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Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 1 of 9
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
Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 2 of 9
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
Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 3 of 9
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.
Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 4 of 9
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.
Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 5 of 9
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
Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 6 of 9
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.
Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 7 of 9
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
Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 8 of 9
• 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
Tremisana Lodge & Marc’s Tree Houses South-Africa
Greater Kruger
www.africantravels.com | Page 9 of 9
TENTS – SHARED FACILITIES