tremisana lodge & marc s tree housescdn.tourcms.com/a/8523/132/8734.pdftremisana lodge &...

Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa

Greater Kruger

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TREMISANA GAME LODGE TREMISANA GAME LODGE was a founder member of the

Balule Game Reserve. Tremisana is the largest and leading

lodge in this section, having a total of 15 chalets plus a two-bedroomed guesthouse. We can accommodate a maximum

of 40 guests. Every unit is en suite ( shower, toilet, basin ) and all units are air-conditioned. Every bed has its own

Mosquito net. 24 hour WIFI is available to all Tremisana

guests.

The lodge is serviced by two excellent boreholes. Its proximity to the tar road means Tremisana is easily

accessible all year round, including the rainy season. The

presence of lions, elephant and buffalo necessitates the maintaining of an electric fence around the camp.

Perhaps the most striking feature of Tremisana Game Lodge is the beautiful gardens. The presence of numerous bougainvilleas and various palms and cycads gives the camp a subtropical feel. Water features add a soothing effect and

the overall feel of Tremisana is very relaxing. At night, the subdued light from the illuminated paved walkways lend a romantic and magical flavour to this outstanding camp.

The staff at Tremisana are from the local villages. The supervisor, Delina Mnisi, has been with Viva Safaris since

1996 and has worked her way up from general assistant. Delina is a talented chef and her home-made bread and

mouth-watering soups have made her internationally

remembered.

GAME VIEWING AT TREMISANA

Most of the other lodge owners on Balule are always amazed

at the excellent sightings of animals at Tremisana. Despite

its relatively small size, the area around Tremisana always

seems to produce something really good. We have seen all

of the Big Five ( Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard)

on the property as well as Cheetah and Wild Dog.

There have been many a traffic jam on the tar road bordering our property as a result of exceptional sightings including

a number of lion kills. We are told that the locals drive slowly as they pass our lodge as they always hope to see

something exciting !

There are two reasons for this situation :

1. As one moves westwards towards the foothills of the

Drakensberg Mountain Range, the grass becomes

sweeter.

2. Tremisana Dam attracts an inordinately large

number of animals all year round.

We have built a hide at the Tremisana Dam. It has its own

ablution facilities so guests who really want to experience

wildlife at the watering point may sleep over. Our floodlight

illuminates the whole area around the dam.

Elephant, lion and buffalo are seen regularly. In fact, we

have had elephants and lions INSIDE the camp on the odd

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Greater Kruger


occasion when our staff have left the back gate open !

Recent lion kills at Tremisana include impala, giraffe,

wildebeest and waterbuck. In 2001 a lioness gave birth to 3

cu bs just below the Tremisana Dam wall.

A troop of Vervet Monkeys has made Tremisana their

permanent home and their antics amuse and enthrall our

guests. We request that our guests do NOT feed the

monkeys.

At night, the roars of lions and the wails of jackals are often

heard and serve as a reminder that we are in wild Africa.

GAME DRIVES

Game drives are conducted on our open Landcruiser

Gameviewers. Viva Safaris is the only tour operator on

Balule with access to all the servitude roads on Olifants West reserve. Our Sunset Drive leaves Tremisana at 17h00 and

returns around 21h30. In mid-summer, we return a little later so as to facilitate spotlit gameviewing after dark.

Our Sunrise Drive leaves the camp at around 05h30.

Our rangers are equipped with two-way radios which allow communication with other rangers on game drives. In this

way, we are assured of seeing all the good game viewing highlights on the property.

HISTORY OF BALULE GAME RESERVE

In the early 1990’s various landowners in the present Balule Section of Kruger Park came to appreciate the need to drop

fences between their properties. This made great ecological sense : the animal gene pool was extended, overgrazing was

avoided and it allowed for movement of animals over a far greater area. The very absence of fences was aesthetically

pleasing to landowners and the shared animals meant that game that had never been seen in a particular area was now

present.

By the end of the decade, almost all the landowners had voluntarily joined in this venture. The hunting was curtailed

and the animals became less skittish. With the presence of landcruisers bearing tourists armed only with photographic

equipment, the animals became relaxed and were photographed regularly.

The two reserves to our east between Balule and the Kruger Park are Olifants Game Reserve and Klaserie Game

Reserve. The fence between Kruger and Klaserie Game Reserve came down first and the Kruger authorities soon

realized that this was the way to go. It was recognized that the fence on the tar road between Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit

was the obvious place to have the western boundary of Kruger Park. Once all the fences were correctly equipped with

high voltage capacities and once the authorities were

satisfied that Balule was ready for incorporation, it was a

matter of months before the fences were removed between

the Klaserie and Olifants Game Reserves and Balule was

thus incorporated into the most famous Game Reserve in

the world. An impressive 40 000 hectares were added to

Kruger Park overnight !

NOTES ON THE BALULE SUNSET DRIVE

The name “ BALULE ” is the Tsonga ( language of the

Shangaan people ) word for “Buffalo”. There are regular

sightings of these bovine beasts on our property.

After dark, the rangers use powerful spotlights to locate

animals. The light from the spotlight is reflected by the




Greater Kruger


tapetum behind the animal’s retina – so what one sees first is

the “ eyes” of the animal. The animals usually look towards

the vehicle and are thus easily located. However, they may

look away and we then rely on the guide to spotlight the

animal’s body.

The ranger has been instructed to drive slowly so that, if

some animal is spotted, there is no need to reverse a long

distance ( by which time the animal may have disappeared).

On any night drive, we are pleased to see any animal, but it is

the nocturnal animals that are special. We have regular

sightings of Lesser Bushbaby, Scrub Hare, Large-Spotted

Genet as well as Porcupine, Wild Cat, Civet and Aardvark.

Nocturnal birds seen include Spotted Thickknee ( formerly

called Dikkop ) and the Bronze-winged Courser. Other

nocturnal specials that we have seen ( very rarely ) include

side-striped jackal, aardwolf and White-tailed Mongoose.

SUNSET DRIVE

The view of the sky is very special on a cloudless night : the lack of pollution allows for excellent clarity of vision and our

guests are always amazed at the view of the Milky Way and the various Southern Hemisphere constellations.

To make the night drive very memorable, the ranger will stop somewhere in an open area and switch off all lights and

vehicle engine. Please cooperate by keeping extremely still while you absorb the quiet of the night interspersed only by

the various sounds of Nature.

GAME WALKS

Our armed rangers will accompany you on an exciting game walk. We usually walk along the banks of the Olifants

River where abundant bird life is often encountered. Sightings of elephant, hippo and crocodile are common. The guide

will walk at a pace that everyone can handle and will ensure that you are not exhausted. A snack break is held half way

through the walk.

The focus is on tracks, scats and other signs of the wild not normally encountered from a game vehicle. Our client

feedback has been absolutely awesome.

GENERAL INFORMATION Our BUSH WALKS are very popular insofar as our guests are afforded a brilliant opportunity to get really close to

Nature on foot. Guests may experience an acute adrenalin charge when in the presence of Big Five animals such as

elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo. Guests on our Bush Walks are always accompanied by two armed rangers. Although there is no legal limit to the minimum age of participants,

Viva Safaris is informed by the recommendations of FGASA (Field Guides Association of S.A.). FGASA recommends that

the minimum age be 16. Tourists aged between 12 and 16

may be permitted to participate in the bush walks as long as their parents take full responsibility in ensuring their

children strictly obey all instructions from our rangers.

BUSH WALK WITH ARMED RANGER

TRANSFERS to and from Gauteng to our accommodation establishments are in air-conditioned Toyota Quantums.

We offer you excellent security as we conduct door-to-door

collection from your homes, hotels, hostels or Oliver Tambo Airport, thus ensuring your safety. Lunch stops are made at

Dullstroom or Nelspruit.




Greater Kruger


THE SUNSET DRIVE affords you your first opportunity of

seeing Africa’s animals. Our qualified guide will take you on our open 4 x 4 Land cruiser Game Drive. Stops will be made

to photograph the stunning sunsets and to listen to the night

sounds and admire the clear Southern hemisphere constellation. Spotlights are used to locate elusive nocturnal

animals.

BEAUTIFUL MARULA TREE BOMA

THE BUSH BRAAI is held on the first night of our safaris. Viva Safaris has acquired a 20 hectare property deep in

Balule – in fact over 10km from the Main gate. We have built a beautiful Boma under a magnificent Marula Tree which

we have protected against elephants by a ring of sharp-

edged rocks. We have a flush toilet and wash hand basin. Armed rangers will patrol while you enjoy a BUSH BRAAI in

this remote piece of Africa.

OUR OPEN GAMEVIEWER

SAFARIS IN KRUGER are conducted on nine-seater open game viewing vehicles. The open game viewers offer elevated vantage positions from where your game viewing and photographic opportunities are greatly enhanced. All

our game viewing vehicles are 4 x 4 conversions with access to all roads in all weather conditions.

PANORMA ROUTE

THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON , including the THREE RONDAWELS, is visited on the return journey

TARIFFS

Tariffs include all transfers, all entry fees, all game drives and game walks and accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Excluded are lunches on transfer days and the day spent in Kruger Park, drinks, gratuities and personal items.

WHY US?

• Our products offer unbeatable value for money

• Unequalled variety of wildlife experiences in various Game Reserves

• Secure collection from your hotel/hostel/home/airport

• Guaranteed daily departures

• Member of SA Tourism Services Association

• No hidden costs

• We have operated successfully since 1991

• We operate our own lodges and guarantee levels of excellence

WHAT TO BRING ?

• Casual neutral-coloured clothes by day and a pullover for the Sunset Drive

• Walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses and swimming gear

• Suncreen and insect repelend

• Flashlight, binoculairs and photographic equipment

• Money for drink, personal expenses and lunches in Kruger and on transfer days

• A keen pair of eyes to help us spot all the animals

INDEMNITY FORMS Indemnity forms must be signed at the start of your safari.

We recommend that you take out insurance against

personal accident, medical expenses and baggage loss.




Greater Kruger


MARC’S TREEHOUSE LODGE INTRODUCTION

Imagine……………….. inhale the fresh balmy air of African

Bushveld. Fall asleep to the gurgling of the river, interrupted

by the eerie whoops of hyena, spine-chilling wails of jackals

and the plaintive cry of the thick-tailed bushbaby. Awaken to

the melodious chorus of birdsong and watch the activity of

wildlife drinking at the river or at our spotlit waterhole.

Walk along the pristine banks of the perennial Klaserie

River amongst huge Sycamore Figs and giant Matumi

trees……….this is Marc’s Treehouse Lodge.

In South Africa, as in the rest of our world, as human

populations grow, so indigenous, pristine habitats are

vanishing, along with their associated plant and animal

species.

Consequently there is an urgent need amongst nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the bush, affording a

fleeting chance to relax and let Nature remove the everyday strains of life. We have attempted to offer the bush

connoisseur an opportunity to satisfy the need described above.

Marc’s Treehouse Lodge offers rustic but comfortable accommodation geared to put one in close contact with the

sights, sounds and scents of the wild. The treehouses are made of wood and reeds under thatch and blend

harmoniously into the dense riverine vegetation.

Creature comforts include electric fans, mosquito nets and comfortable beds, with linen, towels and soap provided. 24

hour WIFI is available to all guests. Each treehouse has its own private ablutions and has a viewing deck overlooking the

perennial Klaserie River or the “Breakfast” Dam, where animals often come to drink.

The treehouses are unobtrusively located on the elevated banks of the river, providing excellent views of the terrain.

Marc’s Treehouse Lodge is part of the Motlala Game Reserve which boasts well-watered grazing for its varied fauna.

White and Black Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra along with the numerous antelope have made the Motlala Reserve a real

wildlife paradise. Among the predators, Leopard and Hyena are more often heard than seen. The nights at Marc’s

Treehouse Lodge are enriched by the calls of its denizens : the eerie whoops of hyena; the spine-tingling wail of jackals ,

the distant roar of lions and the plaintive cry of the thick-tailed bushbaby add an unforgettable aural dimension to one’s

appreciation of the bush.

Birds tend to be more vocal than most other creatures. In the thick canopy of the treetops at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge –

probably due to restricted visibility – the avifauna are particularly noisy as they warn of predators, call their mates or

proclaim the boundaries of their territories. Among the

feathered fraternity at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge, colourful

specials include Narina Trogon, Purple-crested Touraco,

Trumpeter Hornbill, Natal Francolin and Natal Robinchat.

The early morning cacophony of birdsong is a stark

reminder that one is deep in the riverine bush.

Marc’s Treehouse Lodge has attracted not only adventure-

seeking tourists but also many authors and journalists – the

splendid articles under “Media” bear eloquent testimony to

the special experience afforded them at this unique lodge.

ACCOMMODATION




Greater Kruger


Guests at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge are adventurous and

young at heart. They are prepared to forfeit certain luxuries

in the pursuit of a real African bush experience. They

certainly are not afraid of frogs and spiders. The Treehouse

Lodge is unique and caters for tourists of very differing

financial means.

The treehouses at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge are made of

canvas and reed walls. As a result there is reduced climate

control in the treehouses. If it is cold and windy, then the

reed walls offer limited protection. The treehouses are not

completely insect-proof or even frog- proof insofar as there

are small gaps between the reeds and the thatched roofs,

but this adds to the adventure !

Accommodation at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge is secure, comfortable and relaxed. We have a choice of accommodation

types : 12 reed and thatch treehouses, 7 tented units and 2 brick and mortar chalets. There are 3 original treehouses that

are not en suite but have private designated ablutions. These are built in trees or have trees as supports. The remaining

9 treehouses are not in trees per se but are built on stilts within the tree canopy and are located in the gallery forest.

Three treehouses overlook an illuminated waterhole, often

frequent ed by our resident buffalo herd while nine

treehouses are discreetly nestled in gallery forest along the

river. Each treehouse is equipped with beds and linen, soap

and towels, overhead fan, mosquito nets and wooden

viewing deck. In addition we have added two brick and

mortar guest houses as well as seven equipped canvas tents

for those of our clients that prefer these types of

accommodation. Each tented unit has bed and bedding,

electric light, fan and plugs and has its own deck. There are

mosquito nets above the beds or on windows and door

openings. The tented units share 3 showers and 3 toilets.

Marc’s Treehouse Lodge has a swimming pool, a bush bar

and a rustic boma where 3 course meals are served. After

your evening meal, which always has a typical African flavour, you can relax around the crackling campfire and share

your impressions of the day’s wildlife highlights and adventures.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Our BUSH WALKS are very popular insofar as our guests are afforded a brilliant opportunity to get really close to

Nature on foot. Guests may experience an acute adrenalin charge when in the presence of Big Five animals such as

elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo. Guests on our Bush Walks

are always accompanied by two armed rangers. Although there is no legal limit to the minimum age of participants,

Viva Safaris is informed by the recommendations of FGASA

(Field Guides Association of S.A.). FGASA recommends that the minimum age be 16. Tourists aged between 12 and 16

may be permitted to participate in the bush walks as long as their parents take full responsibility in ensuring their

children strictly obey all instructions from our rangers.




Greater Kruger


BUSH WALK WITH ARMED RANGER

TRANSFERS to and from Gauteng to our accommodation establishments are in air-conditioned Toyota Quantums.

We offer you excellent security as we conduct door-to-door

collection from your homes, hotels, hostels or Oliver Tambo Airport, thus ensuring your safety. Lunch stops are made at

Dullstroom or Nelspruit. THE SUNSET DRIVE affords you your first opportunity of

seeing Africa’s animals. Our qualified guide will take you on

our open 4 x 4 Land cruiser Game Drive. Stops will be made to photograph the stunning sunsets and to listen to the night

sounds and admire the clear Southern hemisphere constellation. Spotlights are used to locate elusive nocturnal

animals.

BEAUTIFUL MARULA TREE BOMA

THE BUSH BRAAI is held on the first night of our safaris.

Viva Safaris has acquired a 20 hectare property deep in Balule – in fact over 10km from the Main gate. We have built a beautiful Boma under a magnificent Marula Tree which we have protected against elephants by a ring of sharp-edged

rocks. We have a flush toilet and wash hand basin. Armed rangers will patrol while you enjoy a BUSH BRAAI in this remote piece of Africa.

OUR OPEN GAMEVIEWER SAFARIS IN KRUGER are conducted on nine-seater open

game viewing vehicles. The open game viewers offer elevated vantage positions from where your game viewing

and photographic opportunities are greatly enhanced. All

our game viewing vehicles are 4 x 4 conversions with access to all roads in all weather conditions.

PANORMA ROUTE THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON , including the THREE

RONDAWELS, is visited on the return journey

TARIFFS

Tariffs include all transfers, all entry fees, all game drives and game walks and accommodation on a dinner, bed and

breakfast basis. Excluded are lunches on transfer days and the day spent in

Kruger Park, drinks, gratuities and personal items.

WHY US?

• Our products offer unbeatable value for money

• Unequalled variety of wildlife experiences in various Game Reserves

• Secure collection from your hotel/hostel/home/airport

• Guaranteed daily departures

• Member of SA Tourism Services Association

• No hidden costs

• We have operated successfully since 1991

• We operate our own lodges and guarantee levels of excellence

WHAT TO BRING ?

• Casual neutral-coloured clothes by day and a pullover for the Sunset Drive




Greater Kruger


• Walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses and swimming gear

• Suncreen and insect repelend

• Flashlight, binoculairs and photographic equipment

• Money for drink, personal expenses and lunches in Kruger and on transfer days

• A keen pair of eyes to help us spot all the animals INDEMNITY FORMS

Indemnity forms must be signed at the start of your safari. We recommend that you take out insurance against

personal accident, medical expenses and baggage loss.

TREEHOUSES




Greater Kruger


TENTS – SHARED FACILITIES



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