History

In 1838, Ratelfontein Private Game Reserve was granted to Johannes Stephanus Marais.

Eighty-four years later, Christiaan Neethling Barnard was born in the small, South African town of Beaufort West.

TIME Magazine.

In 1946, destined for fame and fortune, the young Chris Barnard entered the world of medicine. On December 3, 1967, Prof. Chris Barnard made medical history, when he and his team completed the first successful heart transplant in the world.

With the Karoo in his blood, and a deep affection for the Karoo and its animals, Prof. Barnard purchased Ratelfontein. Over the years, Ratelfontein became his retreat and escape; a place to relax, to recuperate, and to be uplifted and inspired.

Prof. Chris Barnard.

The game thrived in this natural environment and the herd numbers multiplied. As a hunter and avid lover of the outdoors, Chris Barnard established Ratelfontein as a member of Safari Club International, an organisation that is committed to passing on the traditions of hunting through educational programmes, hunting experiences and wildlife conservation projects.

The world's first heart transplant.

Despite the passing of Dr Christiaan Barnard, Ratelfontein Private Game Reserve has continued to operate as one of the Country’s top hunting and ecotourism areas.

Facilities

Facilities

Ratelfontein is blessed with an abundance of bird life, ranging from the Cory Bustard, the heaviest flying bird in the world, to the little fly catchers. The reserve is also home to the swift Peregrine Falcon and the majestic Black Eagle.

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Hunter's Gallery

  • Professional Hunters' Association of South Africa.
  • SCI: First For Hunters.