See the majestic joy of the natural world first-hand, completely untamed in its native habitat.  You’ll be quite literally within arm’s reach of free and wild roaming Rhinos, Giraffe, Zebra and more whilst becoming part of the habitat and fully immersing yourself into the safari experience. 

Luxury Accommodation South Africa Safari 

Ants Reserve is split into three accommodation lodges where you can rest your head after each day’s horseback safari adventures. Set within 12,500 acres of wild unspoilt bushland in the northern Waterberg region of South Africa. Miles away from any cities and with the driveways alone being a 20-minute drive to the lodges you are away from civilisation experiencing the wild without any human interference.

Safari Accommodation Lodges

Each lodge has its own story and caters towards a specific niche in its luxurious style. Whether staying at Ants Nest which is set up for the more accustomed horse riding safari explorer that wants somewhere cosy and welcoming to stay; Ants Hilltop which provides a more boutique stay with individually designed lodges or Bushwillow for a group looking to have the camp base atmosphere.

Ants Nest Review

The first lodge that started everything 20 years ago is ‘Ants Nest’. In the lower part of the valley which is also the Rhino’s favourite spot to hang out! This lodge started as a family home and then over time gradually expanded with beautiful hotel-style suites where it hosted boutique African safari horseback experiences. Each suite is crafted using local wood and stone to reflect its surroundings and provides very large and comfortable beds with unrestricted views out into the bush. There is an outside grass area with a pool and self-service bar to relax in after rides and all your meals just like in the Hilltop Lodge are specially made throughout the day. 

Safari Views

The Nest is very special because you can sit in the garden after a ride and the Safari doesn’t stop! Rhinos and Mongoose love to hang out at the front of Ants Nest lazily wondering about taking in the midday sun, which you can enjoy with a drink of your choice (all included of course) whilst relaxing in the garden. If you want to meet and hang out with other guests then the Nest is the pick of the bunch due to its laid-back hotel-style setup meaning you’ll spend time meeting other guests in the shared relaxation areas and outside.

Ants Hilltop Lodge

We stayed at Ants Hilltop Lodge which is a wild and beautiful experience in an amazing lookout location across the African game reserve. Each lodge on the hilltop has its own character and special features that make it different from the others, ours had an outdoor shower (don’t worry only animals can see you, no humans) and a beautiful terrace with a stunning view out into the bush. Others feature outdoor baths, your private pool and a honeymoon suite.

Safari Lodge

The main lodge is your home from home where you will enjoy your meals and has plenty of space if you want to just find a spot and read a book for the day or sit by the pool and enjoy the views of the safari from a sunbed. Once again in the middle of the reserve, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy the safari, the Hilltop seems to be the favourite place for Giraffes to hang about in groups of two to five with their young by their side. If lucky, you’ll also see the ‘Dark One’ who stands out with his dark spots and elegant stride.

Bushwillow

The latest addition at Ants Safari Reserve, Bushwillow offers a self-catering option on a small and personal scale making you feel like you really do live within the reserve. The main lodge is smaller than those in the Hilltop or Nest but with a maximum capacity at Bushwillow of 16 and the option to book it exclusively for your group, it has a very intimate feel with small cottages and kitchenettes to prepare your meals.

Safari Camp Atmosphere

As always, the accommodation gives you a camping and adventure atmosphere with an open bonfire as well as all the usual luxuries of a swimming pool and a range of cooking and drink facilities. If you have a small group or would like to enjoy the safari on your terms then Bushwillow is the right spot for your booking.

African Safari Dinner Service

You will never go hungry was the saying between guests at Ants Safari. The level of hospitality and attention to detail is reflected in everything they do including the fine dining. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner we were blown away by a completely different dish from a range of cuisines delivered to a Michelin star level blending local ingredients and international recipes. In the evening the head chef would greet us letting us know the three courses for that night and during each dinner we were taken to another level of culinary heaven. The staff treat you like a member of the family that never let you go hungry, and the lunch is also another specially made meal that is different every day.

All Inclusive Safari

Breakfast is a choice of a fresh continental spread including home made pastries, fruit, cereals and cheeses or a special which changes every morning. All drinks are included, and you are actively encouraged to help yourself which also created a fun atmosphere with guests serving each other and to give you a little energy boost before the afternoon ride high tea was also served.

Other Safari Experiences

Being in a beautiful natural environment means going on a horseback safari isn’t the only way to have fun. There are numerous dams on the property with small lakes which are perfect to sit back and do some fishing in during the day, once again if you’ve never been finishing before don’t worry as the guides will teach you how to get your first catch! Riding everyday can be quite tiring so massages are available whenever you want them to help recharge your legs, back and core.

Night Safari Drives

As with all eco systems a whole other world comes to life at night and night safari drives are also included in the package to make the most of this. Some of the game on site especially the Leopard’s and Ant Eaters are mainly nocturnal creatures so your best chance of seeing them are under the night sky. Being miles from the rest of civilisation the stars shine bright at night in Ants Safari and light pollution isn’t a problem. To make the most of this they also offer star gazing and constellation guides with a local specialist.

Getting there

Travel to Ants Nest couldn’t be easier with either self-drive or a direct transfer from the airport, transfers from a company such as Saddle Bag will take about 3 hours from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and they’ll drive you within the reserve as well which can be the difficult bit if you choose to self-drive and it’s dark or you’re tired from a long flight. If you have a large group, the charter of a small plane can be organised and landing at the airstrip at Ant’s Safari can be arranged where you’ll be driven to your accommodation within the reserve.