South Africa - Ants Reserve

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from RK of Petersfield on 17/03/2023

Ant’s Reserve (made up of Ant's Hill and Ant's Nest) is a private game reserve situated on the Triple B Reserve, home to the Baber family for generations. On this riding holiday you are the guests of Anthony Baber with his team of wonderful staff, horses and Labradors. All ages and group types are catered for on this spectacular family-owned and run reserve. From couples; riders, families or groups of friends travelling together there is something for everyone. Your host specialise in a home from home experience, delicious al-fresco dining, ultimate flexibility and a vast variety of safari activities. The incredibly hospitable team will welcome you as a guest and ensure you will leave as a friend! The knowledgeable guides will accompany you on game viewing experiences; tailoring your day to suit you, there are no fixed times, wake up when you want and leave on your activity of choice when it suits you.

Safari Experiences:

Game Census Safari:
For those who are hooked on Africa, there comes a time when you want a totally different safari experience. The annual game census safari is just that! It’s a lot more action packed and guests can get involved in the capture and handling of the game. From game counting and darting, to capturing and relocating wildlife, the activities all have a unique purpose: to keep the private reserve and its animal residents thriving.

Traditionally game censuses are done by helicopter but Ants' capitalise on what they know best and perform the whole operation on horseback. It continues to remain more accurate than a helicopter count and most importantly, causes zero disturbance to the wildlife.

The game count is done by the whole reserve which is divided into blocks. On the first 2 days riders set out to systematically record the number and sex of the various species they find in each block. This is done in the mornings, and afternoons are free to ride at leisure. The following four days are when things become more physically demanding as guests help to capture animals which need to be relocated (this helps ensure food supplies last and gene pools remain diverse).

During the census there are evening events as well, which can include lectures from wildlife experts, wine tasting, and even fancy dress parties! Please see 'Departure Dates' above for the next scheduled Game Census Safari.

Horse Riding and Riding and Riding 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 vistas. The pace can be as fast or relaxed as the riders would like. Often you can get so close to the game that the experience remains unforgettable. There are fit, reliable and responsive horses, providing a choice for both the professional rider and the absolute beginner.

The herd of almost 90 horses is made up of big thoroughbreds and Arab-Boerperd crosses and includes some fabulous children’s ponies. Each ride is led by two competent guides and the emphasis is on safety at all times. The enthusiastic rider may wish to ride twice daily and turn their stay into a luxury riding safari. Families or couples, where some ride and others don’t, can enjoy separate activities. As there are always two guides on each ride, novices can go out with their more competent partners without slowing the ride. Basic lessons for non-riders are available at both reserves; many guests learn to ride and gain confidence here.

Ant’s is unique in that the horses live out in the bush and graze in and amongst the game, thus giving guests possibly the closest wildlife encounter on horseback in Africa - the game see the horses as just another animal. Together with ultimate flexibility, incredible personal service, huge variety of game, additional activities and the ability to take all levels or riders including children of all ages, sets Ants apart from other riding operations, particularly those in lion and elephant country.

Family Safaris:
Ant’s has got to be one of the most child-friendly safari lodges found in Africa. Experience a life-changing experience for everyone from grandparent's right down to babies. A unique policy allows children of all ages to join their parents on all game viewing activities, so you can witness their first encounters with wildlife. At Ant’s, family safaris are a speciality, they have an abundance of exciting and thrilling safari activities to offer children of all ages, allowing them to leave with an intimate knowledge of the bush.
Family-friendly activities include:
Game drives
Guided walks / walking safaris 
Led pony rides for beginners or under 4
Bug and spoor walks / learn to become a ranger
Horse riding lessons
Fishing
Horse riding safaris / full day rides
Snake and reptile talks / handling
Swimming with the horses
Mountain biking
Archery 
Rhino tracking
Big 5 game drives
Night sky safaris
Camp outs

Both lodges are small and intimate which allows Ants to offer maximum flexibility. There are no fixed times and your day can be tailor-made according to your needs. Children are welcome to join their parents for dinner. Alternatively, special suppers or meal times can be arranged. As a family you can also book private dinners. Although your children can join you on all activities, should you wish to leave them at the lodge and enjoy a more challenging walk or ride, Ants also offers a full child minding service.
Other facilities for children include a heated swimming pool which is heated all year round, a trampoline, sand pits, a badminton & volley ball court as well as a selection of toys and books.

Guided Walks and Walking Safaris:
For those who prefer walking, guides will lead you through the bushveld on foot. These walks are informative and interactive, enabling you to gain knowledge of African flora and fauna. One can often miss the smaller details of our 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. Alternatively the more energetic traveller can hike over the plains and up impressive gorges. Specialised bug hunts and learning to track game are available for children at both bush homes.

Should you be an avid walker, you may also choose to do a full day walking safari, stopping in a scenic location to enjoy a bush lunch or even a dip in one of the many dams. In addition to this Ants also offer an incredible river walk through mountains and gorges to view bushman paintings on another private reserve in a very different geographical area of the Waterberg (not included).

In addition to the activities above, Ants can also offer day and night game drives, mountain biking, fishing, star gazing, snake and reptile talks, wine tasting evenings, a library and curio shop, massages and off-site activities such as a visit to a neighbouring Big 5 reserve, church visits, helicopter rides and elephant back safaris.

Please see 'What's Included' and 'What's Not Included' for a list of what activities are included in the price of your stay. A full list of the game which can be found on the reserve can be found in the 'Further Details' for this ride. It is possible to arrange activities for your arrival and departure days, depending on flight times.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a rhino conservation levy on all bookings due to the ongoing rhino poaching crisis in southern Africa. This payment is necessary to preserve and protect the wildlife on the reserve and directly funds the very high security costs needed to protect the reserves' rhino population. Please see detailed prices.

Other information:
Prices above are for individual bookings. The lodges are also available to book on an exclusive basis for private parties at reasonable rates, please enquire.

A Big 5 jeep safari is available on a large neighbouring reserve. Please enquire for details  - booking in advance is advised too.

Further discounts are applicable for a 3rd adult or child sharing a room with 2 adults, as well as for children under 2 years old which includes child minding. Please contact us for a full quote for your party.

Transfers:
The standard vehicle size will hold 3 guests comfortably. The cost of the transfer for 1-3 pax is approx. £259 per person one way. If booking for 4 guests then a trailer will be needed for the luggage. Booster seats are available for children. Please enquire for a quote for these 'extras'. Other car sizes are available, 4-7 pax £299 per person one way, 8-11 pax £325 per person one way.

Please note that there will be a surcharge of £60 for all pick ups before 8:00 and all drop offs after 16:00.
Direct air charter from ORT is available for 2-4 passengers which is the most cost effective and fastest way for groups of 4 or more to travel. Please enquire.

Accommodation - Ants Nest:  
Ant’s Nest is where it all began. Lying in a natural amphitheatre, the original homestead with its wide verandahs, has a classic, relaxed, African atmosphere. A wide variety of game frequents the waterhole in front of the bush home bringing game viewing to your door step. Your host brought a stylish warmth to the colonial house using classic furniture fashioned from local fabrics, timber and stone. Ant’s Nest not only enjoys lovely views down the valley but is also surrounded by open plains where horses, rhino and other game frequently graze in extremely close proximity - don’t be surprised to have a rhino grazing 10m from your pool lounger. Our team at Ant’s Nest are exceptionally hospitable and will go above and beyond to exceed your expectations to ensure your stay is a memorable and life changing experience.

The Main Lodges’ six classic en-suite bedrooms accommodate a maximum of twelve guests. There is a 15m swimming pool in the garden, ideal for those needing some exercise or for purely cooling off after an active day and this is great for children as it's heated all year. 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.

Like Ant’s Hill, Ant’s Nest features different room types from standard to deluxe. Should you be looking for a very private stay, Ant’s Nest can be booked exclusively, ideal for multi-generational family bookings, friends travelling together or for specialised interest groups / special occasions. See below for the different room types available suited to your needs and budget:

Sable Suite:
A deluxe family suite - the second room can only be booked in conjunction with Sable 1 – upstairs in the main house is a very spacious luxury suite, perfect for families. The master bedroom features a king-size four poster bed with incredible views overlooking the gardens and bush beyond. This leads through to an exceptionally large bathroom and dressing area with bath and shower. Located beside this is an en-suite twin (which can be converted to a double), ideal for two children travelling with their parents. An additional ¾ four poster bed is located just outside this bedroom, for a third child. There is a spacious sitting room with comfortable sofas and a fireplace, alongside a dining area and full bar with tea and coffee making facilities. This opens up on to a very comfortable private verandah with shady seating area. 


Weaver Suite:
A deluxe suite – this is without a doubt the largest double room and private verandah available. With its expansive views across the valley, this room has a king-sized four poster bed as well as a large four poster day bed and still lots more room for an extra bed should you have children 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. A perfect suite for honeymooners or families traveling with small children. There is also a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities.

Rondavel:
A Standard Room Plus – 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. There is also a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities.

The Davidson:
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. Located just next door is a twin room (which can be converted to a double), also with en-suite bathroom and doors opening out to the verandah. These rooms can be booked individually or make an ideal family suite for those on a budget. These rooms are connected by a passage to a cosy sitting room with an open fireplace, perfect for relaxing on those chilly evenings, and an indoor dining and bar area.

Kingfisher and Flycatcher:
Basic standard rooms – these are two new, comfortable bedrooms located just off the main lodge of Ants Nest. Both rooms have double four poster beds and en-suite bathrooms (shower only), with doors opening up onto private veranda areas with outside seating. Only a few steps away from the main lodge, bar and pool. Kingfisher faces the lodge while Flycatcher has a private garden facing the boma. These rooms cannot be a twin option and are sold separately with individual entrances. They are better suited for singles and couples. Approx size 35 sqm.

Accommodation - Ants Hill:
Built on the edge of a cliff, this bush home offers breath-taking views across the Waterberg. With spacious rooms and vast folding doors, the thatched lodge blends into the bush, while exotic furniture and brightly coloured African fabrics make it both sophisticated and comfortable. Each cottage is uniquely designed and the individual bathrooms are spectacular, offering guests sunken baths and waterfall showers. Set in boulders on the edge of the cliff, the heated swimming pool offers fabulous views across reserve, enticing you to relax there for hours. Ant’s Hill can cater for 16 guests and can be booked non-exclusively or exclusively to one group at a time.

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 frequented by a variety of game.

Ant’s Hill has a variety of cottages ranging from standard to superior deluxe, they are scenically appointed and each cottage has been creatively designed to suit all types of traveller from families to honeymooners and their varying budgets, see below for more details on each cottage:

Worlds View: 
A superior deluxe cottage – built with luxury and privacy in mind, the World’s View cottage is 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 onto 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 pool, this can either be a twin, double or triple and has an en-suite bathroom featuring a bath with a view, a shower and an outside waterfall shower. There is a covered verandah with comfortable day beds outside for relaxing during the heat of the day, leading to the pool area with sunbeds. 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. Worlds View is based on a cottage rate up to 5 people, extra beds are available.

Hideaway:
A superior deluxe cottage – secluded and private, this luxury cottage is perfect for honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic getaway, but is large enough to accommodate beds for two children, sharing with their parents. The king-size four poster bed has stunning views across the valley with French doors opening up onto the outside deck and verandah. The verandah features a carved day bed for relaxing in the shade while wooden steps take you down to a private garden and plunge pool. For those winter evenings there is a cosy seating area inside with an open fire.

The open plan en-suite bathroom features a sunken bath and French doors which open onto the deck to bring the outside indoors. There is a waterfall shower inside and an outside shower overlooking the valley. The room has a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities.

Family Cottage:
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 giving you a king-sized 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. The 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.

Lookout:
A deluxe cottage – 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 with their parents. 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 where animals often come to drink. 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. The room has a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities on the veranda.

Eagles Nest:
A standard room plus – located above the main lodge, this delightfully appointed room has some of the best views the lodge has to offer and it can be booked as either a twin or double room. It has an en-suite bathroom and spacious outside balcony with carved day bed the perfect place to chill out in the heat of the day. There is a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities. For those with older children, this room is ideal in conjunction with Lookout as another option to Family Cottage or Worlds View.

Single supplements are not applicable for standard rooms in low season. During high season single supplement is applicable for all room types.

Dining:
Dining at Ants Reserve is a memorable experience in itself; they fuse fresh home cooking with exceptional cuisine and cater for all diets (notified in advance). There are, of course, some fine South African wines on offer too! The day normally starts with tea and coffee brought to your room as your wakeup call at a time of your choice. This is followed with a continental or fully cooked breakfast. Around midday a light lunch in served, with a variety of salads and other delicious dishes, followed by high-tea prior to your afternoon game viewing. A scrumptious three-course dinner or barbeque rounds off the day. Should you have any special requests, such as birthday cakes or the desire to try more traditional South African meals, please advise your hosts on arrival and they will endeavour to make your wishes come true.

Wedding packages also available - please enquire.

Why not spoil yourself with a few days on a tropical beach after your safari? We recommend one of our Mozambiquan Beach Extensions as an ideal way to round off a safari.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The Ants Reserve have fit, reliable and responsive horses, providing a choice for both for the professional rider and absolute beginner.

The herd of 90 horses is made up of big thoroughbreds and Arab-boerperd crosses and include some fabulous children’s ponies. They use comfortable McClellan saddles and have English saddles available. Rides are led by two competent guides and the emphasis is on safety at all times.

It is mandatory to wear a riding hat and there is a selection available at the stables to choose from if you do not take your own.

Many children learn to ride here.

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 vistas. The pace can be as fast or relaxed as the rider would like. When you come across game you can often get so close the experience is unforgettable.

A typical riding day might start with a light breakfast followed by a ride which can vary in length according to the riders. Morning rides are normally 2.5 to 3 hours long after which you will return to the lodge for a lunch followed by a siesta or quick cool off in the pool. Your afternoon ride will follow after high noon tea. These later rides are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long. Each day however is tailor-made according to what guests would like to do. Should they wish to ride longer or ride across to either one of the other bush homes they are not staying at they can also do that by either taking a picnic lunch or having lunch at the other lodge.

Rider of different riding abilities are never put on the same ride unless it is a couple or family who wishes to ride together. There are no more than 6 riders per ride with two guides, one to lead and one to back up

Any ability or age of rider can be catered for. Children under 4 years old will only be able to go out on a pony/lead rein in the vicinity of the lodge and not on longer rides. Special activities can be arranged for children while parents are out riding.

The weight limit for this ride is 242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

ANTS NEST

This lodge offers a personal and flexible home from home experience. Lying in a natural amphitheatre the original homestead with its wide verandahs has a classic African atmosphere. The luxurious en-suite rooms accommodate a maximum of only 12 guests. Nestled in the landscaped gardens, the expansive pool blends naturally into the surroundings. There is a wonderful thatched covered chill out spot furnished with large sofa beds for those in need of a siesta or respite from the sun.

The main house has a double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a twin room. There are also two double rooms, with private bathrooms and verandahs across the lawns.



ANTS HILL

Ant’s Hill is hosted by a wonderful team, who create an open friendly atmosphere. Built on the edge of a gorge, this bush home offers breathtaking views across the Waterberg. With spacious rooms and vast folding doors, the thatched lodge blends into the bush, while the exotic furniture and brightly coloured African fabrics make it both sophisticated and comfortable. The draped four-poster beds are seven foot wide and each bathroom is spectacular, offering guests sunken baths and waterfall showers. There is a spectacular swimming pool set in boulders on the edge of the cliff. Ant’s Hill caters for a maximum of 16 guests.

There are two honeymoon chalets situated away from the main lodge with a family cottage that has two bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms as well as a private sitting room and balcony. Another luxurious double bedroom with a private verandah is located above the main lodge. Please see the website for a description of each accommodation type.

Check-in is at 14:00 and check out is at 11:00. However, you are welcome to arrive earlier/depart later but it can’t be guaranteed that your room will be ready or that a day room will be available. Hairdryers and safes are available in all rooms.

Both bush homes are equipped with two 4x4 game drive vehicles each, just over 90 horses between the two to be able to cater for all levels of riders, 8 mountain bikes, heated swimming pools, sand pit, trampoline and toy boxes. All rooms are equipped with the necessary amenities such as safes, hair dryers and mini bars

Ant takes great pride in their sumptuous home cooking, dining outside whenever possible under shady trees. They often end morning game activities with a bush lunch, whilst at night sit around open fires under the stars. Excellent South African estate wines are served. They can cater for all dietary requirements and have a vegetarian menu available.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures

Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. As of 2022 there are 52 countries with visa-free travel to SA including UK, EU, USA and Canada.

You must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa has at least 2 blank pages if you need a visa, otherwise 1 blank page is sufficient.

Travelling with Children to South Africa:
Adults traveling with minors under the age of 18 need to show the child’s birth certificate which shows the details of both parents. If the child is traveling with one parent, it is also necessary to present a parental consent affidavit signed by the other parent. Since 2019 carrying these supporting documents is no longer compulsory but is advised.

Travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is prevalent need to present a certificate showing they have been vaccinated.

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.
Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html


In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa

The dry season is during the winter, May – October. It is dry and sunny but can be cold at night even with some frost though temperatures may reach 20C in the during the day.
The Summer is hot, sunny with lush and green surroundings. There is the likelihood of thunderstorms and rain so waterproofs are advisable.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Awareness of Malaria risk and bite avoidance is recommended and if travelling to an area of Malaria risk in season we recommend speaking to your doctor about anti-malarial medication

According to the 2018 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic South Africa has the biggest HIV epidemic in the world, with 7.1 million people living with HIV. HIV prevalence is high among the general population at 18.9%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS; avoid contact with bodily fluids and keep any cuts or wounds properly clean and covered.

Health and medical facilities are generally of a good standard and readily available near larger centres. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/ medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in South Africa and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

There have been a few isolated confirmed cases of malaria in the Waterberg area. We recommend taking mosquito repellent and taking preventative measures. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

In South Africa the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

It may be possible to buy more film and batteries in the nearby town but your usual makes might not be available so take along plenty of extra for the unique photo opportunities. Digital cameras and batteries can be charged at the lodge. WiFi is available at both lodges.

Khaki, green and bush colours; please avoid wearing white as this scares wildlife, or black as it tends to attract insects.
Riding helmet or a broad rimmed hat which must stay on firmly
Sunglasses with string
Riding trousers (cycling shorts for men) and half chaps are recommended,
Lightweight riding boots or trainers which can also be worn on bush walks,
Riding gloves,
Jumper,
Warm jacket (May-August),
Shorts,
Long sleeved shirts,
T-shirts,
Sarong,
Swimsuit,
Sunblock,
Insect repellent,
Torch,
Camera on a shoulder strap with a pouch which can be secured to your belt,
Plenty of film/batteries,
Binoculars,
Comfortable clothes for relaxing.

Ants Reserve also support several local charities, one being 'The Fold' which is a children's home providing refuge to children who have been ravaged by the loss of family, poverty, disease and abuse. The centre (which can be visited during your stay) is glad to accept donations in the form of clothes (all sizes), paper, pencils, toothbrushes, toothpaste, other toiletries and colouring books.

Holidays run all year around and stays from 3 to 14 nights are recommended.
Rates for children under 11 sharing with 1 parent and two children under 11 sharing also available on most rooms, please enquire.
Worldsview superior cottage also available - please enquire for rates.

2023 Low Season: 10 Jan - 19 Mar; 1 - 26 May; 5 - 30 Jun; 1 - 30 Sept; 1 Nov - 14 Dec.
High Season: 20 Mar - 30 Apr; 27 May - 4 Jun (Game Census); 1 Jul - 31 Aug; 1 - 31 Oct; 15 Dec - 9 Jan 2024

Single supplements are not applicable for standard rooms in low season. During high season single supplement is applicable for all room types.
Please note, all bookings will be charged a compulsory Rhino Conservation Fee, see table below for prices.
There is a special rate for stays of 7 nights or more available throughout the year excluding 15 Dec to 8 Jan, 20 Mar to 30 Apr, 10 Jul to 31 Aug and during the Game Census.

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

‘Land Mammals of Southern Africa’ – Smithers; ‘Memories of a Game Ranger’ – Harry Wolhunter; ‘Birds of Southern Africa’ – Ken Newman; ‘Cry, The Beloved Country’ – Alan Paton, ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ – Fitzpatrick, ‘A Chain of Voices’ – Andre Brink, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ – Nelson Mandela. ‘Over The Rainbow’ –Gavin Bell. For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

On site activities;
For those who prefer walking, the guides will lead you through the bushveld on foot. These walks are informative and interactive, enabling guests to gain knowledge of the flora, fauna and animals resident on the reserves. Learning to recognise tracks is great fun. Whilst these walks can be in the form of a gentle stroll, the more energetic can hike over the plains and up impressive gorges. Game drives, mountain biking, fishing, air rifle and archery, snake and reptile talks are also available on request. Children can enjoy bug walks, archery, game drives and walks and both homes have heated pools, trampolines and toys.

The guides will also be available to take you out in an open 4x4 Land Cruiser either for a morning game or afternoon game drive or using a spotlight at night to find elusive nocturnal animals, such as the rare brown hyena, aardvarks and porcupines.

Off-site activities;
Ant will be very happy to take you through the Waterberg to see other interesting sites, including:
Bushman paintings and Iron Age villages
A local ‘Big Five’ game reserve, so you can try to find the lion and elephant we would rather not ride with on horseback.
A visit to a historic church on Sundays where you can meet local people and see the 1914 building designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Children can attend a colourful Sunday school where the Sotho children sing choruses in rousing harmony

Whilst not travelling around you can lounge by the pool or enjoy a massage. There is a library of books and a curio shop stocked with original, handmade crafts.

The reserve is one of diverse topography and vegetation ranging from wide-open plains to beautiful mountainous areas, enabling them to naturally sustain the widest variety of game possible. They boast over 40 species of game including the rare sable antelope and Livingstone Eland, nyala, oryx, eland, giraffe, white rhino, zebra, cape buffalo, warthog, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, impala, red hartebeest, blesbok, kudu, mongoose, springhare, chacma baboon, vervet monkey, duiker, black backed jackal, scrub hare, lesser bush baby, tree squirrel, steenbok, rock hyraxes, mountain reedbuck, bushbuck and well over 300 species of resident and migrant birds.

You can sometimes spot nocturnal species such as: leopard, caracal, aardvark, brown hyena, porcupine, bush pig, bat eared fox, stripped polecat, honey badger, serval cat, African civet, genets, wild cat and klipspringer.

Family Safaris;
Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill will give your children a life-changing experience. Special activities are laid on for children and teenagers who enjoy getting involved in the running of a game reserve. Children of all ages are welcome to join parents on all activities available or can alternatively be taken out separately. Toys and games are available to keep young ones occupied between activities and the manicured gardens surrounding both bush homes create a safe haven in which they can play. Special food and meal times can be arranged and children are welcome to come to supper in their dressing gowns. Full child minding facilities are also available.

South Africa's land area is 1,228,376 km.2 (larger than The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy & Germany combined). It borders Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland & Zimbabwe to the north, and entirely surrounds Lesotho (a total land border of 4,750 km.) It has a coastline of 2,954 km, with few natural harbours.


South Africa is an exhilarating, spectacular and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and sense of progress about the place. The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's wildlife.

The international dialing code for South Africa is +27 and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The time zone is GMT plus two hours.

Always collect your luggage on arrival at any local airport and take it through customs. Most of the South African smaller airports don’t have customs clearance. Even if the airline tells you that your luggage can be checked through, it is not true.

At local airports there are a lot of porters who can be of great help if you are in a hurry to find your check in counter or your gate. However they sometimes ask for a lot of money. R 50,00 is more then enough to give them when they have been of great help, if they have only pushed the trolley, R 20,00 should be enough.

If you travel by car and police stop you for speeding or something else you might have done wrong, don’t give them any cash money, always ask for a ticket. If they persist, ask to speak to their supervisor. Also the toll gates don’t take international credit cards.

South Africa has a high rate of crime including carjacking and robberies. Be cautious when visiting popular tourist attractions and destinations and in and around transport hubs, including airports. The risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is generally low