The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

Ant's Nest

53 Awards

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Ant's Nest

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All you need to know

Intro
Ant's Nest is one of two privately owned bus homes situated on a private game reserve in the Malaria free Waterberg region of South Africa. Ant and Tessa have been offering guests a completely tailor made experience for the last 16 years and spoiling them with unsurpassed flexibility.
Highlights
The fact that guests of all riding abilities can enjoy riding safaris, a variety of other activities for non riders are also available. Offering guests complete flexibility and allowing them to do what they want and when they want and the home from home feel and experience when at Ant's
Need To Know
There are 6 en suite bedrooms, large heated pool and facilities for the kids such as sand pit, trampoline and badminton court. Dining at night can be private either on the room's veranda or somewhere in a stunning spot in and around the lodge alternatively guests are also welcome to dine together.
Safaris
Safaris included in the rates are game drives, game walks, horse riding and mountain biking. Guests can go out daily for an activity of their choice. This can be in the form of a horse ride, game drive and or walk which can be combined.
Wildlife
Game to be seen on Ant's reserve include white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, a variety of plains game such as oryx, impala, hartebeest to name but a few as well as over 300 species of birds

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Average Stay
Guests stay for at least 3-5 nights but all return guests stay for a week to 10 days
Average Price
Rates start from ZAR 2800 per person per night to ZAR 4850 per person per night. The rates are fully inclusive of all meals, all drinks, horse riding, game drives, game walks, mountain biking, baby sitting and laundry.
Child Policy
Kids of all ages are wholeheartedly welcome to stay with us and enjoy all activities on offer with their parents. We do also include child minding in our kids rates should parents wish to do a separate or longer activity without the kids. Both bush homes have sandpits, trampolines, badminton courts, toys and heated pools to keep the young ones busy
Accommodation
There are two suites both en suite with rooms which can be made as doubles or twins. There are also two separate cottages away from the main house. All rooms are en suite and equipped with the necessary amenities and mini bar. Ant's Nest is great for exclusive use bookings when multi generational groups book it or a group of friends travelling together. However as the rooms are all very private as well, the rooms can be booked on a room to room basis as well.
Accolades
Winner of Best riding operator in Africa in 2012, Runner up of Best riding operator in Africa in 2013 Best lodge in our area according to Tripadvisor reviews
Season
Open all year round
Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Best Riding Safari

Great guides, great conservation ethos, great people and great food. A very special experience when you spend time at this place x

V from United Kingdom
02-04-2025 @ 9:32am
Best Riding Safari

Amazing animals and amazing staff

02-04-2025 @ 6:16am
Best Riding Safari

Fabulous guides & staff, good, fit horses, delicious food & beautiful lodge. Seeing rhinos & cape buffalos close up was special.

JL
03-05-2024 @ 10:05am
Best Riding Safari

The most fun I’ve had on four legs!

09-04-2024 @ 1:10am
Best Riding Safari

It was simply amazing!! We visited ant’s nest last year in November and loved it!!

08-04-2024 @ 4:51pm
Best Riding Safari

Everything was fantastic. What more is there to say

08-04-2024 @ 4:44pm
Best Riding Safari

The most fantastic holiday!

08-04-2024 @ 12:06pm
Best Riding Safari

We were there a few weeks ago all of the team are incredible friendly welcoming and can’t do enough for you fantastic experience awesome guides and some most amazing food

MW from United Kingdom
08-04-2024 @ 11:44am
Best Riding Safari

Amazing all around experience with fabulous staff.

LC from United Kingdom
08-04-2024 @ 10:44am
Best Riding Safari

Truly the best experience of my life so far

08-04-2024 @ 10:19am
Best Riding Safari

Always a fantastic holiday

08-04-2024 @ 10:01am
Best Riding Safari

Brilliant guides and horses, I had an excellent experience!!

08-04-2024 @ 9:32am
Best Riding Safari

Everythung was just so perfect!!

08-04-2024 @ 9:28am
Best Riding Safari

Amazing staff and horses. Everything is amazing

08-04-2024 @ 8:48am
Best Riding Safari

The people and place is such an amazing place to be. Their passion for their horses and the wildlife on their reserve is outstanding.

V from United Kingdom
08-04-2024 @ 7:59am
Best Riding Safari

Wow, blew all expectations! From the accommodation, food, people, horses, animals and experiences, the whole trip was fantastic! Absolutely magical place and an experience I’ll never forget.

08-04-2024 @ 7:31am
Best Riding Safari

We came for our honeymoon in feb2023 and what an incredible experience we had! My husband who had barely ridden before was able to do all the rides. The animals were amazing and the guides especially

08-04-2024 @ 7:20am
Best Riding Safari

Ants Africa

08-04-2024 @ 7:19am
Best Riding Safari

It’s simply the best place I’ve ever been.

08-04-2024 @ 7:12am
Best Riding Safari

A wonderful experience for Game Census - fantastic horses, beautiful accommodation, delicious food and amazing service throughout

02-04-2024 @ 7:00am
Best Riding Safari

Ants Nest

CS
02-04-2024 @ 5:07am
Best Riding Safari

Wonderful horses, great guides and stunning nature ????

02-04-2024 @ 5:02am
Best Riding Safari

Was the most epic safari and riding experience. Can't wait to do it again.

01-04-2024 @ 10:10pm
Best Riding Safari

My holiday at Ants Nest exceeded my expectations in every regard. Riding, environment, guides, accommodation, food and hospitality. It is a holiday I will remember for ever…

01-04-2024 @ 6:44pm
Best Riding Safari

The most amazing holiday of a lifetime. Excellent horses, the best staff - couldn’t fault it

01-04-2024 @ 6:41pm
Best Riding Safari

Absolutely incredible in every way! The staff were all so friendly, the horses wonderful, food delicious, accommodation excellent and the wildlife was JUST WOW!!!! I hope Ant's Nest wins!

SN from United Kingdom
01-04-2024 @ 4:23pm
Best Riding Safari

Rides are amazing. Guides are superb and very knowledgeable. Fabulous and well cared for horses. Excellent tack

MC
01-04-2024 @ 3:37pm
Best Riding Safari

I’ve stayed three times and it’s been first rate every time. Incredible wildlife, the best horses and an incredibly warm team. I’d go back tomorrow if I didn’t have to be at work!

01-04-2024 @ 3:36pm
Best Riding Safari

Best times Ever!

01-04-2024 @ 1:23pm
Best Riding Safari

Ants Nest and Hill are outstanding

01-04-2024 @ 12:52pm
Best Riding Safari

Outstanding holiday destination in so many respects

DL
01-04-2024 @ 11:41am
Best Riding Safari

Outstanding

01-04-2024 @ 11:35am
Best Riding Safari

Ants Hill

01-04-2024 @ 11:32am
Best Riding Safari

It was stunning, awesome... Such a great experience. I loved the people, the horses and the nature.

01-04-2024 @ 11:18am
Best Riding Safari

Great people, horses and food.

01-04-2024 @ 11:10am
Best Riding Safari

Already visited twice and am returning for a third time. Staff are always amazing and the safaris are unforgettable. Super accommodating to all riders and visitors !

01-04-2024 @ 10:47am
Best Riding Safari

Ants Africa Safari, the Waterberg

01-04-2024 @ 10:30am
Best Riding Safari

Amazing!!! I want to go back

01-04-2024 @ 9:57am
Best Riding Safari

Absolutely amazing hospitality and service from the team that become your family for the time of your stay. The range a suitably of the horses they have was great for our family including kids.

MT
01-04-2024 @ 9:32am
Best Riding Safari

I had the best riding safari experience ever at Ants nest! Sometimes dreams come true, amazing staff stunning horses, and beautiful views!

V from Netherlands
01-04-2024 @ 9:28am
Best Riding Safari

The most amazing place ever!!!

01-04-2024 @ 9:16am
Best Riding Safari

Wonderful horses for all ages and experiences, masses of wildlife and good food!

V
01-04-2024 @ 9:10am
Best Riding Safari

Ants Nest is heaven on earth.

01-04-2024 @ 9:03am
Best Riding Safari

A truly wonderful experience to be had at Ant's Nest. From the welcoming and knowledgeable staff to the wildlife and amazing of herd horses.

V
01-04-2024 @ 8:58am
Best Riding Safari

This is the most magical place in the world!! There is nothing more amazing than being on horseback! The staff make you feel like family ????

01-04-2024 @ 8:43am
Best Riding Safari

Best experience ever

AO
01-04-2024 @ 8:36am
Best Riding Safari

Brilliant horses and lots to see

01-04-2024 @ 8:30am
Best Riding Safari

Amazing staff, Horses and best riding safari

01-04-2024 @ 8:29am
Best Riding Safari

The perfect experience

01-04-2024 @ 8:20am
Best Riding Safari

The Best all round

01-04-2024 @ 8:16am
Best Riding Safari

Spectacular game viewing on the best horses!

01-04-2024 @ 8:01am
Best Riding Safari

Fantastic, memories made forever.

V from United Kingdom
01-04-2024 @ 7:58am
Best Riding Safari

Ants makes dreams come true! Magical Holiday!

01-04-2024 @ 7:48am
Best Riding Safari

The most stunning scenery viewed on beautiful horses pairs with endless hospitality! The whole team deserve this award so much!

AA from United Kingdom
01-04-2024 @ 7:46am
Best Riding Safari

Most amazing place that makes dreams come true, with staff members that go above and beyond. Incredible wildlife encounters on horse back. The horses are so well trained, and amazing to ride.

V
01-04-2024 @ 7:43am
Best Riding Safari

Ants Africa safaris

V
01-04-2024 @ 7:39am
Best Riding Safari

Most magical riding holiday

01-04-2024 @ 7:37am
Best Riding Safari

The horses are next level and the staff make you feel like family!

V
01-04-2024 @ 7:17am
Best Safari Guiding Team

All 3 guides (Sekhwiri, Tek & OBK) were extremely knowledgable but also entertaining so learning was fun

JL
26-02-2024 @ 11:57am
Best Riding Safari

The rides with Ant Baber were the highlight of the trip as we got into parts of the reserve not normally open & got up close to the herd of buffalo youngsters as well as the most exhilerating gallops

JL
26-02-2024 @ 11:57am
Best Safari Cuisine

Breakfast, lunch, tea & dinner were delicious & having a new chef every 2 days meant more variety as well

JL
26-02-2024 @ 11:57am
Best Family Safari Experience

We got to see animals very close while on horse back. The staff bent backward to meet our wishes. Our daughter had a blast riding.

26-02-2024 @ 5:29am
Best Riding Safari

Excellent horses for all levels. Swimming with our horses was a dream come true.

26-02-2024 @ 5:29am

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