ABOUT US - NTONI Karoo Game Reserve

WHERE THE STORY BEGINS

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Born from our shared vision of six friends from Holland, NTONI stands today as a thriving retreat with a wealth of diverse wildlife.

After 100 years of land degradation, we embarked on a journey to revive and rejuvenate the beauty of NTONI to its natural glory. At NTONI, we’re united by a passion for conservation and a deep desire to create a sanctuary where our wildlife and ecosystems blossom.

Our commitment goes beyond conservation – it’s about nurturing the environment, restoring ecological balance, and offering our guests an unforgettable, luxurious safari getaway. At NTONI, our mission is to leave a lasting legacy of responsible stewardship and true adventure in the wild.

Set upon an ancient volcanic rock at the top of the mountain, NTONI’s veld is sensitive and unique, where the terrain greatly impacts everything from the vegetation to our reserve’s water retention. Our team actively monitors and manages our soil erosion to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Since we’ve set foot on this land, we’ve sustainably leveraged buffalo dung patches to provide micro ecofunctioning. This builds up soil microbes to successfully build a top soil, stabilise the soil, and allow soil bacteria to grow. Beyond this, we’ve built contour walls and dug trenches across the land to stop any water run-off.

Building a thriving ecosystem is not a quick fix, but a long-term strategy and vision. Each day and in every decision, we deeply consider our impact and our role in building and protecting NTONI. We are committed to pressing forward and bringing our guests along this journey as their visit plays a key role in our mission.

conserving what matters

NATURE PROTECTED, FUTURE SECURED

With each passing year, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing our on-going conservation efforts at NTONI.

Here, you will experience the beauty of the Eastern Cape’s diverse terrain, and encounter our infamous Cape Buffalo, Giraffes, Springbuck, Blesbuck, and a multitude of game species. Our guests are taken in by the rhythm of African nature, from the thrill of the hunt to the unrivalled comfort of world-class lodging, along with thoughtfully curated bush meals and sundowners. NTONI offers guests a rare and meaningful safari experience – one that blends true adventure, refined luxury, and purposeful conservation.

At NTONI, our deep love and respect for nature, wildlife, and especially Africa, has fueled our passion for responsible stewardship and consistently rejuvenating our land. Our on-going conservation developments are part of a bigger picture, that is building and carefully maintaining a balanced ecosystem despite real challenges, such as droughts, erosion, and natural breeding cycles.

Echoes From the Beginning

PAINTED STORIES ETCHED IN STONE

Situated in the Winterberg mountains of the Eastern Cape, NTONI is steeped in the rich history of the San people and their San rock art.

The ancient Bushman paintings at NTONI date back more than 8,000 years, with some paintings being as recent as a few hundred years old and the latest possibly dating to the 19th century.

At NTONI, we’re proud to home and honour the paintings of the San people as their art is preserved in our stonewalls. The art depicts a variety of subjects, including eland, humans, and scenes of hunting and dancing, often with a deep symbolic and spiritual meaning. These paintings offer insights into the lives, beliefs, and spiritual practices of the San people.