In 1941, Bill and Ruth Carte embarked on a journey that would establish a lasting legacy in South Africa’s Northern Drakensberg mountains. Arriving in October of that year, the couple settled at Cavern Guest Farm, embracing a lifestyle characterized by simplicity and a close connection to the natural environment. At that time, the farm lacked modern amenities such as electricity and running water, yet the Cartes saw significant potential in the surrounding land.
Bill Carte’s vision was ambitious and clear: to create a beautiful, fertile environment where they could build a sustainable living and enhance the natural world around them. This vision has profoundly shaped the family’s multi-generational dedication to hospitality, conservation, and community engagement, now spanning over 80 years.
Today, The Carte Collection remains under the stewardship of Bill and Ruth’s five granddaughters, who manage three distinct hospitality establishments in the region. These include Sungubala Eco Camp, which offers secluded self-catering accommodations set against wilderness and mountain scenery; Cavern Guest Farm, the original homestead that continues to welcome visitors with guided nature walks and family-friendly experiences; and Montusi Mountain Lodge, which provides refined comfort, gourmet dining, and panoramic views of the Amphitheatre, a notable geological formation in the Drakensberg.
The family’s commitment to conservation has been a cornerstone of their approach since the farm’s founding. Their efforts have contributed to the preservation of the Northern Drakensberg’s diverse ecosystems, which include ancient peaks, indigenous forests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, helping to maintain this natural heritage for future generations.
In addition to environmental stewardship, The Carte Collection actively supports local communities through the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust. This initiative promotes literacy, teacher training, early childhood development, and educational opportunities within rural areas, aiming to improve prospects for children living nearby.
Guests at the family’s establishments not only engage with the region’s scenic beauty and outdoor activities but also participate in a legacy rooted in sustainable tourism and social responsibility. Through this approach, The Carte Collection embodies a long-standing family dream that integrates hospitality with a broader mission of conservation and community support, a vision that began with the Cartes’ arrival in the early 1940s and continues to thrive today.