Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill, South Africa
Overview
Reviews
“CB and I have relayed to countless people what a wonderful time we had at Ant's. The wedding was flawless, from the singing and dancing staff to the passion fruit cake and everything in between. Compliments to everyone for making our stay literally PERFECT! Penny was a fun and gracious host. The lodge was cozy, always tidy and the messages were wonderful. Chase manages the stables expertly. Riders were appropriately mounted, the horses were happy and well cared for. The natural history was fantastic. The accommodations were just right. No phone, no TV, no radio and just enough internet to check in at home. WONDERFUL! Our favorites were the outdoor shower and en suite fireplace. Compliments to Chef Eric and his kitchen staff, for the varied, local and delicious cuisine. Everyone loved the pictures from our wedding day! Great job. It was so much fun to see them for the first time after arriving back home. The photo's with the Rhinos were the talk of the whole trip. Everyone was amazed. We are trying to educate people here on the dire state of their population. We had no idea , prior to our visit, that it is such a critical situation. I could go on and on, but in the end, what made it so special was their ability to perfectly balance the formality and informality of the interactions between staff, guests and other guests. Remarkable, that it felt as if we were visiting old family friends. ”
Horses
Type of horses:
The horses range from big strong forward going thoroughbreds, tough African Boerperd, exciting crossbreeds and reliable children's ponies.
Nature of horses:
Forward going, strong, reliable, good natured.
Height of horses:
13.2 - 17hh
Weight limit:
120 kg (19 stone)
Tack type:
McClellan saddles, made locally and based on the famous old US cavalry saddles, designed for the comfort of both horse and rider alike. A few English saddles are available.
Travel Advice
Please ensure you read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice before you travel.
Ride 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.
The horses that you ride live out and graze amongst the game on a daily basis, the thoroughbreds being stabled at night. This has allowed the game to become used to the horses, thus giving guests a unique opportunity of really getting in and amongst the various species whilst riding as they are so accustomed to seeing the horses up close. The riding pace on the horseback safaris can vary from galloping with giraffe and wildebeest to meandering along high rocky bluffs, watching the setting African sun, or quietly riding through a herd of grazing zebra or family of rhino. 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 and Tessa 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 1990's Ant and Tessa 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.
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.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is at either Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill, located on their own private game reserve. Both lodges are uniquely designed to blend into the natural environment around them, yet they offer open spacious living areas with the exotic splash of bright colours from African fabrics and furnishings. Heated swimming pools, a delicious blend of local and international cuisine, al fresco dining, as well as relaxing full body massages round off the experience after a day of riding. Luxury en-suite bedrooms with spectacular bathrooms and decadent waterfall showers, deep sunken baths combined with wonderful African views add to the luxury.
Ant's Nest lies in a natural amphitheatre. Originally a derelict old ranch house, it was renovated in the mid nineties and the colonial homestead with its wide verandahs has a classic African atmosphere. The luxurious en-suite rooms accommodate a maximum of only 12 guests (6 bedrooms) and are furnished in a classic style using local fabrics, timber and stone. The 15 metre pool in the garden is heated all year round. Extensive lawns and beds of indigenous plants surround the pool and home and there is a wonderful thatched chill-out spot with vast sofa beds to relax on during the heat of the day. A wide variety of game frequents the waterhole in front of the house where horses and dogs abound.
Ant's Hill is situated on the edge of a cliff and offers breathtaking views across the Waterberg. With spacious rooms and vast folding doors, the thatched lodge blends into the bush while the exotic furniture and brightly coloured African fabrics make it both sophisticated and comfortable. The draped four-poster beds are seven foot wide and each bathroom is spectacular, offering guests sunken baths and waterfall showers. Set in boulders on the edge of the cliff, the swimming pool cascades over the lip of the gorge (also heated), inducing you to relax there for hours.
You can arrive and depart any day, staying as long as you wish. The rooms consist of two privately appointed honeymoon cottages, one family cottage with a master bedroom and double or twin rooms each with their own bathroom and a third loft room with stunning views. World's View is a superior cottage which features one double and one twin room with living area and its own plunge pool.
Your hosts take great pride in their sumptuous home cooking using a delicious blend of local and international cuisine, dining outside whenever possible under shady trees. Morning riding activities often end with a bush lunch, whilst at night you sit around open fires under the stars. Excellent South African estate wines are served and all dietary requirements can be catered for.
The day normally starts off with a light breakfast of cereals, fruits, yoghurt and toast although a cooked breakfast is available on request. A light lunch with a variety of salads and other delicious dishes is usually served around midday, followed by high-tea prior to your afternoon game viewing. A scrumptious three-course dinner or barbecue rounds off the day. Should you have any special requests, such as birthday cakes or the desire to try more traditional South African meals, please advise your hosts on arrival and they will endeavour to make your wishes come true.
Activities
Both locations are ideal for not just the serious horse rider, but also their non riding companions or families. A wide range of other activities are available:
Guided Bush Walks
For those who prefer walking, guides are available to take you through the bushveld on foot. These walks are informative and interactive, enabling guests to gain knowledge of the flora, fauna and animals resident on the reserves. Learning to recognise tracks is great fun. Whilst these walks can be in the form of a gentle stroll, the more energetic can hike over the plains and down impressive gorges.
Game Drives
Guides are available to take guests out in an open 4x4 Land Cruiser either for a morning or afternoon game drive or using a spotlight at night to find exclusive nocturnal animals, such as the rare brown hyena, aardvark and porcupine.
Big Five Game Drives
Big 5 game drives are also available on nearby reserves for an additional charge.
Mountain Biking
Due to the terrain being incredibly diverse, it offers from the gentle meander to extreme technical cycling.
Massages
Whilst not travelling around you can lounge by the pool or enjoy a massage.
Weddings
Both bush homes make for a fabulous wedding venue and your hosts can tailor make your special day.
A selection of books are available and curio shops stock original, handmade crafts.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: None
Age limit: None
Tuition: Yes
Included: Accommodation, all meals including lunch on arrival day OR departure, soft drinks, local alcoholic drinks,game drives, game walks, horse riding, mountain biking (not suitable for children under 12 due to terrain) and laundry.
Not included: Flights, transfers, travel and medical insurance, massages, additional activities off the property, game conservation fee, gratuities (guideline R150-R250 per day) and curio shop purchases.
Travel Information
Direct flights from the UK to Johannesburg can be booked with the following airlines:
London Gatwick to Johannesburg - Nationwide Airlines
London Heathrow to Johannesburg - British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Indirect flights from a number of regional airports can be booked with KLM, Lufthansa and Air France.
Transfers will be arranged for you in accordance with your flights at an additional cost. Please see the individual itineraries for the detailed pricing of these.
Airport: Johannesburg (JNB)
Programmes
Luxury Tailor Made Programme
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A fantastic African safari experience, ideal not just for the serious rider but also for their non-riding companions and families, with tailor made luxury programmes offering activities for all. With a fine selection of fit, reliable and responsive horses, your hosts take great care in perfecting the match between the rider's ability and confidence to their preference in type and responsiveness of their mount. Rides vary in pace and duration according to the guests' desires and abilities. This can vary from galloping with giraffe and wildebeest to meandering along high rocky bluffs watching the setting African sun, or quietly riding through a herd of grazing zebra or family of rhino. The selection of reliable children's ponies enables the experience of incredible game viewing to be shared by all. For absolute beginners, steady horses help develop confidence and ability and for non-riders there are a host of different activities on offer. Your hosts pride themselves on their unique flexibility, with each day tailored to suit the guests who are staying. Three different activities in any one morning or afternoon are offered. Those who are purely interested in riding may spend up to 6 hours a day in the saddle during morning and afternoon rides, whilst those not so enthusiastic can enjoy a mixture of riding as well as a host of other activities such as guided walks or game drives and mountain biking. Guests are also always welcome to join in on any management activities on the reserves such as game capture and relocation, treating injured animals, burning firebreaks and doing game census on horseback. Guides are available throughout your stay to take you out in an open 4x4 land cruiser, either for a morning or afternoon game drive. You are likely to see white rhino with their young, giraffe, warthog, blue wildebeest, sable antelope, nyala, waterbuck, impala, red hartebeest, blesbok, kudu, buffalo, the rare Livingstone eland, oryx, mountain reedbuck, bushbuck and nyala, steenbok, mongoose, springhare, chacma baboon, vervet monkey, duiker, blackbacked jackal, scrub hare, lesser bush baby, tree squirrel and rock hyraxes. There are 300 recorded bird species in the area to add to the exquisite variety of all forms of wildlife that the reserves support. Alternatively you may wish to take advantage of the extra experience of a game drive at night, using a spotlight to find elusive nocturnal species such as the rare brown hyena, aardvark and porcupine. The famous Big 5 Game Drives are also available on neighbouring reserves for an additional charge. For families or couples where some ride and others don't, you can enjoy separate activities alternatively as there are two guides on each ride and novices can go out with their more competent partners without slowing the ride. Basic lessons for non-riders are available at both lodges and many guests do learn to ride here. Special activities are laid on for children and teenagers who enjoy getting involved in the running of a game reserve. Children of all ages can join their parents on all activities such as riding or can alternatively be taken out separately. Special food and meal times can be arranged and children are welcome to supper in their dressing gowns. While the variety of activities keep all entertained, you will learn a great deal about wildlife and gain inspiration to last you a lifetime. It is a truly amazing and educational experience. Riding lessons are available for the novice rider and many children learn to ride and how to appreciate the wonderful environment here. Your hosts are also happy to take you through the Waterberg to see other interesting sites including: Bushman paintings and Iron Age villages. You can go to a historic thatched church on Sundays where you can meet local people and see the 1914 building designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Children can attend a colourful Sunday school where the Sotho children sing choruses in rousing harmony. You hosts are also happy to take you shopping in the local town where you will find a wide variety of local and African arts and crafts. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Beginner to advanced. |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | Up to 6 hours daily for those who wish. |
| Departure dates: |
Departures available to suit with flexible arrivals and departures. Game censure 2021: 29 May-6 June |
| Pricing: |
2021: Prices below are PER PERSON, PER WEEK (7 nights), SHARING. Single supplement is only payable if not willing to share. These special weekly prices EXCLUDE Peak season periods of 15 December-9 January, 20 March-30 April, Game Census, 1 July-31 August, 1 October-3 November and are only available during low season of 10 January-19 March, 1 May-30 June (excluding game census week), 1 September-30 September, 4 November-14 December Basic Standard Rooms (Davidson Suite): £1820. No single supplement Superior Standard Rooms (Rondavel, Treetops, Sable 2 & Eagles Nest): £2065. No single supplement Deluxe Room (Weaver, Sable 1, Lookout, Family Cottage Double, Family Cottage Twin): £2240. Single supplement: £567 Superior deluxe room (Hideaway, Worlds View Double, Worlds View Twin): £2590. Single supplement: £637 These prices are PER PERSON, PER NIGHT (SHARING). ANTS NEST 20 March-30 April, Game Census week, 1 July-31 August, 1 October-3 November, 15 December 2021-9 January 2022 Basic Standard Rooms (Davidson) Adults: £345. Single supplement: £170 Superior Standard Room (Rondavel & Treetops): £390. Single supplement: £195 Deluxe Room (Weaver, Sable 1 & 2): £445. Single supplement: £225 10 January-19 March, 1 May- 30 June (excluding Game Census week), 1-30 September, 4 November-14 December Basic Standard Rooms (Davidson) Adults £300. No single supplement Superior Standard Room (Rondavel & Treetops): £340. No single supplement Deluxe Room (Weaver, Sable 1 & 2): £370. Single supplement: £185 ANTS HILL 20 March-30 April, Game Census week, 1 July-31 August, 1 October-3 November, 15 December 2020-9 January 2021 Superior Standard Room (Eagles Nest) Adults: £390. Single supplement: £195 Deluxe Room (Lookout Cottage): £445. Single supplement: £225 Superior Deluxe Room (Hideaway with private pool): £485. Single supplement: £240 10 January-19 March, 1 May- 30 June (excluding Game Census week), 1-30 September, 4 November-14 December Superior Standard Room (Eagles Nest) Adults: £340. No single supplement Deluxe Room (Lookout Cottage): £370. Single supplement: £185 Superior Deluxe Room (Hideaway with private pool): £430. Single supplement: £215 Please note there are child discounts which apply for children aged under 11 years. Discounts also apply for a child or adult on a third bed in a room. Please contact the office for a quote. There are also two cottages at Ants Hill which have to be booked in their entirety. These are priced PER COTTAGE PER NIGHT: 20 March-30 April, Game Census week, 1 July-31 August, 1 October-3 November, 15 December 2020-9 January 2021 Family Cottage (up to 5 Adults): £1810 Worldsview Superior Cottage (up to 4 Adults): £1940 10 January-19 March, 1 May- 30 June (excluding Game Census week), 1-30 September, 4 November-14 December Family Cottage (up to 5 Adults): £1515 Worldsview Superior Cottage (up to 4 Adults): £1720 **Conservation fees are INCLUDED for 2021** Exclusive use of Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill is possible, as is a private guide/safari/vehicle - please enquire for quotes. Transfers per car Johannesburg Airport to Ants (One way) TBC: 1-3 PAX TBC: 4-7 PAX TBC: 8-10 PAX Please contact the office for more transfer options Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience. |
Game Census
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This is a special trip where guests are able to get involved in the yearly game census from horseback. This involves heading out in small groups, covering as much terrain as possible and taking a count of all the species seen. Depending on what needs doing, you may be involved in relocating species such as Sable Antelope to other parts of the reserve, or in helping to locate and track buffalo bulls. This is a unique opportunity to participate in events which are usually only available to those with wildlife or veterinary training. In between all the action, there will be plenty of time to enjoy a number of other activities on offer, such as normal sundowners. During Game Census week, you must stay for the whole 7 nights and cannot arrive/depart partway through, although you are welcome to add additional nights before/after to extend your holiday if you wish. Single travellers may have to share - for example, Sable Suite may be booked as the Double room, with other guests separately booked into the Twin room. For this special week, deposits must be paid immediately and it isn't possible to hold rooms without deposit for more than 48 hours. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | 7 nights |
| Departure dates: |
29 May - 6 June 2021 You MUST stay the entire week, but can add additional days before/after to extend if you wish. |
| Pricing: |
2021: These prices are PER PERSON, PER NIGHT (SHARING). ANTS NEST Basic Standard Rooms (Davidson) Adults: £345. Single supplement: £170 Superior Standard Room (Rondavel & Treetops): £390. Single supplement: £195 Deluxe Room (Weaver, Sable 1 & 2): £445. Single supplement: £225 ANTS HILL Superior Standard Room (Eagles Nest) Adults: £390. Single supplement: £195 Deluxe Room (Lookout Cottage): £445. Single supplement: £225 Superior Deluxe Room (Hideaway with private pool): £485. Single supplement: £240 There are also two cottages at Ants Hill which have to be booked in their entirety. These are priced PER COTTAGE PER NIGHT: Family Cottage (up to 5 Adults): £1810 Worldsview Superior Cottage (up to 4 Adults): £1940 **Conservation fees are INCLUDED for 2021** Transfers per car Johannesburg Airport to Ants (One way) TBC: 1-3 PAX TBC: 4-7 PAX TBC: 8-10 PAX Please contact the office for more transfer options Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience. |