Horse Riding at Ant’s Hill and Ant’s Nest

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

• 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