WATERBERG RESERVE HORSE safari

(south africa)

Nestled in the malaria-free Waterberg reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, stand 3 luxury camps offering a blend of adventure and wildlife: Ant’s Nest, Ant’s Hill, and Bushwillow. Set on private game reserves, these beautiful bush homes allow you to experience Africa from horseback, catering to riders of all levels and ages, and offering many activities with each day shaped around your wishes. Whether you are seeking thrilling rides across open savannahs, relaxing sundowners, family adventures, or simply time to unwind in spectacular surroundings, this is a dream African safari escape.

GAME VIEWING

Your hosts have over 130 well schooled horses that roam freely across the reserve. Game viewing on horseback includes rhino, giraffe, buffalo, and sable antelope, and you can also spot more than 300 species of birds. These rides are perfect for riders of all levels, including families with children, as there are no encounters with predators. There are no lions or elephants on the reserve. For guests who would like to see the Big Five, there is the option of a game drive 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 (2 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, hundreds of 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 a relaxing massage

GENERAL INFORMATION

Each lodge has a number of excellent well-schooled horses from Thoroughbreds and Arabs to Boerperd crosses. Horses are available for riders of all abilities, from forward going horses for experienced riders to calm, reliable ponies for children.
Note: children under 5 are limited to pony or lead rein rides in the area close to the lodge rather than longer rides out on the reserve.
The horses are ridden in South African trail saddles and most use snaffle bridles.
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
Standard Rates
One rate applies throughout the year (except for peak periods). All prices include a conservatory fee of 95 EUR per adult per night and 70 EUR per child per night.
Peak Periods
Different pricing applies during the following periods:
• Easter
• Game Census (30 May to 7 June 2026)
• Christmas and New Year
If you plan to travel during these dates, please contact us for a quote.
Children’s Rates
Special rates are available for children under 12. Please inquire for details.
Stay Requirements
• Rates are per person per night based on shared room occupancy.
• A minimum stay of 3 nights is required.
• Discounted rates apply for stays of 7 nights or more except during Easter, Christmas, New Year, and the Game Census.
VIEW RATES:
Click here to see the rates
Accommodation
Ant’s Nest, Ant’s Hill and Bushwillow Camp offer a broad selection of rooms and suites designed for comfort and style. Guests can choose from intimate standard rooms, elegant cottages ideal for couples or families, and indulgent honeymoon suites that feature private plunge pools and beautiful views. Each category is priced differently, giving travelers with a range of budgets the chance to enjoy the same warm hospitality and exceptional safari setting.
Click here to view accommodations
Dining
Mealtimes at Ant Africa Safaris are an experience in themselves. The chefs create flavorful dishes inspired by fresh, local ingredients, combining wholesome comfort food with refined touches. A unique element of your stay is the ever changing dining locations. You might find lunch set up in the bush, dinner shared around a glowing fire or beside the pool, and breakfast served on the deck or under the trees in the garden.
Weather permitting, the team aims to make every meal feel special by hosting it in a different spot. Guests are welcome to dine together in a relaxed setting, or request private meals for romantic escapes or family time. Dietary needs are happily accommodated, from vegan to gluten free, and the wine list includes excellent selections from South Africa’s renowned vineyards.
Included in Your Stay
• All meals (with lunch provided on arrival or departure)
• Local drinks including soft drinks, spirits, beers, and house wines
• Horse riding
• Game drives and night drives
• Guided game walks and walking safaris
• Mountain biking
• Fishing
• Bug walks for children
• Riding lessons
• Bush lunches and sundowners
• Guest to guide ratio of 4 to 1
• Exceptional flexibility in planning your daily activities
• Daily room cleaning and laundry
Not Included
• Massages
• Night sky safaris
• Wine tasting experiences
• Visit to a local children’s home
• Big Five game drive in a nearby reserve
• Helicopter scenic flights
• Day trip to view Bushman paintings
• Premium drinks (cellar wines, premium spirits, liqueurs, and champagne)
• Purchases from the shop and curio items
• Gratuities
• Any activities offered outside the property
Adult Policy
Couples traveling without children will not be placed at sundowners or dinners with families who have children under 12. Guests are welcome to request private sundowners or private dinners whenever they prefer a more intimate setting.
Children’s Policy
Family units and all deluxe rooms can accommodate children sharing with their parents, and cots are available for infants. Families may dine together, or special children’s meals and adjusted meal times can be arranged.
Children are welcome on most activities. They can enjoy pony rides, horseback outings suited to their level, and riding lessons. Under 5 year olds are limited to pony or lead rein rides near the lodge.
A variety of adventures are available for young explorers, including guided bush walks to learn about tracks and insects, as well as archery, fishing, and swimming. Children 11 and under must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult during activities.
Transfers
Private road transfers or air charters to and from Ant Africa Safaris can be arranged from any location. If you are flying commercially into Johannesburg International Airport, OR Tambo, the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by road, either in your own vehicle or with a private transfer arranged through us. A private air charter takes approximately 45 minutes.
Airport Transfers
• Approx 350 EUR per vehicle each way from Johannesburg, for 1 to 3 guests
• Guests who are open to sharing a transfer with others arriving or departing at similar times may pay locally, with the cost divided among everyone in the vehicle
• Private transfers can also be booked and paid in advance if preferred
• A small surcharge applies for very early collections or late drop offs, please inquire for details
If you are renting a car, we will provide you with directions and you are welcome to contact us if you need further assistance.
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 the lodges

Horseback safari
Guided Bush walks
MASSAGES
GAME drives
MOUNTAIN BIKING

THE WATERBERG RESERVE

The reserve is located on an escarpment overlooking the Waterberg Plateau in the Limpopo Province, about 3 hours north of OR Tambo International Airport. It sits 4 hours east of Madikwe and roughly 6 to 7 hours west of the Kruger National Park. The Waterberg is an internationally recognised natural heritage area, known for its untouched wilderness and dramatic landscapes.

Ant’s lodges are set within a private reserve of about 12,500 acres, surrounded by classic Waterberg bushveld. The landscape supports more than 40 species of wildlife, including giraffe, white rhino, sable, roan, buffalo, nyala, gemsbok, kudu, eland, wildebeest, zebra, impala, waterbuck, and many smaller antelope. Night predators such as leopard, jackal, brown hyena, caracal, civet, and genet also occur in the area. Birdlife is outstanding, with over 250 resident and migratory species recorded.

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 two 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

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

INQUIRE HERE

ACCOMMODATION

3 luxury lodges: Ants Nest, Ants hill & bushwillow camp

Ant’s Nest

Ant’s Nest is the original homestead on the reserve and has a relaxed, authentic African feel. Set in a natural valley, it offers front row wildlife viewing, with horses and game grazing on the plains just beyond the lodge. It is not unusual to see rhinos wandering past the waterhole only a few metres from where you relax. The homestead has been carefully restored and welcomes up to fourteen guests. Wide verandas, high thatched roofs, and spacious rooms create the perfect base for exploring the reserve. Inside, you will find a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, a small library, and an open veranda where guests meet for breakfast or afternoon tea while watching wildlife drift by.

The gardens are shaded and green, leading to a heated pool that blends into the bush. A thatched chill out area with large daybeds gives you a quiet spot to rest between rides or after a day of adventure.

The following rooms are available at Ant's Nest:

DAVIDSON TWIN & DAVIDSON DOUBLE (STANDARD roomS)

These are two comfortable double rooms downstairs in the main lodge. Both rooms can be be made into a twin and open up to the garden.
Davidson Double features a four-poster bed, en-suite bathroom, and doors opening onto a verandah with outdoor seating. It can also be a triple room (third bed only suitable for a child).

FLYCATCHER & Kingfisher (STANDARD room)

These ground floor rooms sit just behind the reception area and each one includes a private veranda with outdoor seating. They are the smallest rooms at the lodge and feature an en suite bathroom with a shower. They can only be booked as Double or Single Rooms and cannot be made up as twins.

Flycatcher is a standard room located a few steps from the main lodge, bar, and pool. It includes a double four poster bed, an en suite shower room, and doors that open onto a private veranda with a small garden facing the boma. It has its own entrance and is designed for singles or couples rather than twin occupancy.

Approximate size is 35 sqm.

RONDAVEL (SUPERIOR ROOM)

This superior standard room sits in the garden next to the main house and is designed in a traditional round African style with a tall thatched roof. Inside, you will find a comfortable four poster bed and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great option for couples. The private veranda has its own seating area, giving you a quiet spot to enjoy the surroundings.

The room also includes a daybed that can accommodate a child. The en suite bathroom features a bath, an indoor shower, and an outdoor shower. A mini bar along with tea and coffee facilities are provided.

SABLE SUITE (DELUXE ROOM)

This spacious family suite is located on the upper level of the main house and is a great option for families. The master bedroom includes a king size four poster bed and looks out over the gardens and surrounding bush. It connects to a generous bathroom with a bath, a waterfall style shower, and a large dressing area. A second en suite bedroom sits nearby and can be arranged as a twin, triple, or double, making it ideal for children. The suite also features a comfortable lounge with sofas and a fireplace, a dining area, and a mini bar with tea and coffee facilities.

Large doors open onto a private veranda with shaded seating and peaceful views of the gardens and pools.

WEAVER SUITE (DELUXE ROOM)

This spacious upstairs deluxe room is the largest at Ant’s Nest and offers sweeping views across the valley from its private veranda, an ideal spot to relax with a drink from the mini bar or enjoy a quiet moment during the day. Inside, the extra king size four poster bed and large four poster daybed create a comfortable and airy space, with plenty of room to add an additional bed for 2 children if needed. The en suite bathroom includes both a bath and a separate shower, and the room is equipped with full amenities along with tea and coffee making facilities. It is a bright, inviting option for couples, families, or anyone looking for a peaceful and private setting.

Ant’s Hill

Ant’s Hill is a welcoming safari lodge set on the edge of a cliff with impressive views across the reserve. The rooms and cottages are spacious, comfortable, and individually designed, with features like sunken baths and waterfall style showers. The heated pool sits among boulders at the cliff edge and offers a great spot to relax between activities.

The lodge can host up to sixteen guests and suits couples, solo travelers, families, and groups. The main lodge has an open lounge and dining area overlooking the cliffside, creating a relaxed setting for meals and downtime. Ant’s Hill offers comfort, privacy, and easy access to the reserve for a memorable safari stay.

The following rooms are available at Ant's Hill:

EAGLES NEST (SUPERIOR ROOM)

Just a few steps from the pool, this superior standard room sits above the main lodge and can be arranged as a twin or a double. It has an en suite bathroom and a large balcony with a comfortable daybed and beautiful elevated views over the valley. The room also includes a mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities, making it a relaxing and convenient space for your stay.

LOOKOUT (DELUXE ROOM)

Lookout is a stunning room with a king size bed that can be made into a twin, and an extra bed can be added for a third adult or child. The open plan en suite bathroom includes a bath with a view, a waterfall style shower, and an outdoor shower facing the valley. The bedroom has a fireplace for cooler evenings and opens onto a private deck with views of the valley and a nearby waterhole. The cottage also has a mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities, making it a comfortable option for couples, friends, or small families.

HIDEAWAY (DELUXE ROOM)

Hideaway is a private luxury cottage designed for guests seeking peace and comfort. It features a king size four poster bed and can be set up with an additional bed for a child or for two friends sharing. The bedroom opens onto a spacious deck with carved daybeds, a shaded seating area, a private sunbathing space, and an unheated plunge pool for cooling off during the day. Inside, there is a cozy sitting area with an open fireplace. The open plan en suite bathroom includes a sunken bath with French doors that open to the deck, a waterfall style shower, and an outdoor shower overlooking the valley. A mini bar along with tea and coffee facilities is also provided.

WORLD’s VIEW COTTAGE (SUPERIOR DELUXE ROOM)

Worldsview is a superior deluxe two bedroom cottage designed for privacy and comfort, making it ideal for families of up to five or for two couples traveling together. The upstairs en suite bedroom opens onto a private balcony with an outdoor bath and beautiful views over the valley, where giraffe, zebra, kudu, and eland often pass by. The spacious downstairs bedroom leads directly to the private heated pool and can be arranged as a twin, double, or triple. It has an en suite bathroom with a bath, indoor shower, and outdoor shower. A shaded veranda with daybeds offers a quiet place to relax during the day, while the pool area has sunbeds for enjoying the warm weather. Inside, the sitting room features an open fireplace, perfect for cooler evenings, along with a mini bar and tea and coffee facilities.

FAMILY COTTAGE (dELUXE)

This deluxe family cottage is a spacious and comfortable option for families or two couples traveling together. The master bedroom has a king size four poster bed and an open plan en suite bathroom with a bath that looks out over the valley and a separate shower. The second bedroom has two four poster beds and can be converted into a king size bed if needed. This room shares a bathroom with the loft bedroom, which sits under the thatched roof and is ideal for children. The cottage also has a large sitting room with an open fireplace and a dining area, as well as a decked balcony with views across the valley. A mini bar with tea and coffee facilities is provided. The cottage is booked as a whole for as many as five people, with additional beds available at an extra cost.

Bushwillow CAMP

Bushwillow sits on 1,100 hectares of open landscape and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The camp looks out over wide grasslands, giving you great views of wildlife moving across the plains. The lodge blends naturally into the bush, with handmade furniture and touches of colour that create a warm and comfortable setting. Each cottage has its own deck, perfect for morning coffee or an evening sundowner. The main lodge area includes a swimming pool, lounge, and dining space, where guests meet for meals and downtime. Evenings often finish around the bonfire or in the bush boma, a favourite moment for guests to share stories from the day. Bushwillow can host up to ten guests and can be booked by individual travelers, couples, families, or as an exclusive use stay. It is the newest addition to Ant’s Lodges and includes four separate chalets overlooking the grassland and a waterhole that is lit at night.

Three chalets, Lion, Buffalo, and Leopard, are designed for one or two guests and include a sitting area, small fridge, dressing table, en suite shower room, and a shady veranda. The fourth chalet, Cheetah, sits slightly apart and has two identical en suite bedrooms with a shared lounge and veranda, ideal for friends or families traveling together.

The following rooms are available at Bushwillow camp: Each one is priced as Standard Rooms and can be arranged 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