Ant’s Nest

• Ant’s Nest is the original Bush homestead ideal for family safaris
• Reminiscent of a Safari House in East Africa
• Suitable for families or friends traveling together
• Superb range of safari & bush activities on offer
• Horse-riding – some of the most exciting game-viewing on horseback in Africa

Ant's Nest is a private bush home in the Waterberg region in the north of South Africa. It is usually taken exclusively as a private 'safari house' (but also on a room by room basis). So, it's a wonderful destination for families, keen riders or just good friends travelling together.

Ant's Nest lies in a private game reserve in the magnificent, malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa. The aim is to provide you with a unique safari experience, offering a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained! From the youngest to the oldest, and the fittest to those most in need of a rest. Downstairs there's a cosy sitting room with an open fireplace, perfect for relaxing on those chilly evenings, and an indoor dining and bar area. Outside, there's a good-sized pool and fenced garden.

Safari options at Ant's Nest

You enjoy game viewing in a variety of ways. The main focus is their horse riding safaris. They are famous for having almost 100 horses walking with the game, offering some of the most exciting game viewing on horseback in Africa – whatever your age or riding ability. However, if you fancy a change from horse riding safaris, Ant's Nest also offers guided game walks, from a gentle stroll on the plains to a more strenuous hike over the hills. Game drives in open 4x4 Landcruisers allow you to cover more ground and experience wildlife in a traditional but less energetic way with lots of plains game on offer.

Ant's Nest is very flexible – your guide will tailor-make each day specifically to suit your party. So wake up when you want and enjoy a time of pure relaxation or action-packed excitement. It is also known for its family safaris.

Note that this is not a Big Five reserve and so unless horse-riding safaris are your thing, we would recommend teaming up a safari here with a safari in a more classical game-viewing area such as the Kruger, Madikwe or even the nearby Welgevonden Game Reserve.

Accommodation

Ant's Nest comprises the main homestead, which has two en suite bedrooms downstairs and three en suite bedrooms upstairs, all with private lounge areas. There are also two en suite rondavel rooms across the lawns so that it can accommodate parties of up to 14 people.

Weaver Suite is their largest and most deluxe room. With its expansive views across the valley, this room has a king-size four poster bed, large day bed and still more room for an extra bed if needed. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and separate shower. The private verandah overlooking the bush is perfect for relaxing in the heat of the day and for private dinners.

Upstairs, the Sable Suite is a two bedroom family suite. The master bedroom has a king-size four poster bed with incredible views overlooking the bush. This leads to an exceptionally large bathroom and dressing area with bath and shower. Adjacent is an en-suite twin room, ideal for two children travelling with their parents. An additional bed is possible for a third child. There is a spacious sitting room with a fireplace, dining area and full bar. This opens up on to a very comfortable private veranda with a shady seating area.

The Davison rooms are comfortable bedrooms downstairs in the original homestead. These rooms can be booked individually or make an ideal family suite for those on a budget.

The two Rondavel rooms under thatch are set to the side of the main homestead. The outside veranda offers a private seating area with a chill-out day bed. Inside is a wooden four poster bed, as well as a day bed, suitable for a child. The en suite bathroom has a bath and indoor and outdoor showers.

Family Safaris at Ant's Nest

Both Ant's Nest and its sister lodge, Ant's Hill, are perfect for family safaris. As there are no major predators, even young children can join on game drives. Many of the rooms are large enough for children to share with parents and there are a number of family suites with two separate bedrooms. They also have cots and high chairs for infants & toddlers. There are special kids menus. Alternatively, they can also enjoy dinners together as a family.

Your ranger is also happy to arrange special activities if parents are out on other activities. These could include bug walks, archery game drives or nature walks. Back at the lodge, there are heated pools, trampolines and toys to keep them entertained. Horse-riding is often a big hit with the children but children under 4 will only be allowed out on a pony/lead rein near the lodge and not on longer outrides. If you take it as exclusive use, then the safari plan is even more flexible and can be designed around your family interests alone.