Ant Collection Riding Safaris

The Ant Collection: Ants Nest & Ants Hill

The Ant Collection offers two unique bush home experiences – Ants Nest and Ants Hill -  located on a private game conservancy in the malaria-free Waterberg area of South Africa. Both lodges are well established and offer an exclusive and flexible holiday experience. The reserve offers a safe and secluded environment for guests of all ages to enjoy horse riding, guided bush walks, game drives, and cycling.

Riding Safaris

The Ant Collection - recently awarded 'Best Riding Operator in Africa' - specialises in riding safaris. Both Ants Nest and Ants Hill offer the opportunity for some of the greatest game viewing in the African bush – from horseback. Riders of all riding abilities are welcome and our fit, reliable and responsive horses provide a choice for both the professional rider and the absolute beginner. The herd of almost 70 horses is made up of big thoroughbreds andArab-boerperd crosses and includes some fabulous children’s ponies. We use comfortable McClellan saddles, but also have English saddles available. Rides are led by two competent guides and the emphasis is on safety at all times.  

Riding is over varied terrain and you can canter along open sandy tracks or transverse high ridges with spectacular vistas. The pace can be as fast or relaxed as you are comfortable with. When you come across game, on horseback you can get so close the experience is unforgettable. Should you have a partner or family member that is not so confident, they can join you on all rides as our two guides can split up for canters, alternatively there are other activities available such as guided walks, game drives and mountain biking, not to mention wonderful relaxing massages!

This reserve is one of diverse topography and vegetation, ranging from wide-open plains to beautiful mountainous areas, enabling the widest variety of game to be naturally sustained, including over 40 species such as the rare sable antelope, Livingstone eland, nyala, oryx, giraffe, buffalo, white rhino and more than 300 species of resident and migrant birds.

Ants Nest

Ants Nest is where it all began. The original homestead, with its wide verandahs, lies in a natural amphitheatre and has a classic, relaxed, African atmosphere. A wide variety of game frequents the waterhole in front of this bush home which has six luxurious en-suite bedrooms, accommodating up to twelve guests. Standard rooms: Davidson's Suite, Rondavel. Deluxe rooms: Sable Suite, Weaver Suite.

There is a 15-metre heated swimming pool in the garden, ideal for those ready for some exercise or to cool off after a day on horseback. 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. 

Ants Hill

Ants Hill is hosted by a wonderful team who create an open and friendly atmosphere. Built on the edge of a cliff, this bush home offers breathtaking 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. The draped four-poster beds are seven foot wide and each bathroom is spectacular, offering guests sunken baths and waterfall showers. Set in boulders on the edge of the cliff, the heated swimming pool cascades over the lip of the gorge, inducing you to relax there for hours. Ants Hill caters for a maximum of 16 guests and can be booked non-exclusively or exclusively to one party. Standard rooms: Eagles Nest. Deluxe rooms: Lookout. Superior deluxe: Hideaway. 

Wining & Dining

We take great pride in our sumptuous home cooking, dining in a variety of places and outside whenever possible. We often end morning game activities with a bush lunch, whilst at night we sit around open fires under the stars. Our chefs cater for all dietary requirements and excellent South African estate wines are served. Children are welcome to join their parents for dinner, or, alternatively, special meal times can be arranged.

 

Family Safaris

With their relaxed and informal atmosphere, Ants Nest and Ants Hill are ideal for families with children of all ages. Our safaris and gameviewing offer a life-changing experience. Children of all ages can participate in all game viewing activities, so you can witness their first encounters with wildlife. 

Weddings & Honeymoons

The Waterberg, with its spectacular views, is the perfect place to escape to and makes a wonderful honeymoon destination. Romantic private dinners, bush lunches, sundowners, and the opportunity for game viewing, just the two of you without other guests, make Ant’s Lodges quite unique. You can get married on the top of a mountain or under a shady Acacia tree. 

For those who would like a more traditional wedding, our pretty thatched church designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1914 is situated in the middle of the bush not far away. The bride and groom can come alone, or bring up to 26 guests, if you book both bush homes. The wedding ceremony can be late morning followed by a lunchtime celebration, or in the late afternoon as the sun sets, followed by a dinnertime celebration. Your lunch or dinner could be served in the bush, on the deck of the lodge or your own private verandah, depending on the size of the wedding party. Let us know what you’d like and we will arrange everything for you.

Other Activities

Mountain Biking: The incredibly diverse terrain offers extreme technical cycling as well as gentle meanders.

Clay Pigeon Shooting: For those wanting a bit more action, try target or clay pigeon shooting (extra charge applies).

Massages: Massages (1/2 hour or 1 hour) can be arranged in the privacy of your own room or next to the pool, wherever you prefer (extra charge applies).

Library & Shop: A wide selection of books is available in the library, and the curio shop is stocked with original, handmade crafts.

Optional Excursions (extra charge) - see Sample Itinerary 

Horse Riding

Both Ants Nest and Ants 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 we can get so close to the game that the experience remains unforgettable.

We have fit, reliable and responsive horses, providing a choice for the professional rider, the absolute beginner and everybody in between. (You do not need to have ridden before). The herd of 70 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 we always have 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 bush homes; many guests learn to ride and gain confidence here.

Tack & Equipment

We use comfortable McClellan saddles, made locally for long hours in the saddle. These are based on the famous US cavalry saddle designed for the comfort of both horse and rider alike. We also have some English saddles available.   

Guided Walks

For those who prefer walking, our 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 in a vehicle or on horseback, so guided walks are highly recommended. Whilst these can be in the form of a gentle stroll, the more energetic can hike over the plains and up impressive gorges. Whilst identifying insects and birds and learning about the medicinal uses of various plants, you can also learn how to track game. Specialised bug hunts are available for children at Ants Hill and Ants Nest.

Game Drives 

Morning or afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 Land Cruiser are available with our guides. At night, by spotlight, you may find elusive nocturnal animals such as the rare brown hyena, aardvark, bushbaby and porcupine. Game drives allow you to see more of the reserve. Game drives and walks can be combined, making game viewing and photography even more exciting. 

Family Safaris

With their relaxed and informal atmosphere, Ants Nest and Ants Hill are ideal for families with children of all ages. Our safaris and gameviewing offer a life-changing experience. Children of all ages can participate in all game viewing activities, so you can witness their first encounters with wildlife. 

Both lodges have various facilities ideal for children including heated swimming pools, trampoline, sand pits, badminton & volley ball net, and a selection of toys and books. Special “bug” and “spoor” walks have been created for children to follow, although driving in an open 4 X 4 on game drives is always popular.

A selection of wonderful ponies cater for both novice and experienced child riders. Children of four years and under can enjoy pony rides around the lodge, led on foot. Children of five years and over can be led on foot or from horseback, according to their level of riding ability. Riding lessons are also available.

Other Activities

Mountain Biking: The incredibly diverse terrain offers extreme technical cycling as well as gentle meanders.

Clay Pigeon Shooting: For those wanting a bit more action, try  target or clay pigeon shooting (additional charge applies).

Massages: Massages (1/2 hour or 1 hour) can be arranged in the privacy of your own room or next to the pool, wherever you prefer (additional charge applies).

Library & Shop: A selection of books are available in the library, and the curio shop is stocked with original, handmade crafts.

Optional excursions (extra charge): Include: 

• A local ‘Big Five’ game reserve, so you can try to find the lion and elephant we would rather not ride or walk with.
• Elephant Safari: you can take the opportunity of interacting with a number of trained African Elephants, which is the most enjoyable and educational experience. This is followed by a ride through the bush on elephant-back with an experienced elephant handler.
• Adventurous guests can have the opportunity to enjoy a day trip to the Lapalala Wilderness reserve which is a 35,000 ha reserve.  Activities on offer here include guided walks, rock art viewing and picnics by the river where you can also swim.
• On Sundays you can meet local people at the historic thatched church, built in 1914 and designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Children can attend a colourful Sunday school where Sotho children sing choruses in rousing harmony.
• Shopping in the local town where you will find a wide variety of African arts and crafts.
• Bush camp (minimum 4 guests, 2 nights)

2013 & 2014 Dates: A minimum stay of 4 nights is recommended.

High Season: 1 Jul - 31 Aug 2013; 1 Jul - 31 Aug 2014

Mid-Season: 1 Sept - 14 Dec 2013; 1 Sept - 14 Dec 2014

Low Season: 1 May - 30 June 2013; 1 may - 30 Jun 2014

2013 & 2014 Prices:  Prices in South African Rand (R) will be converted to GBP using exchange rates at time of quotation & booking. Single supplements (S/S) apply where noted.

High Season: 

Standard Rooms: R3648pppn (adult); R2400pppn (child 11 years & under);(S/S) R1824pppn

Deluxe Rooms: R4320pppn (adult); R2880pppn (child 11 years & under); S/S R2352pppn

Superior Deluxe Rooms: R4656pppn (adult); S/S R2352pppn 

Family Cottage (up to 5 guests): R13872 per unit per night

Superior Cottage (up to 5 guests): R18624 per unit per night

Mid Season: 

Standard Rooms: R3120pppn (adult); R1968pppn (child 11 years & under); S/S None

Deluxe Rooms: R3734pppn (adult); R2534pppn (child 11 years & under); S/S R2160pppn

Superior Deluxe Rooms: R4128pppn (adult); S/S R2160pppn

Family Cottage (up to 5 guests): R12240 per unit per night

Superior Cottage (up to 5 guests): R16512 per unit per night

Low Season:

Standard rooms: R2688pppn (adult); R728pppn (child 11 years & under); S/S None

Deluxe Rooms: R3072pppn (adult); R2534pppn (child 11 years & under); S/S None

Superior Deluxe Rooms: R4128pppn (adult); S/S None

Family Cottage (up to 5 guests): R10608 per unit per night

Superior Cottage (up to 5 guests): R11832 per unit per night

Conservation Fees: R200 per adult: R100 per child (11 years & under). This is a one-off fee payable for each member of your party.

Private Guided Safari: Prices on request.

Included: Accommodation, all meals (including bush lunches & sundowners), all drinks (soft drinks, spirits, beers, and house wines), activities (riding, guided game drives, guided walks, night drives, mountain biking), laundry. 

Not Included: Flights, transfers, travel insurance, cellar wines, premium spirits, liqueurs, champagne, gratuities.

Meeting Point: Johannesburg Airport (Oliver R Tambo International Airport - ORT).

Indicative Flight Price: London to Johannesburg £800 - £1500pp return depending on time of year.

Transfers: Road transfers to and from Johannesburg (ORT) airport, and other destinations, available  by request. Air charters can also be arranged. 

Hours in Saddle: Variable

Max Weight: 120kgs

Group Size: Variable

Suitable for Non-Riders: Yes - lots of activities for non-riders including guided game drives, guided walks, night drives, and mountain biking.

 

 

Call us on +44 (0)1225 000000 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.