Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill

Overlooks the Waterberg Plateau • Game drives • Guided bush walks • Malaria free •

Ant’s Nest is situated on an escarpment looking out over the Waterberg Plateau in the Limpopo Province, three hours north of OR Tambo International Airport (formally known as Johannesburg International Airport), three and a half hours east of Madikwe and five hours west of the Kruger National Park. The establishment is hosted by Ant and Tessa Baber with their competent and friendly team. Lying in a natural amphitheatre the original homestead, with its wide verandas, has a classic African atmosphere. The luxurious en-suite rooms accommodate a maximum of only twelve guests. There is a 15-metre pool in the garden, ideal for those needing some exercise and great for kids. It is heated all year round. Extensive lawns and beds of indigenous plants surround the pool and the home and there is a wonderful thatched chill out spot with vast sofa beds to relax on during the heat of the day. A wide variety of game frequents the waterhole in front of the house where horses and dogs abound.

Ant’s Nest is booked predominantly on an exclusive basis i.e. to one group of guests at a time, although out of high season you can also book just one room. It is hosted by wonderful staff who create an open and friendly atmosphere. Built by Ant and Tessa 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 the 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 swimming pool cascades over the lip of the gorge (also heated), inducing you to relax there for hours. Ant’s Hill caters for a maximum of 12 guests and is booked on a non-exclusive basis; however, should you wish to book the lodge on an exclusive basis this can be done.

Facilities: Ant’s Nest consists of the main house, which has two double suites downstairs, two double suites upstairs all with private lounge areas. There are also two double suites, with private bathrooms and verandas across the lawns.
Ant’s Hill consists of two privately situated honeymoon suites away from the main lodge with stunning views, a family cottage that has two main bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and an extra loft room perfect for kids as well as a private sitting room and veranda. Another luxurious twin bedroom with a private veranda is located above the main lodge.

Activities: Both Ant’s Nest and Ant’s 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 transverse high ridges with spectacular vistas. The pace can be as fast or relaxed as the rider would like. When you come across game you can often get so close the experience is unforgettable. We have fit, reliable and responsive horses, providing a choice for both the professional rider and the absolute beginner (you do not need to have riding experience to ride with us). The herd of 45 horses is made up of big thoroughbreds and Arab-boerperd crosses and includes some fabulous children’s ponies. We use comfortable Maclelan saddles and have English saddles available. Rides are led by two competent guides and the emphasis is on safety at all times. For the enthusiastic rider, you may wish to ride twice daily and turn your trip into a luxury riding safari, alternatively for the less eager; riding can be one of the many activities you can enjoy. Many guests learn to ride here.

Guided bush walks: For those who prefer walking, our guides will guide you through the bushveld on foot. These walks are informative and interactive, enabling you to learn about the flora and fauna in the reserves. Learning to recognize tracks is great fun. Whilst these walks can be in the form of a gentle stroll, the more energetic can hike over the plains and down impressive gorges.

Game drives: Our guides will be available to take you out in an open 4x4 Landcruiser either for a morning or afternoon game drive or using a spotlight at night to find elusive nocturnal animals, such as the brown hyaena, aardvark and porcupine.

Other activities: Both bush homes make for a fabulous wedding venue and we can tailor make your special day. We are happy to take you through the Waterberg to see other interesting sites including: a Big Five game drive in a nearby game reserve.
There are Bushman paintings and Iron Age villages to visit, as well as a cultural museum and orphaned rhino. There is also a Farm Tour, where Ant’s father, Charles Baber will give you the historical background to the area, taking you on a tour of his cattle stud and farm. There is a tennis court and pool below the beautiful gardens at Charles’ house. Whilst not traveling around you can lounge by the pool or enjoy a massage. We have a selection of books available and a curio shop stocked with original, handmade crafts.

Elephant Safaris: This activity allows you the opportunity to interact and ride with the amazing African Elephants. It is an educational and enjoyable experience. This is followed by a ride through the bush on Elephant back together with an experienced Elephant handler.
We go to a historic thatched church on Sundays where you can meet local people and see the 1914 building designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Children can attend a colorful Sunday school where the Sotho children sing choruses in rousing harmony. For those wanting a bit more action you may wish to try out some target or clay pigeon shooting. We are happy to take you shopping in the local town where you will find a wide variety of local and African arts and crafts.

Children are welcome: Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill will give your children a life-changing experience. Special activities are laid on for children and teenagers who enjoy getting involved in the running of a game reserve. Children of all ages can join their parents on all activities or can alternatively be taken out separately. Toys and games are available to keep young ones occupied between activities and the lawned gardens surrounding both bush homes create a safe haven for them to play in. Special food and meal times can be arranged and children are welcome to come to supper in their dressing gowns. While the variety of activities keep all well entertained you will all learn a great deal about wildlife and gain inspiration to last you a lifetime. It’s quite educational, riding lessons are also available for the novice rider. Many children learn to ride and how to appreciate the environment here.

Wining and dining: We take great pride in our sumptuous home cooking, dining outside whenever possible under shady trees. We often end morning game activities with a bush lunch, while at night we sit around open fires under the stars. Excellent South African estate wines are served. We can cater for all dietary requirements.

What’s included: Accommodation on a full board basis, all beverages, laundry and all game viewing activities including riding, walking, game drives and mountain biking
Not included: massages, clay pigeon and target shooting, additional activities off the property and curio shop purchases.

[ Contact us to plan your safari ]