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South Africa: The Ant’s Collection

Comfortable, stylish safari lodges, offering riding, walking, game drives from flexible dates, year round. Suitable for riders of all levels and ideal for riders, non-riders, couples, families and mixed groups.
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Where is it?

In the Waterberg range of South Africa’s Limpopo province about a 3 hour drive north of Johannesburg and an hour from the Botswana border.

What is it like?

The Waterberg is a plateau with a huge variety of vegetation. The lodges are set in a private game and nature reserve, where thick vegetation is criss-crossed by sand tracks, there are tremendous views over undulating hills and game that includes white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, sable, eland, wildebeest, zebra and more.

Who does it suit?

Almost anyone and everyone, but perfect for those wanting the chance to relax in lovely surroundings whilst also having plenty to do. Activities include riding, walking and game drives; there are mountain bikes, you can fish in the dams, take a game drive on a neighbouring Big 5 reserve, visit the local school or village, have a massage and relax by the pool. Book as an individual, couple, family or group of friends, the atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming and itineraries are tailored to suit. Its ideal for children of all ages and one of our top choices for families.

Why we love it

For the feeling that everyone really cares. From the fittest needing lots of action to those most in need of a rest, everyone is personally catered for, welcomed as friends and beautifully looked after as guests – and because it offers a little bit of luxury. We all need that sometimes!

Travel with trust

When you travel with Ride World Wide, you can travel with trust. We’re a member of ABTOT (the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust) which provides financial protection for your booking through our ABTOT bond and under the ABTOT ATOL franchise. If you have any questions please ask.

In a Nutshell

Riding
Tailored to suit
Horses
Locally and farm bred, TB, TB cross, South African Boerperd crosses.
Pace
Moderate/variable (tailored to suit)
Riding Ability
All standards from novice to experienced; children welcome
Weight Limit
110kgs (17st 4lbs) but please call us to discuss if you are over 95kgs (about 15st)
Group Size
The lodges sleep a maximum of 14 / 16 / 10; split into smaller groups to ride
Accommodation
Luxury private game lodge
2026 Dates
Year round on request; Bushwillow set itinerary safaris Sunday to Sunday
2026 Prices
From £335 per person per night; 7 nights Bushwillow set itinerary from £2,475 per adult; see “Key Information” below
What you'll be doing

Itinerary in Brief

7 Day Itinerary

Below is an example itinerary. Please ask us for other itineraries.

Day 1

Arrive Johannesburg and transfer to Ant's Nest / Hill or Bushwillow. Lunch and settle in before meeting the horses and an evening ride for a first view of the area. Return to your lodge as the sun sets for dinner and the night.

Day 2

A wake up call and leisurely breakfast, or an early call when the light is best for game viewing and an early morning ride to explore the reserve. Stop for a bush breakfast, then ride back to the lodge by a different route. A siesta by the pool and after tea, a late afternoon ride or evening game drive with spot light. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Days 3-5

Three full days at the lodge, with your choice of morning or afternoon rides, game drives or guided walks perhaps stopping for brunch under a shady acacia tree. You might also decide to explore locally, taking a tour of the main farm to visit the school or local village. Nights at the lodge.

Day 6

Breakfast and perhaps an early morning trip to a neighbouring Big 5 reserve for a game drive, returning to Ant's for a barbecue by the pool. In the afternoon, a ride out to one of the dams, stopping for sundowners and riding back to the lodge at sun set. Dinner and night.

Day 7

Breakfast, an early morning ride or game drive then pack up to transfer to Johannesburg for onward journey.
Our Rider Feedback

What People Say

"We had a wonderful time and the children thought it was amazing. All the staff were absolutely charming especially Kayt, Penny and Chase. We were surprised at the landscape for riding and lack of game but still had a fabulous time. They catered really well for all our riding levels and were brilliant with the children".
H&R A (Hants)
Highlights of the trip? Flexibility of the rides and the guides. They were able to ensure I could ride at a good pace on my own with the guides, rather than be with family groups / children etc. They manage individual guest needs exceptionally well. Fantastic as always. I will be back again next year hopefully.
SW (Cambridgeshire)
“I had an absolutely fabulous time at Ants Nest as always – simply can’t fault it! Being able to ride out with Ant two days running and also being able to see an Eland capture was a highlight of the trip.”
SW (Cambridgeshire)
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Key information

You’ll find all the information you need at the ‘Download Full Details’ link above. If there’s anything else you would like to know, please contact us to ask.

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Booking Request

To request a booking on a particular ride, please fill in the details below, and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. (Please note this is a request for space not a guarantee of booking!)

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