Riding at Ant’s Hill and Ant’s Nest

RIDING AT ANT’S HILL AND ANT’S NEST

5 Nights: From GBP £1500

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Excellent riding, luxury accommodation, spectacular sundowners and great game viewing.

The Ant’s Collection is made up of two family run lodges offering a unique and memorable bushveld riding holiday – with unique flexibility, excellent riding, free roaming horses luxury accommodation, breath-taking views and exceptional game viewing.

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’s Collection 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. Longer rides, or rides across to one of the other bush homes can be organised; taking a picnic for a delicious lunch out in the bush or stopping off to enjoy the lovely cuisine at the other lodge. Riders of the same abilities are always put together, a group bigger than 6 will have 2 guides. There is ample opportunity for some fast and adrenaline filled riding. There is no set schedule or itinerary and 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, bush breakfasts, starlit dinners around open fires or impromptu lunches beneath a shady tree. A stay at the Ant’s Collection is a wonderful experience; with fabulous game viewing, varied and fun riding and a superb place to relax, it promises an unforgettable riding holiday.

QUICK FACTS

	Waterberg, South Africa
	OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
	Open All Year
	From 2 to 10 nights
	Group Size: Max. 8

	Beginner and Above

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Excellent riding alongside a variety of game and through a vast, pristine private reserve
Elegant accommodation with al-fresco dining and stunning 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

THE DESTINATION

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.

DATES & 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. Rates are per person per night sharing and there are special kids rates.

Low Season: 10 Jan – 19 Mar / 01 May – 30 Jun / 01 Sep – 30 Sep / 01 Nov – 14 Dec 2023

High Season: 20 Mar – 30 Apr / 01 Jul – 31 Aug / 01 Oct – 31 Oct / 15 Dec – 09 Jan 2024

ANTS NEST

Davidson Room: Low Season £315 pppn / High Season £350 pppn

Rondavel: Low Season £360 pppn / High Season £395 pppn

Stable Suite 1&2: Low Season £390 pppn / High Season £450 pppn

Weaver’s Suite: Low Season £390 pppn / High Season £450 pppn

ANTS HILL
Eagle Nest: Low Season £360 pppn / High Season £395 pppn

Lookout Cottage: Low Season £390 pppn / High Season £450 pppn

Hideaway Cottage with private pool: Low Season £450 pppn / High Season £490 pppn

Family Cottage: Low Season £1600 per room per night / High Season £1825 per room per night (up to 5 Adults)

Worldview Cottage: Low Season £1805 per room per night / High Season £1970 per room per night (up to 4 Adults)

Reduced rates for children under 11

There are reduced rates for 7 nights or more – we recommend combining both lodges

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
Rhino tracking
Fishing
Bug walks
Snake & reptile handling
Bush lunches and sundowners
Guest to guide ratio 4:1
Unique flexibility
Conservation Fee – £70/£85 per person per night

Excludes

Massages
Night sky safaris
Wine tasting
Visit to local children’s home
Big 5 game drive
Helicopter scenic flights
Riding lessons (done as a separate activity)
Day trip to visit bushman paintings
Cellar wines, Premium spirits, liquors and Champagne
Shop/Curio purchases
Gratuities
Any extra activities off the property not listed

YOUR 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 many 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 wants. E.g. if you wanted a longer all-day ride then this can also be organised.

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 to give more nervous riders the chance to improve their confidence in the saddle. Children can join their parents on trail rides with plains game such as antelope, zebra and giraffe. More experienced kids can trying their hand at jumping, polocrosse, and mounted games – Often the adults join in the fun!

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 often 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. Not only are there swimming pools and games to keep them entertained, but Ants offers reptile shows, bicycles and archery. 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.

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 and meet the rangers. 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 300 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. Or combine a game drive with a walking safari to enhance that sense of adventure and make photography even more exciting.

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. 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

Snake and reptile talks

Archery

Rhino Tracking on foot

Night Sky Safaris

Visits to the local children’s home

Massages

Local Excursions around the Waterberg area

Wine Tasting evening

Bush picnics, brunches and dinners

THE ACCOMMODATION

ANT’S NEST

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.

Rondavel (Standard Plus Room): This charming double room is built in the traditionally African circular form with high thatched roof and is set 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

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 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 with carved daybed, 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 en-suite bathroom, 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 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.