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:
- $84 to $208 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
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Email Kimberly | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A magical treehouse adventure full of animals and amazing people.
It was even better then expected! Our treehouse was awesome with a beautiful view of the river. Animals are everywhere throughout the camp and it really made you feel submerged in the safari the whole time. The sounds at night were incredible. Its like everything came alive at night and created an incredible sound display to fall asleep to. THE STARS!! Dont even get me started about the stars at night, WOW! The staff was so kind and the food was so delicious! We only wish we could have stayed longer!! Thank you Mark's treehouses we will be back!
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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
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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.
Email Karen hill | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding staff, atmosphere and total African experience
We had a great time the accommodation was unique and comfortable. The staff were friendly and the food was plentiful.the safari guides were outstanding and couldn't do enough for us to make our experiences unforgettable. Highly recommend this tour
Email DAVID LAUGHTON | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Well organised and reliable.
The pretour communications were excellent, we were met at the correct time, our pre safari accommodation was great. The safari tour was well organised, with both lots of accommodation being comfortable and clean. The meals were very good (despite the fact that a monkey stole one of our muffins off the dining table - very funny!). The safaris each day were well run, guides were fun and knowledgeable. We were given plenty of time to enjoy each day in Kruger and all in all had a wonderful time. Highly recommended!
Email Sue Barnard | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
100% ALL ROUND WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE
My grandson and I did a 3 day tour in January from beginning to end we had a ball. From being collected by efficient friendly Thabo to all the other wonderful staff to the comfortable accommodation and lovely home cooked food we loved every minute. We saw so many animals, made so many new friends. The bush was so green and alive. The affordability was the cherry on the top. Will definately do another trip with Viva.
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Email John | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Wisconsin Dells of Safari operators - a bit of what was promised, but not much. Disappointed.
My wife and I completed the 5 day Kruger safari. We are seasoned safari tourists and have been blessed to go on safari in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. We have never been left dissatisfied until now. The accommodations were fine and the food was as well. But that’s not why most of us go on safari – it is the game drives after all.
Every game drive was shorter than advertised. Day one night drive was two hours instead of three. Day two four-hour Bush walk was just one hour of bush walking. When we got in the vehicle, we were told it was really just three hours including drive time there and back but overall it was about 2.5 hours. Worse, the 3 hour afternoon game drive started an hour late and was only two hours. Also, how many tourists who spend thousands to come all the way to South Africa really want to receive a pitch to allow elephant culling when they are viewing elephants? We've gone from 600,000 elephants to 450,0000 in seven years according to the 2015 Great Elephant census across the continent. We are in the midst of elephant genocide. We see our first elephant and the arrogant young guide starts talking about culling them and feeding the meat to local villages. Not exactly what we expected to hear. Day three - all day at Kruger National Park - no complaints. But geez, we thought this was a 5 day Kruger trip. Only one day was spent there – the rest in reserves, some of which allow hunting. Day 4 - a major disappointment. The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre did not espouse conservation. In addition to culling and legal ivory sales, we were told that rhino horn should be legalized to discourage the black market. Really? Rhino horn? I still can't believe we heard that. Back to Mark's Camp by noon. Yummy lunch. But no afternoon game drive. Our itinerary showeda 3 PM drive. Nope due to reserve restrictions, it was a 5 pm drive. Actually 530 as driver had to wait for more customers coming in from Johannesberg. Big difference in night drives versus day drives – photos aren’t good at night, and many animals are stressed especially since it is a hunting reserve. This last drive was also just two hours. Driver didn’t speak to us, and drove incredibly irresponsibly into a thicket of acacia thorn trees in the dark. I was actually injured and had to get antibiotics for a needless eye injury. Last day we spent $400 to spend the entire afternoon at Mark’s Camp. Pathetic. We did our own bush walk that was longer than the ones Viva did. And we didn’t need guns.
My advice is focus on quality game drives. No bait and switch on what you advertise. There are far better safari companies in Africa. I highly recommend Kenya’s Gametrackers for a genuine safari experience or any Exodus trip. Very disappointed. Emailed owner of Viva safaris and no resolution. Don’t get suckered.
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Email Jim | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic People, Fantastic Service, Fantastic Value!
I went alone on a 4-day Safari to Tremisana and Marc's Treehouse Lodges. Collette, at Tremisana, was a wonderful host. It was a pleasure to sit down with her and talk about our experiences and her life in South Africa. She said, "My job is to make people smile. If you're not smiling, I'm not doing my job." That philosophy played out at Tremisana. The food, accommodations, grounds, staff, and excursions were all better than I expected, and I expected them to be very good. I especially enjoyed having breakfast with our guides and the informal interactions I had with my "Safari Family"--young people from all over the world with whom I shared the experience.
At Marc's Treehouse lodge, Pretty, our host, was just that, inside and out. Her sense of humor and attention to service made our stay comfortable and joyful.
Food at both lodges was simple, but excellent. The accommodations at both places were what I consider to be perfect for a safari (I don't plan to stay inside my room much. I want to be out interacting with people and with nature). It was a bit more spartan at Marc's treehouse lodge, but not by much. The sounds of lions across the river, and the baboons and birds at sunrise provided the perfect ambience. The beds were comfortable, the linens clean and fresh, and the decor, soothing.
Our game drives and guided walks were amazing! We saw all big 5, took fantastic pictures, and walking got us a more intimate look at the environment and the animal's and humans' interaction with it. Our guides were knowledgable and friendly, and they really took care of us well.
Finally, transportation and logistics were excellent. Everything was just as advertised and though South African time (and tourist time) can be different from that specified in the agenda, the drivers, hosts, staff and guides were flexible and we all felt like we got the most amazing bargain out of all the safaris we could have booked. I highly recommend Viva Safaris, and both Tremisana and Marc's Treehouse Lodge for your next adventure.
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Email Steve | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding experience!
Our group of 5 had a wonderful safari with Viva. We did the 6-day/5-night at Tremisana and Marc's Treehouse, and thoroughly enjoyed our trip from beginning to end. We were picked up at our Johannesburg guest house on time, driven to Tremisana in a comfortable vehicle, and kept informed of activities and schedules every step of the way. We had two outstanding game drives in Kruger, as well as in two private game reserves, and a really interesting visit to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation facility. The food was both good and plentiful, and our accommodations were comfortable. The trip exceeded our expectations, and we would not hesitate to recommend Viva. You should, however, make sure you understand the different levels of accommodations they offer. Marc's Treehouse is quite rustic, and is in the bush. Wild animals wander through camp, and we were visited by both frogs and geckos in our ensuite bathroom. The treehouses aren't insulated, so there's no a/c. As long as your expectations are appropriate, you'll have an amazing time.