TAILOR MADE LUXURY SAFARIS
Highlights
Beautiful accommodation, great for couples, families or friends.
Private villas with plunge pools and outdoor baths
Speedy cantering dodging giraffes and zebra
Ride with rhino - seven roam between the two properties
Swim with your horse in the waterhole
Safe riding with no predators
Game drives
An incredible kitchen
Swimming pools
Open to beginners
Overview
Only a 3 hour drive from Johannesburg, you’ll find twin properties, Ants Hill and Ants Nest. Situated on a private game reserve in the spectacular, malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa, created by Ant Barber, who built the properties and still calls the Nest home.
The properties have a home-away-from-home vibe. The accommodation at the Nest is newer and more private - great for couples.
Ants is perfect base to learn to ride, they will take you from whoa to canter.
Experienced riders will have fun galloping up and down the reserve roads and relaxing with a G&T at one of the many viewpoints for sundowners.
Overview
RIDE GUIDE
Minimum 3 nights, recommendation is 4 - 7 nights that can be split between the two lodges - Hill and Nest.
Cost: From £350 per person per night sharing
Operator: Ants Collection
Where: Waterberg, South Africa
Riding level: Beginner to Advanced. Riding lessons are also available. Children under the age of 4 can only enjoy short pony rides around the lodge rather than riding out in the bush.
Weight limit: Maximum of 110kg / 248lbs
Time in the saddle: Up to 5.5 hours
HORSES
The horses range from big strong forward-going thoroughbreds, tough African Boerperds, feisty Arab crosses and exciting Friesian crossbreeds, ranging in size from 12hh to 17hh, including weight carriers which can cater for riders of up to 110 kgs.
Their large team of horse grooms and guides take pride in the wellbeing of each horse, ensuring that they are well schooled but not over-worked, with the result that each guest can have the opportunity of riding several different horses during their stay.
Great care is taken in matching the rider’s ability and confidence to their preference in type of mount. Rides vary in pace and duration according to each guest’s desires and ability.
TACK
Ants use comfortable McLellan saddles, based on the famous US cavalry saddle designed for the ease of both horse and rider alike. A few Endurance saddles are also available if preferred.
ACCOMMODATION
The collection has two lodges on adjacent properties with private accommodation options in each.
Ant’s Nest: Gallery
Where it all began. Lying in a natural amphitheatre the original homestead, with its wide verandas, has a classic, relaxed, African atmosphere. A wide variety of game frequents the waterhole in front of the bush home where horses and dogs abound. Extensive lawns with indigenous plants surround the pool and there is a wonderful thatched chill-out spot with vast sofa beds where you can relax during the heat of the day.
Ant’s Hill: Gallery
Built on the edge of a cliff, this bush home offers breathtaking views across the Waterberg. Set in boulders on the edge of the cliff, the heated swimming pool cascades over the lip of the gorge, inducing you to relax there for hours. The main lodge boasts a spacious living area and dining room, both with fireplaces. A large veranda and deck overhang the gorge so are ideal for early morning breakfasts and evening sundowners. To top it all Ant’s Hill overlooks a waterhole frequently visited by a variety of game. There is a curio shop for those in need of retail therapy.
GET IN TOUCH
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Luxury accommodation, all guided horse riding, all meals, all local drinks (soft drinks, spirits, beers and house wines), game + night drives, game walks + walking safaris, mountain biking, rhino tracking, fishing, bug walks, bush lunches and sundowners.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international or domestic flights, premium drinks of cellar wines, premium spirits, liquors and champagne, night sky safaris, shop/curio purchases, massages, Big 5 Game Drive, riding lessons, visits to town, private car rental, travel insurance, or staff tips ($10-$20 a day).
Full medical and holiday insurance is required to join the ride.
TRANSFERS
Your flights can arrive and depart Johannesburg at any time, but please note there is a surcharge on the transfer rates for collections from Johannesburg earlier than 08:00 and drop-offs at Johannesburg after 16:00.
The journey from Johannesburg to Ant's Lodges is about 3.5 hours. An overnight flight arriving into Johannesburg in the morning will mean you reach the lodge in plenty of time for an afternoon activity. Similarly, an evening flight home will allow for a final morning activity on the day of departure.
Private road transfers are £310.00 each way per car (up to 3 people) and £355.00 each way for a 4 - 7 seater. For single travellers who are willing to wait up to an hour for others to arrive on later flights, there is a shared transfer price of £155.00 each way.
MEALS
The chefs cater for all dietary requirements (from coeliacs to vegans), should you require this. And of course they serve a selection of excellent South African wines.
Breakfasts are hot full english’s of eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, tomatoes with porridge and fruit.
Dining at The Ant Collection safari lodges is always a memorable (and delicious) experience. The fare is a fusion of scrumptious home cooking and fine dining, carefully prepared by the chefs using the best fresh produce available.
You may find lunch laid out in the bush, dinner around a fire in the boma or next to the pool, and breakfast on the deck or under a tree in the garden.
Ant’s pride themselves in ensuring each meal is in a different location, weather-dependent of course. Guests can eat together in a relaxed atmosphere; alternatively, should you be on a romantic getaway or family safari you are welcome to have private dinners.
WHAT TO PACK
Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.
We will share a comprehensive packing list for confirmed guests but as a guide:
RIDING CLOTHES, RIDING BOOTS, RIDING GLOVES, HELMET, CHAPS, NEUTRAL BUSH COLOURED CLOTHING, SHORTS, TROUSERS, SHIRTS, LIGHT RAIN JACKET, WARM FLEECE/JACKET, WALKING SHOES/BOOTS, SUNGLASSES,SUN CREAM, HAT, SWIMSUIT, BINOCULARS, CAMERA, PERSONAL MEDICATIONS
Chaps + bumnahs are available for purchase at the lodge.
Ants require all clients to wear a riding hat, and stock a selection of sizes though if you are a seasoned rider we recommend you bring your own.
If you book a private charter flight please be aware that the luggage restrictions are normally between 12-20kg and soft bags should be used.
INTERNET
There is wifi at both lodges and intermittent cellphone reception.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Ants has so much more than horses making it the perfect holiday location for a mixed group of friends or couples with varying levels of interest in horses riding!
In addition to riding you can enjoy game + night drives, game walks + walking safaris, mountain biking, rhino tracking, fishing, bug walks, snake & reptile handling, guided runs or you can simply chill by the heated pool.
The best thing is - it’s all included!
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Rates are seasonal, charged on a per person per night basis by room (Superior Deluxe, Deluxe, Superior Standard or Basic Standard). Scroll down to see the rates listed by room.
Rates include a compulsory 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.
ITINERARY
As with all Ant’s safari experiences, each day is tailor-made according to each guest’s wishes. There is no such thing as a typical riding day at Ant’s horse safaris! Guests can wake up when they want, ride when they want and for as long as they want. There will be no more than 6 guests on any one ride and each ride is accompanied by two guides as safety is of paramount importance. Ant’s is unique in that we are able to accommodate all levels of riders including children. However, riders of different abilities will not be mixed unless they choose to do so.
The Ant Collection prides itself on making each day of your stay a memorable safari experience, to suit all ages, young or young-at-heart, for those travelling as a family, as a group of friends or as an intrepid solo traveller. You can choose your own pace, whether that is galloping through the bush on horseback alongside a herd of giraffe or viewing game in more relaxed fashion from a vehicle.
At the end of the day, enjoy magical sundowners from incredible viewpoints or take a refreshing dip in the lodge pools or your own private plunge. The beautiful selection of rooms at Ant’s Nest or Ant’s Hill each have a distinctive style providing a peaceful haven from which to enjoy your stay.
ACCOMMODATION AT ANT’S HILL
Ant's Hill is built on the edge of a cliff, this bush home offers breathtaking views across the Waterberg. The thatched lodge blends into the bush, while exotic furniture and brightly coloured African fabrics make it both sophisticated and comfortable. The draped fourposter beds are seven foot wide and each bathroom is spectacular, offering guests sunken baths and waterfall showers.
The suites consist of two privately appointed honeymoon cottages, one which has a private plunge pool, one family cottage with a master bedroom and 2 twin/double rooms, and a spectacular two bedroom cottage with vast living and veranda areas as well as a plunge pool and lastly, a twin/double room situated above the main lodge with a private veranda overlooking the spectacular gorge.
The main lodge boasts a spacious living area and dining room, both with fireplaces. A large veranda and deck overhang the gorge so are ideal for early morning breakfasts and evening sundowners. Set in boulders on the edge of the cliff, the heated swimming pool cascades over the lip of the gorge, inducing you to relax there for hours.
To top it all Ant’s Hill overlooks a waterhole frequently visited by a variety of game.
WORLD’S VIEW COTTAGE
SUPERIOR DELUXE
A superior deluxe two bedroom cottage – Built with luxury and privacy in mind the ultimate bush retreat. It is perfect for families of up to five people or two couples travelling together. The en-suite double bedroom upstairs with bath and shower 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 spacious bedroom downstairs opens on to the private heated pool. On chilly winter evenings, one can cosy up next to the open fire in the sitting room with a glass of wine from the mini-bar. Tea and coffee facilities are also available.
RATES
Capacity: up to 4 adults. Extra beds are available for additional cost.
Low Season: £1,805 for the cottage per night
High Season: £1,970 for the cottage per night
The size of the cottage is approximately 200 sqm.
HIDEAWAY COTTAGE
SUPERIOR DELUXE
A superior deluxe cottage – secluded and private, this luxury cottage is perfect for honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic getaway. The king-size four poster bed has stunning views across the valley, through the French doors that open up onto the outside. The verandah features a carved day bed for relaxing in the shade, whilst the steps take you down to a private garden and heated plunge pool.
The open plan en-suite bathroom features a sunken bath and French doors leading to the deck. There is a waterfall shower inside and an outside shower overlooking the valley.
RATES
Capacity: up to 2 Adults.
Low Season: £450 per person per night
High Season: £490 per person per night
The size of the suite is approximately 65 sqm.
FAMILY SUITE
DELUXE
A deluxe cottage – ideal for families of up to six people, this is a home away from home. The spacious 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 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.
RATES
Capacity: up to 5 Adults. Extra beds are available at an additional cost.
Low Season: £1,600 for the cottage per night
High Season: £1,825 for the cottage per night
The size of the suite is approximately 120 sqm.
LOOKOUT
DELUX
This stunning cottage is ideal for honeymooners with a double size four poster bed, or for 2 friends travelling together which can be changed to 2 twin beds. The bedroom features a fireplace to keep you cosy on winter evenings and opens out onto a deck with carved daybed, overlooking the valley.
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.
RATES
Capacity: Two adults
Low Season £390 per person per night
High Season £450 per person per night
The size of the room is approximately 48sqm
EAGLES NEST
STANDARD PLUS
A mere 15 steps from the pool area to this delightful superior standard room which is located above the main lodge building. It can be booked as either a twin or double room.
Eagles Nest has an en-suite bathroom and spacious outside balcony with daybed, with stunning views over the valley from its elevated position. There is a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities.
RATES
Capacity: Two adults
Low Season £360 per person per night
High Season £395 per person per night
The size of the room is approximately size 47sqm
ANTS HILL PHOTO GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT ANT’S NEST
Ant’s Nest is where it all began. A wide variety of game frequents the waterhole in front of the bush home where horses and dogs abound. There is a 15 meter heated swimming pool in the garden, ideal for those needing some exercise or for purely cooling off after an active day. Extensive lawns with indigenous plants surround the pool and there is a wonderful thatched chill-out spot with vast sofa beds where you can relax during the heat of the day. All rooms have a mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities.
WEAVER’S SUITE
Deluxe Room
This is a beautifully spacious and light upstairs room, set to one side of the main house, with an extra-king-size four poster bed. There is a large veranda overlooking the bush, perfect for relaxing with a cold drink from the mini-bar and a good book. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and separate shower
RATES
Capacity: Two adults and two children sharing with their parents
Low Season: £390 per person per night
High Season: £450 per person per night
The size of the room is approximately size 97sqm
SABLE SUITE
Deluxe Family Room
Upstairs in the main house is a luxury suite, perfect for families. The master bedroom features an extra king-size four poster bed with a large window overlooking the gardens and bush beyond. This leads through to an exceptionally spacious bathroom and dressing area with bath and waterfall shower. Located beside this is an en-suite twin which can be converted to a double.
There is a spacious sitting area with comfortable sofas and a large fireplace alongside a dining area. This opens up on to a large veranda with shady seating area.
RATES
Capacity: Two adults and three children sharing with their parents OR up to five adults. Minimum of four people required to book.
Low Season: £390 per person per night
High Season: £450 per person per night
The size of the room is approximately size 182sqm
RONDAVEL SUITE
Standard Plus Room
A superior standard room – this is a charming double room, built in the traditionally African circular form with high thatched roof, set to the side of the main house. The outside verandah offers a private seating area with chill out day bed, leading into the bedroom with rustic four poster bed, perfect for couples wanting to enjoy a romantic escape. The room also contains a four poster day bed, suitable for a child sharing with parents. Leading off the bedroom is an en-suite bathroom with bath, shower and an outside shower.
RATES
Capacity: Two adults and one child sharing with parents
Low Season: £360 per person per night
High Season: £395 per person per night
The size of the room is approximately size 60sqm
DAVIDSON SUITE
Basic Standard Room
These are two comfortable bedrooms located downstairs in the original homestead. The double room has a four poster bed and en-suite bathroom, with doors opening up onto a private verandah area with outside seating.
There is a connecting passage to a cosy sitting room with an open fireplace, perfect for relaxing on those chilly evenings, and an indoor dining and bar area.
RATES
Low Season £315 per person per night
High Season £350 per person per night
Approx size 85 sqm
KINGFISHER ROOM
Basic Standard Room
Well suited to a solo traveller or a couple this new, comfortable bedroom is located just off the main lodge of Ants Nest. The room features a double four poster bed and en-suite shower room with doors opening up onto private veranda area with outside seating.
Only a few steps away from the main lodge, bar and pool. Kingfisher faces the main lodge.
RATES
Low Season £315 per person per night
High Season £350 per person per night
Approx size 35 sqm
FLYCATCHER ROOM
Basic Standard Room
Well suited to a solo traveller or a couple this new, comfortable bedroom is located just off the main lodge of Ants Nest. The room features a double four poster bed and en-suite shower room with doors opening up onto private veranda area with outside seating.
Flycatcher has a private garden facing the boma.
RATES
Low Season £315 per person per night
High Season £350 per person per night
Approx size 35 sqm
CLIMATE OF THE WATERBERG
SUMMER
November to March
The days can get quite warm (up to 28-32 degrees on average) but it is a dry heat. We do get summer rainfall, normally in the form of thunderstorms in the evenings but these rarely affect activities.
WINTER
June to August
Days are warm (temperatures in the mid-20s) with evenings and early mornings very cold, the average early morning temperatures 5-12 degrees. It very rarely rains at this time when the bush is golden and dry.
AUTUMN
April to May
Days can still be quite warm as summer leads into winter, but the evenings cool down considerably. The average day time temperature is from 22-28 degrees with evenings around 10-15 degrees.
SPRING
September to October
The days start getting hotter, however evenings and mornings can still be quite crisp but not as cold. A very slim chance of rain is possible and on occasion, we can get very hot days!
LOCATION
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
A year round destination. There is a minimum stay of three nights but no maximum! All horse riding, meals, accommodation, game drives and much more are included in the room price.
ANTS HILL
WORLD’S VIEW COTTAGE: High Season: £1,940 per cottage per night; Low Season: £1,720 per cottage per night
FAMILY COTTAGE: High Season: £1,810 per cottage per night; Low Season: £1,515 per cottage per night
HIDEAWAY SUITE :High Season: £485 per room per night; Low Season: £430 per room per night
LOOKOUT SUITE: High Season: £445 per room per night; Low Season: £470 per room per night
EAGLES NEST: High Season £390 per person per night; Low Season £340 per person per night
ANTS NEST
WEAVER’S SUITE: High Season: £445 per person per night; Low Season: £370 per person per night
SABLE SUITE: High Season: £445 per person per night; Low Season: £370 per person per night
RONDAVEL SUITE: High Season: £390 per person per night; Low Season: £340 per person per night
DAVIDSON SUITE: High Season: £345 per person per night; Low Season: £300 per person per night
KINGFISHER ROOM: High Season: £345 per person per night; Low Season: £300 per person per night
FLYCATCHER ROOM: High Season: £345 per person per night; Low Season: £300 per person per night
Private groups are welcome and it is possible to have exclusive access to the lodges.
