Horse Riding at Bushwillow Camp

Book your flight to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, ensuring you arrive before 10h00. Your driver will meet you and your fellow riders at the Information Desk, and then your exciting adventure will begin. The scenic drive to Bushwillow Camp will take approximately three hours. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will have the opportunity to settle in and enjoy the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere of the wilderness around you. The afternoon offers a leisurely walk to the sundowner spot to stretch your legs after a long day of travelling. A hearty welcome meal awaits you after sundowners.

In the morning, saddle up for an introductory ride where you will have the opportunity to become acquainted with your trusty steed, who will be your perfect companion for the next few days of exciting riding in the bush! This introductory ride serves as a gentle initiation to the reserve and offers you a first epic encounter with the wildlife in the area before heading back to the lodge for a delicious lunch and an afternoon siesta. The afternoon sees you heading out for another exciting ride. This area is a haven for wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu, eland and buffalo.

Embark on an early adventure from Bushwillow Camp into the surrounding reserve. The reserve boasts 12 different ecological zones ranging from open grassy plains to thick savanna bushveld, allowing you to experience a myriad of different environments and beautiful sweeping views. Head to the dam for a relaxing picnic lunch under the shade of the trees. In the afternoon, you’ll saddle up again for a leisurely ride back to the lodge.

Head out early for a full-day ride where you will have the opportunity to venture deep into the reserve and experience more of the wildlife on offer. You may cross into the main Ant’s Reserve today, finding new trails to ride.  You may have the opportunity to ride in close proximity to rhino, please be aware that this does not happen near the camp itself, but rather on the main Ant’s reserve. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon ride back towards camp. 

Exploring Ant’s reserve on horseback always promises surprises as you set off for a morning ride, with unpredictable encounters with wildlife. In the afternoon, you have the choice to either relax at camp or head out on a Big 5 game drive on a nearby reserve. This is at an additional cost, subject to availability, and highly recommended. This game drive offers the exciting opportunity to see larger wildlife like elephant, lion, and leopard that you won’t see at Ants. You may also get the chance to see some of the rarer nocturnal animals, such as civet, genet, and maybe even porcupine, as you head back to camp for a late dinner.

Today’s route leaves early and explores more of the surrounding reserve before heading back to camp for an enjoyable picnic brunch. The afternoon ride is more relaxing, giving you time to really take in the scenery around you. The ride will end at Koshkari Koppie, where you’ll untack the horses and let them wander home in the warm golden light – something very special about Ants! The views and sunset here will take your breath away. Drive back to the lodge for dinner.

Today you will set out to one of the neighbouring farms, Koshari, for the last ride of your epic horseback safari adventure. Head back to Bushwillow for lunch, a siesta and afternoon tea. Sundowners tonight will be at The Shack, one of the newest additions to the reserve. Then hop into the game drive vehicle for a night drive back to Bushwillow, offering the perfect chance to spot nocturnal wildlife. Back at the lodge, enjoy a traditional South African boma dinner. At the end of the night, you’ll be able to sit around the fire with your fellow travellers, reminiscing on the week gone by.

On your last day, enjoy a tranquil morning at the lodge followed by a hearty brunch before your departure at 12h00 back to OR Tambo Airport. We recommend you book your onward flights departing after 18h00.