Maps by Google Maps.
Click to enlarge
Vaalwater is the closest town to the ride base, situated between Nylstroom & Ellisra
Ride World Wide
Riding holidays and horse safaris
South Africa ~ Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill
Ant's Nest and its sister lodge Ant's Hill in the Waterberg range of South Africa's Limpopo province about a 3 hour drive north of Johannesburg and an hour from the Botswana border. They are small, owner run safari lodges set in their own private game and nature reserves, and offer a wonderfully personal, all-round experience of the African bush. Game includes rhino, giraffe, sable, eland, wildebeest and zebra; activities include riding, walking and game drives, both on the property and on neighbouring 'Big 5' reserves. There are also mountain bikes, outings to see historic bushman paintings, the local school and village, you can visit an orphan game sanctuary, try the rifle range or take 'time out' for bird watching, to relax by the swimming pool or for an expert massage. The lodges can be booked exclusively and the atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming. If you are a couple, a small group of friends or a family looking for a holiday where activities and itineraries can be tailored to suit, where everyone from the fittest to those most in need of a rest will be personally catered for, where you will be welcomed as friends but also extremely well looked after, you will be hard pushed to find anything better.
Stays at Ants Nest or Ants Hill can be arranged for between 2 and 14 nights on request year round.
Riding: tailored to suit
Horses: locally and farm bred, TB, TB cross, South African Boerperd crosses.
Pace: moderate/variable (tailored to suit).
Riding ability: all standards from novice to experienced; children welcome.
Weight limit: 120kgs (18st) but please call us to discuss if your weight is close to this.
Accommodation: luxury private game lodge.
Group size: minimum 2 to maximum 12, mainly private groups; split into smaller groups to ride.
For Ants Nest & Ants Hill testimonials click here
The horses include thoroughbred crosses of up to about 16hh, as well as several local South African crossbreeds and ponies that are ideal for children or less experienced adults to ride. All have been carefully selected for their temperament, aptitude and ability. Saddles are Maclellan style (a comfortable cross between a Western and English saddle). Grooms look after the horses and prepare them for you each day.
Hours: Riding hours are very flexible and can be varied to suit.
Pace and experience required: Riders of all standards can be catered for with mixed groups split so that some can enjoy a slow, gentle ride and others longer and faster rides.
The original homestead at Ant's Nest has been transformed into a comfortable and stylish lodge sleeping up to 12 people with furniture that has been hand made from local timber and four poster beds in most rooms. There is a comfortable sitting and dining room with open fireplace, a swimming pool built of local stone and a covered veranda running along the front of the house where meals are often eaten watching the game that comes to graze close by.
Ant's Hill is a purpose built lodge, spectacularly situated on the edge of a hill with lovely views across the Waterberg. Built of traditional stone and thatch it is a stunning and well thought out base. The lodge includes one family 'cottage' which has a double and triple bedroom with en-suite bathrooms, an open veranda, dining room and small plunge pool, two individual 'cottages' each with en-suite bedroom and large veranda, and an upstairs bedroom with en-suite bathroom and fabulous views. There is also a comfortable sitting and dining room with open fireplace.
|
Rates 2010
2011 Rates
|
Rates are seasonal, depend on numbers and are calculated on a per night basis. Special Game Census Week - 12th to 19th September (Seasons & conditions as for 2010). |
|
Dates 2010
|
arranged to suit, year round Special Game Census Week - 12th to 19th September |
The nearest international airport is Johannesburg and transfers to the lodges can be arranged from there for an extra charge. British Airways, South Africa Airways and Virgin all have direct overnight flights from London to Johannesburg arriving the next morning. For an economy return flight from London budget about £550 to £700 for flights (varies with the season and availability). One way transfers from / to Johannesburg are around £140 per car taking up to 3 guests. Larger vehicles are also available for groups.
Itineraries for a stay at Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill are individually tailored to suit and you are free to choose which of the available activities you do and when. When you arrive your hosts will explain what there is to do and you can discuss with them your choice of activities for each day. The following is an example itinerary for a week's stay:
| Day 1 | Arrive Johannesburg and transfer to Ant's Nest. Lunch and settle in before meeting the horses and an evening ride for a first view of the area. Return to the lodge as the sun sets for dinner and the night. |
| Day 2 |
A wake up call and leisurely breakfast when you wish, or an early call when the light is best for game viewing and an early morning ride to explore the reserve. Stop for a delicious bush breakfast, then ride back to the lodge by a different route. A siesta by the plunge pool and after tea, a late afternoon ride out or an evening game drive with spot light. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. |
| Days 3-5 |
Three full days at Ant's Nest, with your choice of morning, evening and full day rides, stopping for breakfast or brunch under a shady acacia tree, or for a game drive, guided walk or boat trip on the dam. You might also decide to take a tour of the main farm to see how a typical farm in Africa runs or to visit the local village. |
| Day 6 |
Breakfast and perhaps a guided day trip to the neighbouring Welgevonden Reserve, home to the 'big five'. Return to Ant's Nest for a delicious barbecue under the stars and the night. |
| Day 7 |
Breakfast and transfer to Johannesburg for your onward journey. |
| Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions |
Africa
Kenya - Offbeat Safaris
Kenya - Lodges
Kenya - Ride Kenya
Botswana - African Horseback Safaris
Botswana - Okavango Horse Safaris
Botswana - Limpopo Valley
Ethiopia
Morocco
Tanzania
South Africa - Horizon Adventures
South Africa - Saddlebag Safaris
South Africa - Ant's Nest & Ant's Hill
South Africa - Wait a Little
South Africa - Bhangazi Horse Safaris
