Description
These two unique bush homes, Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill, are located on their own private game reserve in the beautiful and diverse Waterberg region of South Africa. They offer some of the most exciting game viewing and horseback riding in Africa and situated at an altitude of 4500 feet above sea level, this wonderful region offers a temperate climate and can be visited all year round. Due to the varying topography and ecology across the reserve, the bush is teeming with an incredible variety of game species from rhino and buffalo to leggy giraffe, rare sable antelope, herds of eland, zebra, wildebeest, big spiral-horned kudu to the fleet-footed oryx just to mention but a few. There are 300 recorded bird species in the area to add to the exquisite variety of all forms of wildlife that the reserves support.
Both lodges are ideal, not just for the serious rider looking for a horse riding safari in South Africa, but also for their non-riding companions or families. Each guest can do as much or as little horse riding as they wish and your hosts pride themselves on their flexibility to accommodate everyone's needs and wishes. Reliable ponies are available for the child rider and children are really encouraged to get stuck in learning about the wildlife of the region whilst also enjoying up-close experiences with large game.
The concept your hosts strive for is to create a luxurious bush home experience where guests can become part of a working reserve and learn about the bush by being part of the setup and viewing it from horseback. Wake-up times, meals, activities etc. are all dictated by the guests as your hosts try hard to tailor-make your stay. At each lodge are dedicated and hardworking teams who endeavour to give each guest a memorable African riding experience. Rides are always guided by two professional local guides who add to the experience their infinite knowledge of the game, flora, tracks, natural medicines and love of the bush.
Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill are owned and run by Ant Baber. The Baber family were one of the earliest pioneers in the area, settling here in 1886. Of English and Irish descent, they carry with them a love for Africa's wide-open spaces, adventure and passion for its wildlife. In the mid-1990s Ant renovated an old ranch house, which became Ant's Nest and, in 2003, Ant's Hill was built above a spectacular gorge with each room designed to make the most of the magnificent view. Both lodges can either be booked exclusively, to one group at a time, or you can book just one room, making it a wonderful destination for families, riders, honeymooners or just good friends travelling together.
Please note we can arrange a few extra days for you at Jaci's Lodge at Madikwe Game Reserve if you wish to extend your stay.
Both Holly and Cathy from Far and Ride have been lucky enough to ride here and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.