ants’ LODGES -horseback safari

(south africa)

Nestled in the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa, Ant’s Nest, Ant’s Hill and Bushwillow offer a blend of luxury, adventure and wildlife. Set on private game reserves, these exquisite bush homes allow you to experience Africa from horseback , with each day crafted around your desires. Whether seeking thrilling rides across open savannahs, relaxing sundowners, family adventures, or simply unwinding in spectacular surroundings, this is a dream African safari escape.

GAME VIEWING:

Ride alongside over 90 well-schooled horses that roam freely across the reserve. Game viewing on horseback includes rhino, giraffe, buffalo and sable antelope, and spot more than 300 species of birds. Your hosts and expert guides tailor each experience to your group, ensuring rides, walks, and other activities suit all ages and abilities.

These rides are perfect for riders of all levels including families with kids as we do not encounter any predators on these rides (no lions or elephant). So you are safe. However there is the possibility of doing a BIG 5 game drive to see lions, elephants etc in a jeep in a nearby reserve.

QUICK GUIDE

Fly to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport
Riders of all levels & non-riders welcome!
Family-friendly
Open all year round
Choose your length of stay (3 nights minimum)
Solo traveler friendly (single supplements apply)
Small groups of 6 riders max per ride
The Waterberg reserve is located in a malaria-free region, safe for all travelers

HIGHLIGHTS

Stay in luxury bush homes with tailored daily experiences
Ride on well-trained horses across private reserves
Close encounters with diverse wildlife, including rhino, giraffe, buffalo, sable, kudu, zebra, wildebeest and over 250 bird species and abundant smaller wildlife
Flexible ride options for all abilities, small groups with two guides per ride
Family-friendly activities including pony rides and wildlife learning experiences
Sundowners, starlit dinner and picnics in the heart of the bush
Guided bush walks, cycling safaris and vehicle game drives in nearby Big 5 reserves
Enjoy spa treatments & massages

GENERAL INFORMATION

Each lodge has a number of excellent well-schooled horses from Thoroughbreds and Arabs to Boerperd crosses. All riding abilities can be catered for with horses suited to experienced riders as well as steady ponies for children.
Even those who have booked as non-riders may be encouraged to ride at least once during their stay. One of the best ways to get close to game is on horseback!
The horses are ridden in South African Trail saddles and most have snaffle bridles.
Hard hats are mandatory on this ride.All abilities are welcome, from the complete beginner to more experienced riders. There are horses to suit everyone. Rides are usually split according to ability, but groups can choose to ride together, although the pace will be set by the weakest rider.
A hard hat is compulsory and we recommend you take your own to ensure the best fit.

There is a weight limit of 110 Kgs / 250 lb
There is one price throughout the year (as below). Exceptions are over Easter, the Game Census( 30 May - 7 June 2026), Christmas and New Year when a supplement applies - please ask us for a quote if you wish to travel at this time.
From cozy standard rooms to honeymoon suites with private pools and large family cottages. Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill have a variety of rooms available from stunning superior deluxe honeymoon suites with private pool to our deluxe cottages as well as our very comfortable and cozy standard rooms. Rooms are charged accordingly and allows us to offer guests with different budgets the opportunity of enjoying our incredible hospitality and unique safari experiences!
Dining at Ant Africa Safaris safari lodges is always a memorable (and delicious) experience. The fare is a fusion of scrumptious home cooking and fine dining, carefully prepared by our chefs using the best fresh produce available. One of Ant’s highlights is the incredible variety of dining areas on offer. 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.
We pride ourselves 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. The chefs cater for all dietary requirements (from coeliacs to vegans), should you require this. And of course, we also serve a selection of excellent South African wines.
ALL MEALS
*lunch on arrival OR departure*
ALL LOCAL DRINKS
*soft drinks, spirits, beers and house wines*
HORSE RIDING
GAME + NIGHT DRIVES
GAME WALKS + WALKING SAFARIS
MOUNTAIN BIKING
RHINO TRACKING
FISHING
BUG WALKS
BUSH LUNCHES + SUNDOWNERS
GUEST TO GUIDE RATIO 4:1
UNIQUE FLEXIBILITY
MASSAGES
NIGHT SKY SAFARIS
WINE TASTING
VISIT TO LOCAL CHILDREN’S HOME
BIG 5 GAME DRIVE
HELICOPTER SCENIC FLIGHTS
RIDING LESSONS
DAY TRIP TO SEE BUSHMAN PAINTINGS
PREMIUM DRINKS
*cellar wines, premium spirits, liquors and champagne*
SHOP + CURIO PURCHASES
GRATUITIES
ANY EXTRA OFF-PROPERTY ACTIVITIES
ADULT POLICY
When couples are travelling on their own, they will not be required to have sundowners or dinners with guests travelling with children younger than 12 year of age. Couples can easily request private sundowners and private dinners.
CHILDREN'S POLICY
The various family units and all deluxe rooms can accommodate children with their parents. Cots are available for infants. A special menu is available for kids or dinners can be enjoyed together as a family. Special activities can be arranged for kids whilst their parents are out on other activities. Children of any age can join their parents on activities. Under 5 year old’s will only be able to go out on a pony/lead rein in the vicinity of the lodge and not on longer outrides.
Give your children a life-changing experience on safari in South Africa. With a selection of wonderful ponies suitable to both the novice and experienced child rider, they can have the chance to head out on horseback. Beginners can be led by a competent guide and riding lessons are also available. Children under 5 can be led on a pony in and around the lodge area.
On guided bush walks they can learn about tracks, investigate bugs and experience the scale of the bush veld. Children are welcome on game drives and for when they are not out exploring, there is archery, fishing and swimming to occupy their free time. Special food and meal times can be arranged or alternatively families can dine together.
Children 11 and under must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult on activities.
Private road transfers or air charters between any destination and Ant Africa Safaris can be easily arranged. If you fly commercially to Johannesburg International Airport (OR Tambo), it will take about 2.5/3 hours by car (your own or a private transfer with us) or just 45 minutes by private air charter.
Airport transfer: Approx €350 per person Johannesburg airport transfer, each way, per vehicle (1-3 pax). If you are happy to share airport transfers with others who might be arriving or departing at the same time, then airport transfers are payable locally and the cost shared amongst all those in the vehicle. It is also possible to prebook and pay for private airport transfers if you prefer.
There is an additional charge for very early collection/late drop off at Johannesburg. Please ask for details.
If you are renting your own car, check out the directions below and contact us if you need any further help!
Weather: When to travel
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.
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.
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.
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!
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO GUEST WILL BE ALLOWED ON AN ACTIVITY WITHOUT ADEQUATE MEDICAL & TRAVEL INSURANCE
You can check out our blog for more information on how to pick an insurance:
https://www.worldonhorseback.com/blog/travel-insurance-for-your-horseriding-holiday

INQUIRE

VIEW GALLERY

Activities at ants lodges

Horseback safari
Guided Bush walks
MASSAGES & SPA
GAME drives
MOUNTAIN BIKING

THE WATERBERG RESERVE

The reserve is situated on an escarpment looking out over the Waterberg Plateau in the Limpopo Province, 3 hours north of OR Tambo International Airport (formally known as Johannesburg International Airport). Our partners are 4 hours east of Madikwe and 6-7 hours west of the Kruger National Park. is an exceptional and internationally recognised natural heritage site and is a unique wilderness area of South Africa yet to be fully discovered. Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill are nestled into the folds of the stunning Waterberg bushveld on a 12500 acre private reserve. This diverse environment naturally sustains over 40 species of game including giraffe, white rhino, sable antelope, roan antelope, buffalo, nyala, gemsbok (Oryx), kudu, Livingstone eland, blue wildebeest (gnu), red hartebeest, zebra, impala, bushbuck, duiker, steenbuck, mountain reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog, blesbuck, baboons, bushpig, klipspringer, leopard, jackal, brown hyena, caracal, civet and genet to name but a few. The area is also excellent for birding with over 250 species of resident and migrant birds.

2026 RATES

All prices listed below include a conservatory fee of €95 per person per day.
Rates are listed per night per person with shared room occupancy. A minimum stay of three nights is required.
Special rates for stays of seven nights or more are available throughout the year except during Christmas, New Year, Easter and Game Census.
Special rates apply for children, please inquire.

Ants Nest

Davidson and Flycatcher Standard Rooms
€435 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €220

Kingfisher Room, single room with no supplement
€435 per night per person sharing

Rondavel and Davidson Double Rooms
€495 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €250

Sable Suite 1&2 (must be booked together), and Weaver Suite
€565 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €290

Ants Hill

Eagles Nest Room
€495 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €250

Lookout Cottage
€565 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €290

Family Cottage, minimum of four required
€565 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €290

Hideaway Cottage, with plunge pool
€620 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €315

Worldsview Superior Cottage with own pool, minimum of four required
€620 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €315

BUSHWILLOW CAMP

Lion Standard Room

€435 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €220

Leopard Standard Room

€435 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €220

Buffalo Standard Room

€435 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €220

Cheetah One & Two Standard Rooms

€435 per night per person sharing
Single supplement €220

ACCOMMODATION

Ant’s Nest

Ant's Nest is the beautifully refurbished original homestead on the property and can accommodate a maximum of fourteen guests. The lodge’s large stone veranda, high beamed thatched roof, classic furnishings and luxurious spacious bedrooms set the scene for a very relaxed and enjoyable stay. The main house has a comfortable sitting room downstairs with an open fireplace and a small library. In addition there is a large open veranda where everyone comes together for breakfast and afternoon tea.

The lodge is set in lush gardens, with a heated saline pool that blends naturally into the surroundings. Nearby is a thatched chill out spot with large sofa beds for those in need of a siesta or respite from the African sun.

The following rooms are available at Ant's Nest:

DAVIDSON TWIN (STANDARD room)

This is a comfortable standard room located downstairs in the original homestead. It features a four-poster bed, en-suite bathroom, and doors opening onto a verandah with outdoor seating. The room can also be made into a twin.

FLYCATCHER & Kingfisher (STANDARD room)

This is a basic standard room located just off the main lodge of Ants Nest. This room has a double four poster bed and en-suite bathroom (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. Flycatcher has a private garden facing the boma. This room cannot be a twin and is a stand alone option with an individual entrance.

It is better suited for singles and couples. Approx size 35 sqm

RONDAVEL (SUPERIOR ROOM)

This is a superior standard room and 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, 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.

SABLE SUITE (DELUXE ROOM)

Upstairs in the main house is a luxury deluxe 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 or triple room (which can be converted to a double), ideal for children travelling with their parents. There is a spacious sitting area with comfortable sofas and a large fireplace, alongside a dining area and full mini-bar with tea and coffee making facilities. This opens up on to a large veranda with shady seating area, overlooking the garden and pools.

WEAVER SUITE (DELUXE ROOM)

This is a beautifully spacious and light deluxe 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. The dimensions of this room easily allow for beds to be added for two children sharing with their parents. You also have full amenities and tea and coffee making facilities in this room.

Ant’s Hill

Ant's Hill is built on the edge of a gorge with breath-taking views across the reserve. This lodge can take a maximum of sixteen guests. The main lodge has a large sitting room and dining room with views of the gorge. Set into boulders on the edge of the cliff there is a heated saline swimming pool which cascades over the lip of the gorge.

The following rooms are available at Ant's Hill:

EAGLES NEST (SUPERIOR ROOM)

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. It has an en-suite bathroom and spacious outside balcony with daybed, and stunning views over the valley from its elevated position. There is a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities.

LOOKOUT (DELUXE ROOM)

Lookout is a stunning room with a king-size bed which can also be converted into a twin suitable for two friends. An additional bed can be added for a third adult/child. The open plan en-suite bathroom features a bath with a view; a waterfall shower and there is an outdoor shower overlooking the valley for that ‘in the bush’ feeling. The bedroom has a fireplace to keep you cozy on winter evenings and opens out onto a deck which overlooks the valley and a water hole. The room has a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities.

HIDEAWAY (DELUXE ROOM)

Hideaway is a secluded luxury cottage. With a king size four poster bed it is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. It can also accommodate a second bed so is suitable for a child sharing with their parents or for two friends. The bedroom opens up onto the outside deck area with carved daybeds for relaxing in the shade. There is a cozy seating area inside with an open fire. The open plan en-suite bathroom features a sunken bath and French doors that open onto the deck to bring the outside indoors. There is a waterfall shower inside and an outside shower overlooking the valley. The outside deck leads down to a private sunbathing area and a private (unheated) plunge pool for cooling off in the heat of the day. This room also has a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities.

There are also two spacious cottages at Ant's Hill. These are normally booked on a per cottage basis either by a family or group of friends. During the Game Census and occasionally in low season it is possible to book an individual room in the cottages and in this case the lounge area is a shared area.

WORLD’s VIEW COTTAGE (SUPERIOR DELUXE ROOM)

A superior deluxe two bedroom cottage – Built with luxury and privacy in mind, the Worldsview 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 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. This room can either be a twin, double or triple and has an en-suite bathroom featuring a bath with a view, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. There is a covered veranda with comfortable day beds outside for relaxing during the heat of the day that leads to the pool area with sun-beds. 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.

FAMILY COTTAGE (dELUXE)

This deluxe cottage is ideal for families of up to seven 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 separate 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 fireplace, opening onto a decked balcony with views over the valley. There is a mini bar with tea

Bushwillow CAMP

Bushwillow is the newest addition to Ant's Lodges. There are four separate chalets – each looking out over the grassland towards a water-hole which is lit up at night. Three of the chalets (Lion, Buffalo and Leopard) are for one or two people. Each has a comfortable sitting area, fridge, dressing table and en suite shower room as well as the shady veranda to relax during the afternoon.

A fourth chalet is set a little away from the others. This chalet is called Cheetah. It has two identical en suite bedrooms and a spacious shared sitting area and veranda.

The lodge at Bushwillow sits alongside the rooms and by the pool. Here you come together for breakfast, lunch and dinners. There is also a boma for evening meals. Alongside the lodge is a lovely swimming pool to relax on hot afternoons.

All rooms at Bushwillow are priced as Standard Rooms and all can be made up as twin or double.

LION (STANDARD ROOM)

Comfortable double or twin airconditioned en-suite bedroom with access to outside veranda, and a short walk to the main lodge. Shower only, Approx size 35sqm

LEOPARD (STANDARD ROOM)

Comfortable double or twin air-conditioned en-suite bedroom with access to outside veranda, and a short walk to the main lodge. Shower only, Approx size 35sqm

BUFFALO (STANDARD ROOM)

Comfortable double or twin air-conditioned en-suite bedroom with access to outside veranda, and a short walk to the main lodge. Shower only, Approx size 35sqm

CHEETAH 1&2 (STANDARD ROOM)

One double and one twin/double room, both en-suite. Shower only in both rooms. Spacious lounge walks out onto a private veranda. Includes tea/coffee facilities and air-conditioning. Minimum of 2 people are required to occupy this suite