50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Jewel of Africa
In 2010 at the age of 50 something I finally decided to follow my lifetime dream and visit Africa. As it was a solo trip and had no idea where I wanted to go, I spent many weeks searching the web for the perfect and safest place that met all my requirements. I finally was guided to Viva Safaris website and I knew this was the one. Six years on and I have returned many times.
Viva Safaris has not just become another Safari company offering a wide range of activities, they are now family and treat me as such. I have seen their programme of activities grow throughout the years offering guests a more personalised adventure that is suitable for both adults and families at a very competitive price.
From the moment you are collected from your accommodation your adventure begins until you finally have to bid farewell you leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
The transfers to and from Johannesburg is aboard a 12 seater comfortable mini bus, the journey does take around 6+ hours there is many stops on the way and also an hour stop for lunch. The time goes by very quickly as you get to know fellow guests.
On arrival at Tremisana I was met with a warm friendly welcome from the Hostess and staff providing cool drinks for all guests. The first thing I saw was the beautifully kept tropical gardens surrounded by thatched roof lodges and a swimming pool. The lodges are spacious, comfortable and very clean, each one has its own distinct African feel about it. The en suite lodges also have tea/coffee facilities. The Lapa area is where breakfast is served and it borders Balule Nature Reserve which is part of Kruger National Park. This area is so peaceful (when the vervet monkeys are asleep) and I have spent many hours sitting on the swing bench reading and observing the wildlife around the watering hole. There is a bar area where you can relax with a beer and access the free wifi. The dining area gives you no doubt that you are in Africa with its open firepit and the smell of delicious variety of home cooked food.
The Game Drives were everything and more than I could have ever imagined. The Balule Reserve and of course visits to Kruger National Park has an abundance of wildlife and the open game viewers gives you the ultimate viewing platform to see magnificent wildlife up close. The Wildlife Guides are all very knowledgeable in conservation, animal behaviour and identification from the largest to the smallest inhabitants that they share their lives with, all done with amazing sense of humour. The Bush Walks opened up another world to me and gave me the understanding why everything down to trees, termites, Elephants and everything in between is connected and why habitat protection and conservation is vital for wildlife.
I could continue to talk about dining in the middle of the African Bush with wildlife just feet away under a blanket of stars, or visits to the amazing work of the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre, visit to Tshukudu Lodge where the cheetahs are often found lying around the pool area. Each day is different and each day you find something else to add to this unique African experience.
I also became very involved with the orphanges, missionaries and schools that Viva Safaris sponsor and to date have raised over £5000 supporting a local school with necessary educational materials and sports equipment and I am currently raising funds to construct a multi purpose sports area for one of the schools in Acornhoek. I couldn't have achieved this without the full support of Viva Safaris who have encouraged me with my ideas to bring hope to the children and provide a better understanding of the importance of protecting the wildlife and their habitats in Africa.
You can become an involved visitor or enjoy everything Viva Safaris have to offer. I would recommend a visit to Marc's Treehouse Lodge, I love this place so much that a few years ago my partner and I became engaged under the African night sky...so romantic. The Treehouse is definitely a unique experience. The treehouses come in varies shapes and sizes with picture size windows allowing you to see your very own incredible view of the African Bush and its wildlife. Again the accommodation is very clean and comfortable, food is incredible and the staff are just amazing.
If you are like me and find it difficult to choose from so many different options for your travel plans, I can in all honestly recommend Viva Safaris, it has changed my life, it is not just another holiday destination for me, every time I say goodbye to my Viva family and return to Scotland I leave part of me behind. I look forward to seeing everyone again in September 2016.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions I will be happy to respond.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesome Experience at Viva Safaris
We had an unbelievable time at Tremisana Lodge where we stayed for a few nights. The accommodation was great, the people were very helpful and the hospitality we received was like we were family. We saw some unbelievable sightings and the rangers were very knowledgable. I particularly enjoyed the early morning Game walks. It felt like we were really living the bush experience and I would recommend anyone who's looking to go on a safari or looking to have a break under the African sky to stop over at Viva Safari's for an unforgettable experience.
KW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A safari to remember for the rest of my life
It was my first time in East Africa, and my first time doing a safari. I found Beacon Safari's by chance online. It was a very last minute decision I made to travel, as I had a few days off in-between changing jobs. From initial email to Robert the owner, and to arriving in Kenya, it was only 3 or 4 days! Robert took care of all accommodation, meals and transfers included in one reasonable price. The camps he selects are the best, not only in quality but also in experience. John the driver was invaluable, he had lots of knowledge of the areas we visited as well as the wildlife, and he worked hard to make sure we saw the Big 5! I would definitely go with Beacon Safari's again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Africa Remote Safaris are the best companion in ones tour experience
We have just ended our Safari in Tanzania. 8 Days Tarangire/Eyasi/Serengeti , Ngorongoro and Amboseli. Our guide for the Safari Hamza – was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, very flexible and accommodating for our extra side trips. He was easy to understand , had a wonderful personality and was professional the entire trip. Such a wonderful ambassador for Tanzania. Also, our main contact "Steve #1", was very good at accommodating us and making sure we were safe and taken care of. Truly a great resource for Africa Remote Safaris . We also crossed into Kenya to Amboseli , Paul, the guide, driver, and "greeter were also good as in the very short time we were with him, he was very professional, efficient and knowledgeable. In fact, all of the drivers were great. This is our second Safari experience and it was great. Will likely take another in the future."
I would definately recommend our guide Hamza and Africa Remote Safaris.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best safari we ever did.
Early March is a perfect time to go on Safari in the Serengeti. We saw a lot of animals and birds. It's a good location to see the "Big Five" and many other african animals. The guide we had was very professional and really nice, he always gave us enough time to make pictures and to enjoy the wilderness. He told us a lot about the nature and wildlife and was able to answer all of our questions. The car was in a good condition and it was enough space for all of us to enjoy the view and taking pictures. The accommodations were very good, nice people, great food and clean rooms. If we go on Safari in Tansania again, we would choose Mega Adventures for sure.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great value tour of Uganda's highlights, perfect gorilla experience and blissful Lake Bunyonyi .
This is a Ugandan led tour and its USP is the connection you get with the country through the planned itinerary and the links to local communities that Gatatu offers as part of your experience. This is a budget option that offers real value for money. The accommodation we had was very decent quality, particularly at QE National Park and the Entusi Lodge at Lake Bunyonyi which is as near to an earthly paradise as I've ever encountered. You rough it a little up in the mountains visiting a local community but the rooms there are clean and comfortable and the climate is cool and sleeping is easy. We were well fed and had no problems at all with stomach upsets! Gatatu's foresight in that department was much appreciated. Our driver Stefan was brilliant. His driving was excellent, safe and thoughtful, he was a great guide and a really enjoyable companion. Always willing to answer questions about the wildlife and all aspects of Ugandan life, especially music which is a big passion of mine ( I now have 8GB of Ugandan and other African sounds which I'm gradually working my through). The pace of the tour and its variety were spot on. Not too much but lots to keep you fascinated and delighted. The highlights for me were the cruise along the Kizenga Channel, with a dazzling variety of animals and birds, and above all an amazing encounter with the gorillas in Bwindi INP. We were exceptionally fortunate in meeting them, just the 2 of us, after only 30 minutes trekking. It was a remarkable and deeply moving experience for which I am truly grateful to Richard and his colleagues. The big surprise of the tour for me was Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and which I intend to revisit soon. Finally its important to remember that Gatatu is a Ugandan business. Your money benefits local workers and businesses and helps Richard and his colleagues to support a school for poor families in in his local town of Kabale. If you want a really Ugandan experience of the wildlife and landscapes of this beautiful country Gatatu is a great choice.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thorough and very knowledgable
Communicating with Bernard was an absolute pleasure. We made all our bookings through the Cardboard Box Travel Shop's Interactive Map (http://map.namibian.org) and did most payments online. Bernard made all the bookings for Etosha on our behalf so we had no stress at all. Apparently it is very difficult to make National Park bookings. Highly recommended.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My experience was amazing. The company knew exactly where we could visit for a memorable experience
The staff were courteous and the whole experience exceeded our expectations
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Nairobi National Park
We enjoyed a wonderful one-day safari at Nairobi National Park. Setting it up was easy and straight forward. We are looking forward to using Sweet Africa Safaris again in the near future.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Rachael's attention to detail was amazing!
Our safari last year to the Caprivi region and also into Botswana and Victoria Falls was an absolute delight.
Rachael ensured that all details, vouchers, booking etc.. were absolutely perfect!
She even met us at the airport on arrival to ensure we were aware of visa regulations for the Botswana/Zimbabwe section of the safari.
Visitors to Namibia should be aware that it is very (too) easy to drive at high speeds on their excellent roads.