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 customized, we’ll provide a detailed quote after reviewing your enquiry.

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 prime hunting months are April through September, which fall during our cooler, dry winter season. Rainfall is minimal during this time, offering ideal conditions for a successful and comfortable safari.

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.

There are no compulsory vaccinations needed for entry into South Africa, as the region is malaria-free.

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.

Yes, we offer a selection of alcoholic, local spirits and juices as part of your experience.

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

Yes, absolutely. All of our lodges are located on private, secure land, far from public access. We are highly conscious of the safety concerns within the country and have robust measures in place to protect both our guests and staff at all times.

No special precautions are necessary. Our region is free of malaria and bilharzia, and we are within 30 minutes of professional medical care. Just be sure to 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 exist in the region, they are rarely seen, especially during the hunting season, as they are typically dormant or inactive during that time of year. Sightings are extremely uncommon.

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, transfers to and from Port Elizabeth Airport, taxidermy, shipping, and personal extras may be charged separately. The exclusions are listed with the package details, so please check the packages page or ask us for a tailored quote.

Yes. NTONI can arrange transfers from Port Elizabeth Airport, now also known as Gqeberha, as part of your booking. 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 the right rifle, 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 the species specifically listed in that package. Any additional species, substitutions, wounded animals, or extras should be discussed in advance and confirmed in your personal quote so the trophy-fee structure is clear before your hunt begins.

After the hunt, trophies are prepared through the agreed taxidermy and shipping process. Timelines vary depending on the taxidermist, documentation, treatment, export permits, shipping route and destination country, so we connect you with the relevant specialists for current timing and cost estimates.

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.

Tips are not included in the package price and are always at the guest’s discretion. If you would like guidance, ask us before or during your stay and we can explain common tipping practices for professional hunters, trackers, lodge staff and transfer support.

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.