South Africa ~ Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill

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.

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 £650 to £900 for flights (varies with the season and availability). One way transfers from / to Johannesburg are around £175 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: