted 1h 15min instead of 2h.
I need to mention one more thing which I found bad- on our first day the driver (Salomon the 1st I guess) was stopped by the guardians at the highway gate- it came out that Viva Safaris has not payed some fees (?) and we were stuck there for almost an hour! The driver did not say anything to us, except of that he has a problem and Viva paid the fees but the money were not transfered yet (but he told us about it after an hour of waiting and we were really confused and stressed out as no one knew what was going on). Then he was taken into the car by the guardians and just drove away with them leaving us alone in the middle of nowhere and wihout any explanation. We didn't know if he is arrested or what. Later, to speed up this process one of the clients paid the fees with his own money so that we won't miss our sunset game drive. I find that very unprofessional and whatever Viva Safaris paid or did not pay the client shouldn't be the one to rescue with his own money. It was very bad that the driver did not tell as what was going on for about an hour and left as alone driving away with the guardians. We almost missed our sunset drive and actually we were late for it, starting the game drive when the sun was already gone. Many clients were frustrated and the atmosphere was very tense. After that everything was just perfect and rest of the trip was an amazing experience. Although I suggest changing the pick-up time for earlier during the autumn/winter when the days are quite short- Viva Safaris collect people around 9.15-9.45 from Joburg, the drive to the lodge is about 7 hours, then after coming to the lodge you need to check in and order the drinks for the boma, and the sun (in autumn) goes down at 17:20 which means the schedule is very tight that day and even the small delay may result in missing the sunset and starting the sunsed drive after the sun is already gone. I suggest to collect people earlier, e.g. 8-8:30 to avoid situations like this. I also did not like the way back to Joburg with Salomon the 1st tbh- I told and written down 3 times the drop off location and he actually drove us to the another hotel. Thankfully I was aware of it and quickly recquired the change. Then he made some inapropriate comments (suggesting that I find black people dangerous and he will "take us to a place where we can't see them") when I asked if the area is safe (not only my thought, other clients shared my opinion). I found that improper as I have never said anything about anyone, just asked if the area in which our hotel is located was safe and if we can go out.
Even though I pointed out some disatvantages, overall I think that trip with Viva Safaris was AMAZING, would love to do it again and I will remember it till the end of my life and I highly recommend it. Kruger is a beautiful place, with amazing landscapes, so beautiful and wild, I only regret not seeing any predators. The prices are very good for what they offer, and the quality for that price is great. I especially loved Marc's Camp which was the coolest thing I have ever slept into!!
If you are hesitating about choosing trip with Viva Safaris- you should go for it, especially when you are looking for a budget but still very good safari.
Email Stuart & Mia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Viva Safaris is Authentic and real the best.
Viva Safaris 6 days at tremisana lodge was perfect from Hotel pick up in Johannesburg to the food the excellent staff and Piero to Mumma D’s home cooked food to Rocky, George, smiley,shaul,Mia in office, and all the other wonderful staff that make this place so special. The accomodation and lodge facilities were perfect, the old green open sided vehicles give it that I’m on safari vibe rustic we loved it , the activities provided the timing the refreshing pool to last but not least the experience of Africa with its sunrise and sunsets and the smells and sights of all the big 5 and many more animals to the very reasonable cost. Viva Safaris get it right and will provide an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a life time we will be back . Book a viva safari they are the most Authentic and the best in our opinion.
CA
Email Marie-Josee Boulay | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing expérience. Everything was well coordinated
Service was excellent.
The tour itself is great.
The only point that disapointed me is the drive back to Johannesburg. There are selling a scenic road. But nothing much unless the stop at the Blyde River Canyon for only 30 minutes. I could have pass more time at this wonderful place. This place is one of the canyon in the world.
US
Email Heinz H | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent and amazing safari experience!
Viva Safaris gave my family of four (two children ages 18 & 14) an unforgettable safari! From start to finish it was absolutely amazing. I don't even know where to begin, but we had such a wonderful experience. All I can say is if you're planning a safari in South Africa, don't hesitate booking with Viva Safaris.
Viva was easy to book with and quickly responded to a few of the questions I had when planning. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel in Joburg which was very convenient. We chose the 4 day/3 night Tremisana Lodge because it provided a nice mix of safari adventures including the bush walk, multiple game drives on the surrounding reserves, and a full day at Kruger National Park. Just an hour after arriving to the lodge, we were already on a sunset game drive which ended with a delicious bush braai - cookout/bbq dinner in the bush!
We had our own chalet which slept the four of us comfortably. The grounds on the lodge were nice and had plenty of areas to find a place to relax and take in the views. We were constantly fed - breakfast every morning, lunches and dinners. We were never hungry! Even during our bush walk, we were given a little baggie with an apple and crackers, which I though was a nice touch. We were given bottles of water here and there as well, including on arrival. My wife and I enjoyed a few drinks from the bar for dinner or after dinner on each day. Some of the others we met during our safari also stayed at Marc's Treehouse or the luxury lodge and said they enjoyed those too. We chose to only stay at Tremisana for the four days just so we didn't have to keep unpacking/packing, etc.
The most special part of our stay were all the Viva Safaris employees we interacted with. Everyone there (and I mean everyone) from the kitchen staff to all of the guides that took us on our game drives, and the ones I met at the lodge (who we didn't drive with) were awesome! That truly made our experience and stay special - genuinely great people who we'll miss.
And speaking of the safari guides, our unforgettable safari experience is probably all owed to them! We rode with George, Rocky, Victor, and unfortunately, I can't remember the names of our two guides on our first night, but all of them were great! They were informative, funny, and made sure all of us were being taken care of on all the game drives. My family and I thank them so much for such a great experience!!
And lastly, we were able to see the Big 5 and just about every other animal that you would expect to see on an African safari. It's weird because at times it seems like you can be driving around for hours and see nothing, but then all of a sudden you start seeing animals everywhere! Spending a full day at Kruger N.P. greatly enhances your chances of spotting a diverse group of wildlife.
Some of our safari highlights:
- Seeing two black rhinos during our bush walk!
- At Kruger, seeing a leopard resting in a tree with his half eaten impala hanging on the
branch in front of him - only to find out later we were approximately 5 km from
Mozambique!
- The entertaining monkeys at the lodge
- Seeing a lion to complete our Big 5 on the final morning, the sunrise drive before
heading back to Joburg. Saw the male lion and two cubs only about 5-10 minutes from
our lodge! Shortly afterwards, we found ourselves in the middle of a herd of
elephants. Very close to them, big and small. And to think this was (again) our last
game drive before saying our goodbyes. Talk about putting the icing on the cake of
an incredible safari!
I'm sure there are many other great safari companies in South Africa, but all I can say again is my family and I truly enjoyed our safari with Viva Safaris. I can't imagine another better all-around safari experience than the one we just had!
The entire staff at Viva Safaris is amazing!
Services provided by Viva Safaris was outstanding. Booking was simple and all questions were answered timely. We were picked up from our hotel on time by excited and friendly staff. Experience to lodge included a lovely stop for lunch. The safari guide under promised and over delivered in the animals we were able to see, seeing a leopard and lions within the first trip out. I don't know that you could find more value for a safari around. Thank you, Viva, for making our 25th Wedding Anniversary a trip we will never forget.
Email Thiago M | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable and professional!
Our 6 days safari was amazing and we had such a great time! I was positively surprised by the professionalism of the team. They were very punctual with the itinerary and always a good laugh. The accommodation in Katekani was so spacious and the food prepared by Margareth and team was sensational! The guides also were very nice and always keen to find the animals and explain the surroundings to everyone. I'd highly recommend them if you want to have a great safari experience.
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!
JP
Email Miho | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Committed, dedicated and caring people for the best safari experience
Patti was super helpful when making a reservation and for logistics on the day of arrival.
People at Tremisana lodge are all friendly and welcoming. Food is good and room is clean enough considering it’s in the center of safari park.
What’s the best is the guides at Viva Safaris. They are committed to show you animals you want to see. Even you don’t have luck to see what you want to see, you can see how hard the guides try to make your day. I booked a 4-day satay and it wasn’t enough. I should’ve booked a 6-day tour for sure. KG, Lucky, Victor and Andy are the best guides. They remember what animals you’ve seen and what you are missing. Then they will focus on the missing animals for the coming days. They really think that finding the animals is theirs job and they really commit to it. I’ve done other game drives with other tour agencies in Zimbabwe and Botswana, but they just see what the nature offers you without trying to find the specific animal. This is not bad and you will still enjoy, but you will never see the commitment Viva Safari guides will show you with any other tour operators.
I was able to see lions (really close), rhinos, buffalos, elephants, hypos, crocs, zebras, giraffes, various antelopes and etc…
Unfortunately I didn’t have luck to see a leopard, but it just leaves me a good reason to come back to South Africa. I’m definitely going to book a tour which is longer than 4 days with Viva Safari next time. Thank you so much!!!!
US
Email Nils Olsen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
INCREDIBLE Experience, From Start to Finish!
I have been on two other safaris before, but traveling with Viva Safaris was incomparable. The operation was well-run, well-communicated, and as advertised. The staff - from the drivers to the guides to the chiefs - were infectiously optimistic, skillful, and incredibly hospitable. The food was delicious, and the room featured one of the most comfortable beds we had ever slept in. There was a clear urgency to ensure every guest saw all of the Big Five, which we did. The pick-up at the airport and drop off back in Jo-Burg, by Soli 1 & Soli 2, was smooth & easy.
A special shout-out to Mama T for her delicious food and to guides KG (aka Mr. George), Lucky, Victor, and Andy for all of their efforts to make our trip so amazing!
Overall, we couldn't be happier with our experience and would 10/10 recommend and travel with Viva again!
US
Email Connor | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great group of people who made our interactions and each day amazing
The staff here was so incredible to the drivers, office managers, and cooks. Rooms were perfect. Not to fancy but not low tier either. It was just what we were looking for. The meals were good and the drivers were incredible. Sundowners were my favorite part.
