ANSWERING YOUR MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NTONI derives from the isiXhosa expression “ntoni?”“what?” — reflecting the understated sense of wonder experienced upon arrival. A place of rare privacy and natural abundance, where landscape and wildlife have been allowed to flourish in remarkable harmony.

Not at all. We welcome both seasoned hunters and complete beginners. If this will be your first hunting safari, just let us know during your enquiry, this allows us to customize your experience for maximum comfort and confidence in the field.

Pricing varies based on your chosen species, duration of stay and overall experience. Since every safari is customised, we’ll provide a detailed quote after reviewing your enquiry. Some prices are quoted excluding VAT; your personal quotation will clearly state where VAT applies and whether it is included.

At NTONI, we offer tailored hunting safaris that range from plains game to iconic big game species like the Cape Buffalo and Eland. Each package is crafted to meet your preferences and goals. Please contact us for a personalized quote based on your desired experience.

The hunting season runs March–November; the prime cooler-season period is April–September.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your personal firearm, provided you secure the correct permits and comply with our ethical hunting standards. Our team can help guide you through the required steps.

Absolutely. NTONI is more than just a hunting destination. We offer a wide range of non-hunting adventures including guided bush walks, photographic safaris, birdwatching tours, and conservation-focused outings. These experiences are designed to connect guests of all ages with nature in a meaningful and memorable way.

South Africa experiences distinct seasonal shifts:

  • Summer (December–March): Warm to hot, with temperatures between 16°C and 33°C (60°F to 92°F)
  • Winter (May–August): Cooler conditions, with temperatures from 5°C to 22°C (40°F to 72°F)
  • Spring & Autumn (September–November & March–May): Generally mild and pleasant

Rain is most common in the summer months, though we don’t have a strict rainy season. Annual rainfall averages around 500 mm. We recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day, mornings and evenings can be chilly even during warmer seasons.

NTONI is in a malaria-free region. Entry vaccination requirements can depend on your route and country of origin, so please consult current official guidance and a medical professional before travelling.

While not required, we strongly recommend a general health check-up, particularly for guests who use chronic medication. A consultation with your doctor can help ensure you’re well-prepared for your safari.

At Ntoni, we take care of the paperwork so you can focus on the experience. You will receive a temporary hunting permit through us that is fully comprehensive. Covering all legal aspects and requirements for your stay. You are fully covered from the moment you begin.

We work closely with a trusted network of professional taxidermists and shipping specialists. Our preferred partner is African Wildlife Artistry. We’ll be happy to connect you with them or another reputable provider to handle your trophies.

No. All lodging is reserved exclusively for your group, unless previously arranged. We carefully manage our schedule to ensure that hunting and eco-safari guests do not overlap, giving every visitor a private and peaceful experience.

You’ll arrive in South Africa via Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport, where you’ll clear customs. From there, take a domestic flight (approximately 1.5 hour) to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). A member of our team will be waiting to welcome you upon arrival.

Local spirits and wines, local beers, juices, water and soft drinks are included as part of your stay. If you request other wines, spirits or alcoholic drinks, NTONI can purchase them for you; these are charged separately by the full bottle.

We provide a range of popular sodas such as Coke, Sprite, 7Up, and others, available in both regular and sugar-free/diet options.

NTONI’s lodges are on private land and we apply established safety measures for guests and staff. However, travel conditions can vary by location and over time. Please review current official travel advice and follow normal precautions while travelling in South Africa.

NTONI is in a malaria-free region and is also free of bilharzia. Health needs vary by traveller, so please consult current official guidance and a medical professional or travel clinic before travelling. Bring any personal medications or prescriptions you may need.

Yes, the water at our lodges meets South African health and safety standards and is completely safe to drink. For your convenience, we also provide bottled water throughout your stay.

While venomous snakes do occur in the region, they are rarely seen, especially during the hunting season, when they are generally less active. Sightings are extremely uncommon, and every hunting vehicle carries a snakebite kit as an additional precaution.

Yes, it’s advisable to have some local cash on hand for gratuities and personal expenses. However, major credit cards are widely accepted at most establishments.

Each hunting package includes full-board accommodation, the listed number of nights on the reserve, guided hunting with a professional hunter, and the package species shown on the package page. You can review the current package structure on the hunting packages page.

Items such as rifle rental, ammunition, tips, taxidermy, shipping and personal extras may be charged separately. Wines, spirits or other alcoholic drinks outside the included local selection can be purchased by NTONI on request and are charged separately by the full bottle. Airport transfers can be arranged and are not included unless explicitly listed in your quotation. Please check the packages page or ask us for a tailored quote.

Airport transfers can be arranged separately and are not included unless explicitly listed in your quotation. You can read more about arrival routes and transfer options on the how to get to NTONI page.

Pack practical safari clothing for warm days and cool mornings, comfortable footwear, sun protection, personal medication, chargers, and any hunting-specific gear you plan to use. A fuller preparation list is available on the what to pack page and the hunting requirements and gear checklist.

Yes, rifle rental can be arranged if you prefer not to travel with your own firearm. Please tell us during your enquiry so we can include rifle rental, ammunition and related arrangements in your quote.

Yes, non-hunting guests are welcome at NTONI and can enjoy the reserve through wildlife viewing, guided outings, lodge time, and selected activities. More detail is available on the non-hunting guests page.

Yes, NTONI can work well for families, especially those with older children who enjoy nature, wildlife, and structured outdoor activities. You can read more about age suitability and family activities on the families at NTONI page.

After we receive your enquiry, we prepare a personal quote based on your group, dates, package, species and travel needs. Your booking is confirmed once the agreed deposit and booking details have been received, and the remaining steps are confirmed directly with you in writing.

Payment instructions are provided with your personal quote and booking confirmation. Because international transfers and local payment arrangements can differ by guest and package, please confirm your preferred payment method with the NTONI team before finalising your booking.

Cancellation terms are confirmed with your quote and booking documents, because they can depend on dates, package type, group size and services already reserved. Please review these terms before paying your deposit and contact us early if your travel plans change.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for international guests. Your policy should cover medical care, cancellation, travel delays, baggage, firearms where applicable, and any safari or hunting-related activities you plan to join.

Package prices include only the species specifically listed in that package. Any additional species or substitutions must be discussed and confirmed separately. A wounded animal that is not recovered must still be paid for, regardless of why it could not be recovered. Your personal quote will set out the applicable trophy fees before the hunt begins.

After the hunt, trophies are delivered to the agreed taxidermist. Once a trophy has been accepted by the taxidermist, responsibility for processing, documentation, timelines, costs and shipping rests between the taxidermist and the client. NTONI is not responsible for the further handling of the trophy, although we may assist as a gesture of goodwill where practical.

Yes, please share dietary requirements, allergies or food preferences during your enquiry or before arrival. Advance notice gives the lodge team enough time to plan meals properly for your stay.

NTONI is a remote private reserve, so mobile reception can vary by lodge, terrain and network provider. If connectivity is important for your group, please ask us before arrival so we can explain the current Wi-Fi and reception situation for your chosen lodge.

Gratuities are never an entitlement and remain entirely at your discretion. Ask your outfitter before the safari for guidance on customary amounts and who is normally tipped. Planning this in advance allows you to bring suitable cash for the people involved and to confirm whether it is preferable to exchange it into local currency on arrival. As many hunting areas are far from banking facilities and staff may find it difficult to exchange foreign currency, arranging this beforehand can prevent inconvenience or embarrassment.

The right trip length depends on your package, species list, travel schedule and whether non-hunting activities are part of the stay. Most hunting packages are structured around a set number of hunting days and nights, so the packages page is the best starting point.

Guests are assisted in English, and the team will make communication as clear and practical as possible throughout the stay. If your group has specific language needs, please mention this during your enquiry so we can plan accordingly.