South Africa ~ Ants Nest and Ants Hill
Comfortable, stylish safari lodges, offering riding, walking, game drives from flexible dates, year round. Suitable for riders of all levels and ideal for riders, non-riders, couples, families and mixed groups.
Where In the Waterberg range of South Africa's Limpopo province about a 3 hour drive north of Johannesburg and an hour from the Botswana border.
What is it like The Waterberg is a plateau with a huge variety of vegetation. The lodges are set in a private game and nature reserve, where thick vegetation is criss-crossed by sand tracks, there are tremendous views over undulating hills and game that includes white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, sable, eland, wildebeest, zebra and more.
Who does it suit Almost anyone and everyone, but perfect for those wanting the chance to relax in lovely surroundings whilst also having plenty to do. Activities include riding, walking and game drives; there are mountain bikes, you can fish in the dams, take a game drive on a neighbouring Big 5 reserve, visit the local school or village, have a massage and relax by the pool. Book as an individual, couple, family or group of friends, the atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming and itineraries are tailored to suit. Its ideal for children of all ages and one of our top choices for families.
Why we love it For the feeling that everyone really cares. From the fittest needing lots of action to those most in need of a rest, everyone is personally catered for, welcomed as friends and beautifully looked after as guests - and because it offers a little bit of luxury. We all need that sometimes!
See this short video for a taste:
SUMMARY
Riding: tailored to suit
Horses: locally and farm bred, TB, TB cross, South African Boerperd crosses.
Pace: moderate/variable (tailored to suit)
Riding ability: all standards from novice to experienced; children welcome
Weight limit: 110kgs (17st 4lbs) but please call us to discuss if you are over 95kgs (about 15st)
Accommodation: luxury private game lodge
Group size: the lodges sleep a maximum of 14 / 16; split into smaller groups to ride
Season: year round
Price: 7 night stays from £2450 per adult
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: The horses include TB and TB crosses of up to about 16hh, as well as several local South African crossbreeds and ponies that are ideal for children or less experienced adults to ride. All have been carefully selected for their temperament, aptitude and ability. Saddles are Maclellan style (a comfortable cross between a Western and English saddle). Grooms look after the horses and prepare them for you each day.
Hours: Riding hours are very flexible and can be varied to suit.
Pace and experience required: Riders of all standards can be catered for with mixed groups split so that some can enjoy a slow, gentle ride and others longer and faster rides.
ACCOMMODATION
The original homestead at Ant's Nest has been transformed into a comfortable and stylish lodge sleeping up to 12 / 14 guests. All bedrooms are different and all are very comfortable, with furniture that has been hand made from local timber and four poster beds in most rooms. There is a comfortable sitting and dining room with open fireplace, a lovely swimming pool (heated in winter) built of local stone and a covered veranda running along the front of the house where meals are often enjoyed watching the game that comes to graze close by. It feels luxurious but also intimate, relaxed and friendly. We love this lodge for private groups.
Ant's Hill is a 16 bed lodge, spectacularly situated on the edge of a hill with lovely views across the Waterberg. Built of traditional stone and thatch it is a stunning and well thought out 'bush home', with individually designed bedrooms and guest cottages. It has two family 'cottages' that are ideal for small groups (one with a double & triple bedroom with en-suite bathrooms, an open veranda, dining room and its own small plunge pool), two further individual 'cottages' each with en-suite bedroom and large veranda and a lovely upstairs double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and fabulous views. There is also a comfortable sitting and dining area with open fireplace, a bar area and heated swimming pool. Its a fabulous place to stay and with cottages well separated, is well suited to those who might want a bit of privacy as well as the chance to socialise.
RATES & DATES
|
Rates 2024 (valid to 9th January 2025) |
Rates are charged on a per person per night basis and vary with the room booked (Superior Deluxe, Deluxe, Superior Standard or Standard). Rates include a complusory Conservancy Fee which is used to fund work to protect and manage game, particularly rhino, on the reserve. A special discounted rate is available for a stay of 7 nights or more in some rooms in low season - please ask us. |
|
Dates 2024
|
Arranged to suit, year round Game Census - 2025 TBC |
Average temperature guide
ITINERARY
Itineraries for a stay at Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill are individually tailored to suit and you are free to choose which of the available activities you do each day. When you arrive your hosts will explain what there is to do and you can discuss your choice of activities with them each day. The following is an example itinerary for a week's stay:
| Day 1 | Arrive Johannesburg and transfer to Ant's Nest / Hill. Lunch and settle in before meeting the horses and an evening ride for a first view of the area. Return to the lodge as the sun sets for dinner and the night. |
| Day 2 |
A wake up call and leisurely breakfast, or an early call when the light is best for game viewing and an early morning ride to explore the reserve. Stop for a delicious bush breakfast, then ride back to the lodge by a different route. A siesta by the pool and after tea, a late afternoon ride or evening game drive with spot light. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. |
| Days 3-5 |
Three full days at the lodge, with your choice of morning or afternoon rides, game drives or guided walks perhaps stopping for brunch under a shady acacia tree. You might also decide to explore locally, taking a tour of the main farm to visit the school or local village. Nights at the lodge. |
| Day 6 |
Breakfast and perhaps an early morning trip to a neighbouring Big 5 reserve for a game drive, returning to Ant's for a delicious barbecue by the pool and siesta. In the afternoon, a ride out to one of the dams, stopping for sundowners and riding back to the lodge at sun set. Dinner and night. |
| Day 7 |
Breakfast, an early morning ride or game drive then pack up to transfer to Johannesburg for onward journey. |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel: (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions |
TRAVEL
The nearest International airport is Johannesburg and transfers to the lodges can be arranged from there for an extra charge. British Airways and Virgin have direct overnight flights from London to Johannesburg arriving the next morning. For an economy return flight from London budget about £750 to £950 (varies with the season and availability). One way transfers from / to Johannesburg are £250 per car taking up to 3 guests. Larger vehicles also available.
