HORSE RIDING, UNFORGETTABLE WILDLIFE & LUXURY LODGE IN SOUTH AFRICA
These exclusive lodges provide the perfect getaway to explore the wonders of the African bush while indulging in world-class hospitality and incredible riding.
This brilliant riding opportunity, situated in the malaria-free Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province, caters for riders of all abilities. It is ideal for those looking to combine riding with relaxation or those wishing to holiday alongside non-riders. Families particularly love the Ant Africa Safaris as there are a range of activities for kids of all ages.
At Ant’s Hill and Ant’s Nest – the two luxury ‘bush homes’ – each day is tailored to suit you. The lodges are home to over 90 well-schooled horses, offering the chance for great riding experiences. The horses lead a fabulous life, roaming freely through the reserve, only coming in to eat. There is something wonderful about arriving at your sundowner spot, untacking your horse and then simply letting them go free to wander back to the stables. Riding on the reserve, you will enjoy close encounters with an incredible variety of game from rhino, buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, eland, sable, oryx, wildebeest, red hartebeest, kudu, impala, zebra, blesbuck, warthog, bush pig and brown hyena as well as all the smaller animals such as African wild cat, mongoose and more than 250 species of birds.
Morning rides can vary in length but will normally be around 2.5/3 hours long before returning to the lodge for a delicious lunch. Afternoons will often be shorter and more relaxed, followed by breath-taking sundowners out in the bush. Riders of the same abilities are always put together, and groups are kept to a maximum of 6 riders (unless there is a special request). There are always 2 guides with each group. There is ample opportunity for some fast and adrenaline filled riding. With no set schedule or itinerary, activities are extremely flexible and can be altered as you wish.
The expert guides can accompany you to other areas in the Waterberg such as to see bushman paintings, archaeological sites or on a vehicle game drive to a nearby Big 5 game reserve. If you wish to take a break from the saddle there are plenty of other activities on offer such as enjoying a massage, bush walks, game drives, starlit dinners around open fires or impromptu lunches beneath a shady tree. A stay at Ant Africa Safaris is a wonderful experience; with fabulous game viewing, varied and fun riding and a superb place to relax, it promises an unforgettable riding holiday.
CURRENCY CONVERTER
At the current exchange rate. Please note final quote might vary slightly
DATES AND RATES
Open all year round – we recommend at least 3 nights but discounts are offered for stays 7 nights or more. All stays are tailormade so this is perfect for solo travellers, families and groups with mixed riding abilities. You can choose to do 7 nights at one lodge, or have 4 nights at Ant’s Nest and 3 nights at Ant’s Hill – This is an incredibly popular way to spend the week and explore the entire reserve. Rates are per person per night sharing and there are special kids rates.
2024 RATES
STANDARD ROOMS: FLYCATCHER, KINGFISHER, DAVIDSON TWIN & DOUBLE
3 Nights: USD $GBP £810EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: USD $GBP £1350EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: USD $GBP £1610EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £490EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
SUPERIOR ROOMS: RONDAVEL & EAGLES NEST
3 Nights: USD $GBP £945EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: USD $GBP £1575EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: USD $GBP £1890EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £490EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
DELUXE ROOMS: STABLE SUITE, WEAVER SUITE + LOOKOUT COTTAGE
3 Nights: USD $GBP £1110EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: USD $GBP £1850EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special (Weaver & Lookout only): USD $GBP £2205EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £490EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
SUPERIOR DELUXE: HIDEAWAY with private pool
3 Nights: USD $GBP £1230EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: USD $GBP £2050EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: USD $GBP £2450EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £490EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
FAMILY COTTAGE (Up to 4 adults + 3 kids)
3 Nights: From USD $GBP £4440EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per cottage + USD $GBP £960EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: From USD $GBP £7400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per cottage + USD $GBP £1600EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
WORLD VIEW SUPERIOR FAMILY COTTAGE (Up to 5 adults)
3 Nights: From USD $GBP £4950EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per cottage + USD $GBP £960EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: From USD $GBP £8250EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per cottage + USD $GBP £1600EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
2025 RATES
STANDARD ROOMS: FLYCATCHER, KINGFISHER, DAVIDSON TWIN & DOUBLE
3 Nights: USD $GBP £810EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: USD $GBP £1350EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: USD $GBP £1610EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £560EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
SUPERIOR ROOMS: RONDAVEL & EAGLES NEST
3 Nights: USD $GBP £945EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: USD $GBP £1575EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: USD $GBP £1890EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £560EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
DELUXE ROOMS: STABLE SUITE, WEAVER SUITE + LOOKOUT COTTAGE
3 Nights: USD $GBP £1110EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: USD $GBP £1850EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special (Weaver & Lookout only): USD $GBP £2205EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £560EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
SUPERIOR DELUXE: HIDEAWAY with private pool
3 Nights: USD $GBP £1230EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: USD $GBP £2050EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: USD $GBP £2450EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing + USD $GBP £560EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
FAMILY COTTAGE (Up to 4 adults + 3 kids)
3 Nights: From USD $GBP £4440EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per cottage + USD $GBP £960EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: From USD $GBP £7400EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per cottage + USD $GBP £1600EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
WORLD VIEW SUPERIOR FAMILY COTTAGE (Up to 5 adults)
3 Nights: From USD $GBP £4920EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per cottage + USD $GBP £960EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
5 Nights: From USD $GBP £8200EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per cottage + USD $GBP £1600EUR €ZAR RAUD $ conservation fees
EXTRAS – SUBJECT TO CHANGE
TRANSFERS (subject to change)
Starting from USD $GBP £310EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per vehicle per way (rates depend on the route and number of people)
Transfers are generally private but can be shared if there are others travelling on the same dates.
SPECIAL OFFERS & CHILDREN RATES
SPECIAL OFFERS
Long-stay discounts available for stays of 7 nights or more.
CHILDREN RATES
Most rooms can accommodate an extra bed for children, and many of the rooms and suites are set up with families in mind. Rates will be calculated depending on the number of people and age of the children. Please enquire.
INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
Includes
- Luxury accommodation
- All Meals
- All local drinks (soft drinks, spirits, beers and house wines)
- Horse riding
- Game drives and night drives
- Game walks and walking safaris
- Mountain biking
- Fishing
- Bug walks
- Bush lunches and sundowners
- Unique flexibility
Excludes
- International Flights to Johannesburg International Airport
- Visas
- Comprehensive Travel & Medical Insurance
- Cellar wines, Premium spirits, Liquors and Champagne
- Activities on site such as: Massages, Night sky safaris, Wine tasting
- Activities nearby such as: Visit to local children’s home, Big 5 game drive, Helicopter scenic flights, Day trip to visit bushman paintings
- Transfers between Johannesburg & Ant Africa Safaris
- Shop/Curio purchases
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
QUICK FACTS
Duration: 3 – 10 Nights
Tailor-made
SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS
- Beginner
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Intermediate Plus
- Advanced
CURRENCY CONVERTER
At the current exchange rate. Please note final quote might vary slightly
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Excellent riding alongside a variety of game and through a vast, pristine private reserve
- Elegant accommodation with al-fresco dining and breath-taking bushveld views
- The chance to include many other activities in your itinerary such as; bush walks, mountain biking, massages, bush meals, game drives and excursions further afield
- A tailor-made riding experience, created specifically for you, and with the chance of experiencing both lodges
TOUR REVIEWS
READ MORE REVIEWS”I just came back from an incredible trip to Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill in South Africa. It was everything I expected and more. The staff at both lodges were so hospitable and welcoming, always making sure every guest had everything they needed. I was traveling alone and instantly felt very at home thanks to their kindness. The horses were incredible, so accustomed to all the wildlife (and we saw a LOT of wildlife!) The guides are so great at what they do and make sure they know what you want to see so they can find whatever it is you are looking for- giraffes, zebras, buffalo, rhinos, kudu... and many more!
Lisa CAnts Nest & Hill, South Africa
Setting up this trip with African Horse Safaris was such a smooth experience. I contacted them less than two weeks before the trip and immediately got a reply that they would be able to accommodate me. They provided so much useful information- I wasn't left with any questions after the very thorough packet I received! I will definitely be planning a trip with them in the future and would recommend anyone else who loves horses and adventure to do the same!
SAMPLE ITINERARY
There is no fixed itinerary for holidays at Ant’s Hill and Ant’s Nest. We would recommend spending at least 4 nights here, giving you the chance to explore the area and experience staying at both bush lodges.
You will have the option of a morning and afternoon activity. This can be riding, walking, cycling, game driving or any of the other activities available. The morning rides tend to be longer and the afternoon rides shorter but they are extremely flexible in tailoring everything to your needs and bucket list.
HORSE RIDING AND HORSE SAFARIS
Both Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill offer the opportunity for some of the greatest game viewing in the African bush – from horseback. You can canter along open sandy tracks or traverse high ridges with spectacular views. The horses are fit, reliable and responsive, providing a choice for both the experienced rider and the absolute beginner.
It is the perfect place for children of all ages and abilities. There are pony rides around the lodge for the little ones and for absolute beginners. Riding lessons can be booked, to give more nervous riders the chance to improve their confidence in the saddle. Children 6 and up old can join their parents on trail rides with plains game such as antelope, zebra and giraffe.
For less confident riders, the horses are specifically chosen for their gentle personalities, patience and ability to follow the lead horse. The riding is gentle, starting with walking and trotting through the bush. The groups are kept small and usually have 2 guides. This means the more confident riders can go on ahead where the terrain calls for a good canter. Even the less confident riders might even find themselves cantering along by the end of the week! The enthusiastic rider may wish to ride twice daily and turn their stay into a luxury riding safari.
What makes the riding safaris at Ants so special is that the horses live out in the bush and graze in and amongst the game. The game see the horses as just another animal and give guests some of the closest wildlife encounters on horseback. And after a thrilling ride, how about hopping off, untacking them and watching them wander off into the bush as you sip a well deserved gin and tonic. Families or couples, where some ride and others don’t, can enjoy separate activities and spend quality time together during the day and in the evenings.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Both lodges are well set-up with families in mind and have unique activities especially for them. The large gardens and communal pools are great places for families to unwind. Ant’s has got to be one of the most child-friendly safari lodges found in Africa, offering your family a life-changing experience. Their policy is to allow children of all ages to join their parents on all game viewing activities, so you can witness their first encounters with wildlife!
For the little ones, there are pony rides, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and interpretive walks around the lodge. Guides will teach them the basics of wildlife and birds in the area through fun games and activities. Children 6 and up can join their parents on trail rides to experience the magic of horse safaris. Children 11 and under will need to be accompanied by a parent for all activities, which offers some great bonding time.
For older kids and teenagers, the guides will teach them bushcraft, animal tracking and survival skills. For those that are interested, they can see the conservation projects. At night, star gazing and storytelling around the fire are always a highlight. It is amazing how quickly kids fall in love with the bush – with many conservationists born on safari.
GAME DRIVES
Explore the reserve with your own guide in an open 4×4 game viewer, covering far more ground across the reserve and seeing up close over 40 species of animal and 250 species of resident and migrant birds. From giraffe to white rhino, sable and roan antelope, buffalo and zebra – there is a new sighting around every corner. Whether in the morning after a delicious homemade breakfast or in the afternoon ending with sundowners from spectacular viewpoints within the bush, a game drive is unmissable amongst classic safari experiences.
Take a magical night game drive to search for elusive nocturnal animals, such as the rare brown hyena, aardvark, bushbaby and porcupine. If you are incredibly lucky you may have an exceptional sighting of a leopard.
Big 5 game drives are also available in a nearby reserve at an extra cost.
CYCLING THROUGH THE BUSH
For cycling enthusiasts, how about a different type of saddle? Ants offers a range of bicycles for adults and children over 12. There are medium and large bikes available. The incredibly diverse terrain offers gentle meanders through the bush as well as technical cycling. You will set out with an experienced guide who will show you the best trails depending on your fitness and expectations. Enjoy cycling alongside herds of game in the vast plains or set off to find more challenging terrain.
GUIDED WALKS
For those who prefer walking, qualified guides will lead you through the bush on foot. These walks are informative and interactive, enabling you to gain knowledge of Africa’s unique flora and fauna. One can often miss the smaller details of this beautiful environment when on a vehicle or horseback, so guided walks are highly recommended. These can be in the form of a gentle stroll to; identify insects and birds, track animals through the bush, and learn the medicinal properties of various trees and plants. If you are fit and active, there are also scenic hills to hike up, or take an early morning run through the bush!
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Big 5 Game drives on a nearby reserve
- Fishing
- Bug and spoor walks/learn to become a ranger
- Archery
- Night Sky Safaris
- Visits to the local children’s home
- Massages
- Local Excursions around the Waterberg area
- Wine Tasting evening (Must be prebooked)
- Bush picnics, brunches and dinners
THE ACCOMMODATION
ANT’S NEST
Ant’s Nest is built in a natural amphitheater surrounded by mountains and has a homely atmosphere with a garden, big pool and some great social and dining areas. This is a great option for solo travellers, families or groups of friends.
KINGFISHER & FLY CATCHER (STANDARD ROOM)
These ground floor rooms are at the back of the reception area and each have their own private outside veranda. They are the smallest rooms, with only a shower, and can only be booked as Double to Single Rooms (no twin beds)
DAVIDSON SUITE (STANDARD ROOM)
The Davidson Suite is on the ground level of the main lodge – just along the corridor from the large open fireplace to snuggle up next to before bed. The suite has two en suite bedrooms, both opening onto the lush garden. One bedroom has a four poster double bed and the other can be a twin or a double. These can be booked as one suite, or as 2 separate rooms.
RONDAVEL (STANDARD PLUS ROOM)
This charming double room is built in the traditionally African circular form with a high thatched roof and is set in the gardens to the side of the main house. The bedroom boasts a rustic four poster bed and is perfect for couples wanting to enjoy a romantic escape as the outside verandah offers a private seating area.
SABLE SUITES (DELUXE FAMILY ROOM)
Upstairs in the main house is a very spacious luxury suite, perfect for families. The master en-suite bedroom features a king-size four poster bed with incredible views overlooking the gardens and bush beyond. A second en-suite twin room is ideal for kids. There is a roomy sitting room with comfortable sofas and a fireplace, alongside a dining area opening up to a very comfortable private verandah with shady seating area.
WEAVER SUITE (DELUXE ROOM)
The Weaver Suite is the largest room at Ant’s Nest; it boasts sweeping views across the valley from its own private veranda. Even with the luxurious king-size bed, and the large four poster day bed, there is still plenty of room for an extra bed should you have kids sharing. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and separate shower. The verandah overlooking the bush is perfect for relaxing in the heat of the day and is ideal for private dinners.
ANT’S HILL
Ant’s Hill was designed from scratch and built on the side of the mountain with large views overlooking the plains and perfect for couples, friends or even families looking for something a bit more luxurious.
EAGLE’S NEST (STANDARD PLUS ROOM)
This stunning bedroom is located above the main lodge and can be made up either with two twin beds or one double bed and is complete with an en-suite bathroom. The spacious outside balcony has a deliciously comfortable daybed, with stunning views over the valley from its elevated position.
LOOKOUT (DELUXE ROOM)
This stunning cottage is ideal for honeymooners with a king-size four poster bed, as well as a day bed that can be used to accommodate a child sharing. The bedroom features a fireplace to keep you cosy on winter evenings and opens out onto a deck overlooking the valley and a water hole. The open plan en-suite bathroom features a bath with a view, a waterfall shower and an outdoor shower overlooking the valley for that ‘in the bush’ feeling.
HIDEAWAY (SUPERIOR DELUXE ROOM)
Hideaway is a secluded luxury cottage which has a luxurious king size four poster bed, idyllic for couples looking to a romantic escape or an extra bed can be provided to create fabulous accommodation for a child sharing with their parents or for two friends. The spacious bedroom opens onto the outside deck, complete with daybeds for relaxing and a private sunbathing area and a private (unheated) plunge pool for cooling off in the heat of the day.
There is a cozy seating area inside with an open fire. The en-suite bathroom is open plan with a sunken bath and French doors which open onto the deck to bring the outside indoors. Indulge and enjoy the two shower options – a waterfall shower inside and an outside shower overlooking the valley. This room also has a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities.
WORLDS VIEW COTTAGE
This is the ultimate bush retreat. A beautiful, private and luxurious cottage with a double bedroom upstairs which opens up on to a private balcony with an outside bath overlooking the stunning valley below, where giraffe, zebra, kudu and eland can often be seen wandering. The bedroom downstairs is extremely spacious and can be made into a twin, a double or a triple room and is complete with an en-suite bathroom that features a bath and an outside waterfall shower. On those crisp winter nights there is an open fire in the sitting room, calling out for a glass of red wine from the mini-bar. During the heat of the day chill out on the shady veranda which offers respite from the sun, or alternatively, relax on a sunbed by the private (unheated) plunge pool.
FAMILY COTTAGE
The Family Cottage is ideal for families of up to six people and creates the atmosphere of a home away from home. The large en-suite master bedroom features a king-size four poster bed and open plan bathroom including a bath with a view and waterfall shower. The second bedroom, a twin with two four poster beds can be converted into a double giving you a king-size bed, should there be two couples travelling together. This room shares a bathroom with the loft bedroom, nestled under the thatched roof, which is perfect for children. This cottage has a large sitting room, with an open fire place and dining area, opening onto a decked balcony with views over the valley. There is a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities in the lounge area. Family cottage is based on a rate for the whole cottage up to 5 people; extra beds are available at an additional cost.
THE DESTINATION
Waterberg
The Waterberg is an exceptional and internationally recognised natural heritage site and is a unique wilderness area of South Africa yet to be fully discovered. Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill are nestled into the folds of the stunning Waterberg bushveld on a 12500 acre private reserve. This diverse environment naturally sustains over 40 species of game including giraffe, white rhino, sable antelope, roan antelope, buffalo, nyala, gemsbok (Oryx), kudu, Livingstone eland, blue wildebeest (gnu), red hartebeest, zebra, impala, bushbuck, duiker, steenbuck, mountain reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog, blesbuck, baboons, bushpig, klipspringer, leopard, jackal, brown hyena, caracal, civet and genet to name but a few. The area is also excellent for birding with over 250 species of resident and migrant birds.
TOUR GALLERY
HOW WE CARE FOR OUR HORSES
Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses at The Ant’s Collection are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. Our horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:
- Our horses live out year round in a herd, allowing them to live naturally alongside all the other animals on the reserve including the Rhino and Buffalo
- They are bought in twice a day to be feed, checked, groomed and temperatures taken by our devoted guides. Our thoroughbreds and older horses get extra special care in the winter and are kept in at night, rugged, and given extra food
- The horses all get a physio and dentist visit at least once a year. The farrier comes every 6 weeks to shoe, and check the horses which are barefoot (they try to keep as many horses as possible barefoot)
- Our saddles are specially designed for trails which mean they are comfortable for the horse, distributing the riders weight evenly, preventing any back issues. Our tack is checked and cleaned regularly to ensure it is kept to the best possible standards
- A careful record is kept of how much work each horse does to ensure they have rest days and are not overworked. We have a dedicated onsite horse trainer who is continually keeping our horses in tip top shape
Please let us know if you have any more questions about this.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A HORSE SAFARI
Fill in the form on our website/social media describing your dream African Horse Safari
A Horse Safari Specialists will get in touch to help you plan the perfect escape
Confirm your ride and dates by paying your deposit
We’ll send you a reminder for your balance payment + travel advice
Pack your bags for your adventure!
Get addicted to Africa and use your 5% loyalty discount to book the next one