5 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari

A Dream Come True with Viva Safari Tours

From start to finish, this tour was a masterclass in wildlife exploration, expertly guided and thoughtfully curated to deliver unforgettable moments in the bush. The game drives were the highlight—thrilling, immersive, and expertly led by guides who truly know the land. Their ability to track elusive animals, share fascinating insights, and create a sense of adventure made every outing feel like a scene from a nature documentary. We saw the Big Five and so much more, often up close and in breathtaking settings. The guides’ passion for conservation and storytelling added depth to every sighting. What sets Viva apart is the personal touch. The team made sure we were never just passengers—we were participants in a shared journey. Whether it was a quiet moment watching elephants at a watering hole or the excitement of spotting a leopard in the trees, the guides created space for awe and connection. Our base at Katekani Tented Lodge was the perfect complement to the safari experience. The lodge was serene and beautifully integrated into the landscape, but it was the staff who truly made it special. Warm, attentive, and always ready with a smile or a story, they made us feel like part of the family. This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a soul-stirring adventure. Viva Safari Tours delivers the kind of safari that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

Response from the operator: Hi Amy Wow !!! This certainly constitutes a masterclass in review writing ! Your appreciation of our safari package is incredibly passionate and comprehensive. Thank you for your brilliant description of the game drives. Our staff really love your comments about their personal touch. Thank you especially for your warm and appreciative description of KATEKANI TENTED LODGE. It is not as popular as Tremisana but provides a very special upmarket safari experience for the more discerning guest. We are pleased to know that you were made to feel part of the Katekani family. We all love your description of your safari as ' a soul-stirring adventure" - thanks for that ! Be well

via Tripadvisor

Great value, ethical safari tour operator

Incredible experience from the very start when we were collected from our doorstep by the comfortable and air-conditioned transfer bus. We stopped for a lunch break half way at a good restaurant. The first part of the trip was based at Tremisana lodge in a private game reserve where was saw lion and leopard and hyenas on night game drives, and could see elephant, buffalo and warthogs from the breakfast terrace. We loved the elephant walking safari with our very knowledgeable guide. The second part of the trip was based at Katekani lodge, where we were the only 2 guests, where we effectively had a personal chef who kindly prepared a meat based dinner for myself and also a vegetarian dinner each night for my wife. The accomodation here is in a really cool half-stone, half-safari tent with indoor + outdoor shower and private hot-tub. We also did 2 days in Kruger national park from here with a very funny and knowledgable guide, who's father had been an anti-poacher. The drivers and guides were all ethical got us good views of the wildlife but did not chase the animals. Fantastic trip, would highly reccommend. All the staff went above and beyond to make this a special trip.

via Tripadvisor

Excellent value for money safari experience, highly recommend.

A really well run operation with excellent safari guides who shared their knowledge and expertise in a professional and friendly manner. The first night of this safari you will stay at Tremisana Game Lodge while the remaining 3 nights are at the luxury tented Katekani lodge.

Response from the operator: Hi David Thanks for your recommendation of an " EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY SAFARI EXPERIENCE." That is precisely what Viva Safaris endeavours to offer our guests. We appreciate your comments about our "well-run" operation and "professional and friendly" guides. Be well

via Tripadvisor

Highly recommended to visit Kruger

Just coming back from this lovely experience and I‘m so happy I chose to come here. My booking included one night and Tremisana and three at Katekani. - in terms of accommodation, Katekani is the more savannah- like one with a little pool, however do note there will be plenty of bugs in the rooms which wasn‘t the case in Tremisana, so personally I liked this a tad better. Also I still had sim reception at T, which at least for my provider I lost in the second lodge. Both are beautiful, have lovely staff and great meals. Your schedule will be packed so you‘re not spending as much time beyond sleeping at the lodge. I met other viva travellers staying in treehouses and more, so have a look what you are interested in. - my two Kruger days and one in the nearby nature reserve were superb, they are outstanding just by seeing the animals and become even better if your group is pleasant and your driver engaging - some drivers are better at connecting here with groups and seem to be better connected to their group chats re game locations. We didn‘t see as much on the second day but overall still lovely. I was worried two days might be too long as they are ultimately long days of sitting with a lunch break for about an hour but it‘s stunning still to see the area; personally I wouldn‘t go for more days as it was hot in November, so quite tiring and full days too. - the transfer days are really quite long drives with a break to eat lunch. The mini buses unfortunately don‘t have usb charging facilities but are otherwise comfortable. - something I noticed was that the level of service really depends on the individual: is the person offering to help with luggage ie (no one did at Katekani, where it‘s a sand environment, so it wasn‘t as easy with my big suitcase); are they aware of passengers (on the transfer day, a lot of us slept in the mini bus but the drivers were talking loudly, listening to voice messages, recording them etc), do they engage or not and more examples which to me needs more job training to make it a better experience.

Response from the operator: Hi Lucky Thanks for your HIGH RECOMMENDATION. Your comprehensive review is pleasing insofar as you indicate your experiences both at Tremisana and Katekani. We are pleased that " both are beautiful, have lovely staff and great meals." We are pleased that you enjoyed the "lovely experience" with Viva safaris. Be well

via Tripadvisor

Moments of a lifetime. Small tour where you’re not a number!

The team at viva safaris made my 5 day safari amazing! Nothing was toi much trouble. Saw 4 of the big 5, close up and with young. No quick, blink and you miss it encounters. Missed seeing the leopards but Wow oh wow. Close up with a cheetah in Kruger. Moment of a lifetime. Seeing African wild dogs chasing impala, brilliant. My guide, Andy, was amazing! If you’re staying, do spend the extra and do Katekani. It was just divine. The plunge pool with monkeys looking on, priceless. Then there is the food. The chef, Margreth, is super talented! Her soups and stuffed squash were to die for! Ready to do the trip all over again.

Response from the operator: Hi Nicole Wow ! Whenever I read phrases such as "moments of a lifetime", I , along with all the Viva Safaris staff, am motivated to work even harder to provide our exceptional safari experience. We are pleased to know that our staff accommodated your every need. It is pleasing to read that you had great wildlife viewing - that, after all, is why you are on safari ! You were fortunate to see cheetah and wild dogs on the hunt. Andy is very pleased with himself and he thanks you. Likewise, Margrett at Katekani sends her regards and is very upbeat. Reviews like yours will serve to further increase the number of guests that also wish to experience the "divine" nature of Katekani. We shall meet and greet you with open arms on your next visit. Be well

via Tripadvisor