Health & Safety
Prepare for a Safe Stay
Here we share the most important health and safety information for your stay at NTONI. NTONI is in a malaria-free region, but individual health and entry requirements can vary by travel route and country of origin. Please consult current official guidance and a medical professional or travel clinic before travelling. The sections below also outline practical safety, hunting and import considerations for your visit.
Vaccinations & Medical
Vaccinations, medical guidance and safety
Impose compulsory vaccinations for entry, and guests from Europe do not need additional medical documents to travel. Although a medical check-up is not mandatory, it is recommended for guests using chronic medication. Because terrain and temperature shifts can influence comfort, guests should bring any personal prescriptions they may need during their stay.
Closest medical facilities:
- Cradock clinic — approximately 35 km from NTONI
- Hospital in Somerset East — approximately 135 km
In acute emergencies, NTONI has access to a helicopter evacuation service to ensure rapid medical reach when required.
Hunting & Safety
Hunting safety standards
All hunting activities follow controlled, ethical and conservation-driven guidelines. Your professional hunter manages every stage, therefore safety remains consistent from briefing to recovery. Beginners are fully welcome, and the guide handles positioning, distance assessment and final decisions before the shot. Because temperatures and terrain can shift across the day, hunters must follow instructions closely to maintain safe conditions.
Main safety points:
- Mandatory safety briefing before entering the field
- Firearms remain unloaded until instructed by the professional hunter
- Movement across mixed terrain must take place with guide approval
- Children must remain under adult supervision at all times
- Bows and firearms must be kept secure when not in use
These guidelines ensure that hunting remains structured and predictable throughout your stay.
Malaria-Free Area
Malaria-free region at NTONI Game Reserve
NTONI is located in a malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape. Malaria status does not determine all entry or vaccination requirements, which can depend on your travel route and country of origin. Please consult current official guidance and a medical professional or travel clinic before travelling. The region is also free of bilharzia, and tap water at the lodge meets South African safety standards.
Source: JPAC
Insurance
Insurance guidelines
Guests should carry travel insurance covering medical care, personal items and general travel delays. Because hunting includes structured outdoor movement, specialised hunting insurance is recommended for guests bringing their own equipment. In addition, flights, luggage and personal equipment should be insured according to your provider’s guidelines. This keeps all arrangements predictable in case of unexpected changes.
Import Regulations
Import regulations at NTONI Game Reserve
Guests travelling with rifles must meet South African import requirements. Because airport officials check firearm documents during arrival, all paperwork must be presented immediately at customs. As a result, the process remains steady when prepared in advance.
Firearm import requirements:
- Firearm import permit for South Africa
- Locked rifle case for transport
- Ammunition packed separately and securely
Our external partner manages the full import procedure and supports guests throughout every step. They ensure that all documents meet national regulations. Once you arrive at NTONI, the team confirms storage rules and ensures that firearms stay secure throughout the stay.
