A story of generations
Pieter Ernst Jr.: A life shaped by the veld
Raised in the African bushveld, our Bona Bona Safaris founder and proprietor Pieter Ernst Jr. developed an unbreakable bond with nature from a young age. His family-orientated upbringing guided by his father, also Pieter, instilled in him not just respect for wildlife, but a passionate desire to protect it. Today, his family-first vision breathes life into every aspect of Bona Bona Safaris, ensuring that our values and stewardship stand the test of time, across generations.
A father’s guidance in the bush echoes through a lifetime
Family at the heart of Bona Bona
At Bona Bona Safaris, family is everything. Living and working on the land alongside our community is not just a responsibility. It’s a privilege. Our founder Pieter Jnr’s wife, Rika, embodies this ethos wholeheartedly. Raised on a farm herself, she is a family-orientated mother whose pride lies in nurturing her children with values rooted deeply in respect, love and connection.
The Ernst children grow up immersed in the rhythms of farm life, surrounded by the people of the land. Fluent in Tswana, the language of the local community, as well as Afrikaans and English, they live the spirit of family first. Their love for farming, sustainability and forging meaningful relationships with the communities we serve defines the very essence of Bona Bona Safaris. It’s this shared bond of family and heritage that strengthens the unique story of our home in Africa.
THE ROOTS OF THE BONA BONA LEGACY
At the heart of Bona Bona Safaris is the patriarch of our family, Oom Pieter Ernst. It is his unwavering positive vision, tireless dedication and deep love for our African land that have built the Bona Bona Group into what it is today — a diverse and thriving organisation united by shared principles. From the inception of Bona Bona to the many divisions under our banner today, Oom Pieter’s commitment to fostering family values has been the foundation of our success.
By his side is Tannie Anele, whose passion for farming, the land and its people inspires us daily. Her values of loyalty, trust, comfort, wholesomeness, care, equality, love and respect are not just guiding principles, they are a shining example for everyone at Bona Bona. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering devotion to and support of both family and community have shaped the very fabric of our culture, reminding us of the importance of harmony between people and nature.
Oom Pieter and Tannie Anele’s legacy is more than the success of the Bona Bona Group. It is the embodiment of the values that unite us as a family and as caretakers of this land. Together, they have created not only a business but a sustainable way of life that inspires and uplifts everyone who calls Bona Bona home.
A family hunting farm built on love and dedication
The generational Ernst family farm Buisfontein was once a humble family aspiration, a dream of showcasing Africa’s grandeur through ethical, sustainable hunting. Over years of determination and hard work, it has blossomed into a destination revered by outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. The Ernst family’s unwavering dedication is a legacy that resonates in the warmth of our welcome and the quality of every hunt.