Antares Bush Camp is an exclusive 3-star self-catering camp with a maximum of 8 beds in 5 en-suite bedrooms. Each room has an indoor and outside shower. The main entertainment area comprises a large spacious kitchen, and with a dining area that can comfortably seat 10 guests allowing for the hosts to be included at meal times should the guests wish. The open plan arrangement leading into the lounge area with exposed rafters offers you the sense of a very large and spacious building. Leading off the lounge are two decks, one of which is set up for outside dining and the other as a relaxation deck by the small swimming pool both overlook the waterhole where many animals come down for a drink. An underground hide at the waterhole allows guests an opportunity to spend many hours sitting at ground level and enjoying the experience of a herd of elephant just meters from the end of your camera or even a flock of small birds enjoying a drink and a bath.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Ian Owtram and his staff provided a fabulous experience with outstanding accommodations. Fascinating to see wild animals in their natural habitat, so close in the hide. Lounging one afternoon watching a giraffe graze leaves from the trees on the property. Make Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide a must on your Safari tour. You won’t be disappointed. Kim St. Louis, Mo USA
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 07 Oct 2023
Thank you so much. We are thrilled that you had such a great time and we hope that you will return for more amazing relaxing moments soon.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent a wonderful day and night at Antares Bush Camp with a group of friends. Best of all was the Umgedi underground hide. Whether you're a photographer or not, this is a very special experience, sitting at eye level at the waterhole, enjoying the peace and quiet and bird song, never knowing what might appear next from stage left or right! And best of all, the waterhole and hide are right next to the lodge - so you can keep an eye on what's going on whilst you enjoy your meals on the deck. Remarkably you can also spend the night in the hide if you wish, as it is so close to the lodge! Antares Bush Camp is a magical place to share with a group of friends or family - and as it is self catering it is really great value. A beautifully appointed lodge in the heart of Balule Reserve, open to the Kruger National Park.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 04 Sept 2020
Thanks Mike and Harriet. It really was good spending time with you. Look forward to your next visit
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I can highly recommend Antares Bush Camp for families and friends looking for a bush getaway with an exceptional Hide experience perfect for photographers. Antares has set the standard for underground hide design. It's large and cosy at the same time, beautifully finished and furnished with power sockets to charge your equipment, a fridge and kettle for that amazing first cup of coffee first thing in the morning waiting for the wildlife to arrive in perfect golden morning light. If you really want to and are determined to get specific night time photography opportunities you can spend all day and night in this hide comfortably (trust me!)
The lodge is beautifully built and has all the amenities you could need, a plunge pool for those hot days and a boma area overlooking the waterhole so you can enjoy the fireside chats while still keeping an eye on anything coming down for a drink.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 01 Sept 2020
Thank so much Katie, really appreciate your kind words
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have been lucky to experience safaris all over Southern Africa over the last 20 years and Anatares Bush Camp is very close to the top of that list . We travelled with our 3 young children and the camp was the perfect fit to accommodate us , from the beautifully designed central lounge and dinning area , outdoor verandas , the pool to take the edge of the heat of the day and last but not least the hide positioned by the water hole ……. We were privileged to see numerous elephant herds almost everyday by the camp …. And all so very close : it’s was magical . Daily game drives were led by Ian , our most hospitable host and guide ….. stunning sunsets and beautiful sundowner spots either by the olifant river or koppie - Thank you ! Animals a plenty we saw lion , buffalo , genet , civet, kudu , waterbuck , zebra and impala and numerous raptors / bird species , the highlight being Verreaux eagle owl! We opted for the catered option which worked really well and Ian was able to assist with gin and wine purchases on our behalf, as we travelled from the UK it made it that much easier . If you were to opt for self catering then facilities are too draw , not to mention the obligatory outdoor Braai / BBQ area . In addition Reginald , the handyman was a delight as was the house keeper who helped keep our rooms less messy . To anyone wanting to experience the Bush either for the first time or as an experienced safari goer you should come to Antares ….. we are already planning a return with friends, hopefully next year ! As I write this review a herd of 16 Ellie’s have just arrived at the waterhole …… pure magic
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 29 Mar 2022
Thanks so much Chris and Jess. It has been or pleasure hosting you and so glad the elephants have listened to instructions and shown up on a daily basis. We look forward to your return next year.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We travel since more than twenty five years in Southern Africa and we staid in more than 200 lodges. This one is definitively among our five favorites ! The right balance : Very confortable , very friendly, authentic, right rate ....the lodge is perfectly fitted with wide open space inside and two large wooden decks , one looking on swimming pool, the other on pool with waterlilies where a lot of animals come to drink. You can see and photography them from the incredible hide (so well equipped : sockets for charging batteries, coffee machine, confortable seats ) where your view is at the level of water. We never saw elephants so close. In a few days, Ian and his wife will be your discreet and helpful friends.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 06 Dec 2021
Thank you so much JC and Elisabeth. We can't wait for your return in 2022 when hopefully you can enjoy the camp overnight and get even more photo opportunities
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Often people tell you that you really need to visit a specific place. I have had the honour of visiting Antares twice over the last year and a half. On both occasions, I can honestly say I was blown away. Ian and Mel are a wonderful team, and they truly love what they do.
As you drive up the driveway, you are greeted by Ian and his team, who are quick to help you unpack your car and spoil you rotten. As you walk in, the common areas are uniquely Antares. A fully equipped kitchen, a beautiful dining area, with its own entertainment in the form of hornbills that love their own reflection in the window. A lounge that looks out onto a deck that allows you to gaze in amazement at what the African bush has to offer, all awaits you on your next adventure.
Stunning bedrooms with the most amazing pillows are there for when you can tear yourself away from the deck or fire pit.
However, the true reason you are at Antares is to spend time in the Umgede hide, where you have the privilege of watching some of Africa's most amazing animals come for a drink of water.
If you feel that you are up for an adventure, ask Ian to take you out on an early morning drive. Do take note it is a little chilly at 6 am but ever the planner Ian and Mel make sure that there are blankets for the guests to use and about halfway through the drive there is a tea/coffee stop allowing you to stretch out and have a chat about what you have seen.
There is nothing better than working with a guide that can tell the difference between a hornbill call and a zebra, identify how far off the leopard is calling from and finding the elusive elephants your friend has never seen in the wild.
My advice to you is to book this trip for yourself or your loved ones and experience the African bush in a unique and unforgettable manner.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 02 May 2022
Thank you so much. That elephant sighting was really special and one that even i will remember for years to come. We are looking forward to your return in August to celebrate your birthday
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What an incredible privilege to be able to stay here. The hide is built in a way to give you an eye level view with the ground. To be so close to wildlife and to be able to hear the amazing sounds of both the animals and the environment is truly something which creates great memories. Thank you Antares for our beautiful stay.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 18 Apr 2023
Thank you so much. Hope to see you back here to create more wonderful memories
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Antares Bush camp and Umgede hide is amazing! The accommodations are beyond comfortable, the rooms are nicely decorated with a real feel for Africa. The common areas are spacious, a huge dining room table, a lounge area with many books to read on birds and local wildlife. There is an outdoor “ dining” area as well. This is a self catering camp with a huge kitchen, fully equipped, a braii area, a pool and then the most amazing hide! We hired a chef while we were there, as well as a local photographer to enhance or experience as well as offer guide on shooting from in the hide. The hide is much larger than we expected . A very long “ couch” that you can rest on, small refrigerator and coffee set up. The chairs are comfortable as you wait for the birds and animals to come to the water to drink. The advantage of Antares over other places that have an underground hide is you can stay in the hide 24/7 Ian is extremely knowledgeable and shared so much with the guests. Our game drive provided a look around, got very close to a herd of elephants. Ian and Mel greeted us like family and made our stay very memorable. We are returning in 2025. The animals that came down to drink on a regular basis was elephants, impalas, jackets, to name a few, and countless birds. And photographing the night sky from the hide! Priceless!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 06 Jul 2023
Thank you so much Brenda. We can't wait for you and Skip to return with your friends in 2025.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I spent 4 nights at Antares Bush Camp. The first big plus for us was the policy that once you have made your booking, the lodge is for your exclusive use, in other words Ian does not mix groups at all. The Lodge facilities are a treat, comfortable and spotlessly clean. There are 4 rooms all en suite, kitchen, dining room, lounge, outside deck overlooking the braai area and pool, and then of course Umgede Hide, eye level with the water hole. The hide is a fantastic experience, both for it's fittings and amenities, as well as the up close encounters with the varied wildlife and birdlife that visit the waterhole. Be prepared to photograph elephant literally 2 to 3 meters away at times. Added to that, the waterhole is floodlit at night, making night photography an absolute pleasure. The hide is well equipped for photographers, with bean bags, gimbals, WiFi and charging points provided. Seating is comfortable, sleeping or resting on the day bed is a pleasure, and tea and coffee making facilities with a fridge are also catered for. Ian is a first class host, and is an excellent source of knowledge with regard to all of the wildlife and photographic aspects that you will experience at Antares, and more. This, owing to his experience in training field guides and his many years spent in the bush himself. Antares is a special experience, and whether you go for the photographic experience, or just to enjoy the experiences of being close to nature at the waterhole and spending quality time in the bush, you're wishes will be satisfied!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 04 Jul 2024
Thank you. My role of hosting is always made easier when we have such interesting and passionate guests as you were. I take great pleasure in trying to ensure our guests enjoy their time and are able to fulfil their dreams. Obviously it also helps when the animals play their part. We look forward to a return visit in the future.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed three unforgettable days in Antares Bush Camp and we have had one of the most wonderful and incrediable times in a camp.
Ian and his stuff made everything perfect for us. The accommodation is perfectly equipped very nicely decorated. The kitchen was also equipped with eyerything you ever need. Linky ensured that everything inside the house was clean, Reginald was keeping all outsides neat and tidy, and made always braai fire for us whenever we needed. Thanks a lot to you both, we can't image of a better hospitility and caring.
We spent also 2 wonderful gamedrive with Ian, especialy the one when we looked for the wild dogs. Unfortunately we just missed them, but that the bush.
Ian spent also quite some time with us in the underground hide Umgede. Several elephant herds visited the waterhole directly in front of the windows of the hide. The hide itself is perfectly built and equipped and very spacious. We even spent one night in it. They are cushions and blankets so one of us could comfortely sleep when the other one was watching the waterhole which is equipped with spotlights. We have done so far many safaris and spent quite a lot time photopgraphing wildlife in Southern Africa. But the hide is the best we have every experienced.
Antares is such a special place in particular for every wildlife photographer.
Ian, you have built really a little piece of heaven. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.
We will return for sure as soon as we can.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian Owtram, Owner at Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide
Responded 10 Jun 2022
Birgit and Rene, it was an absolute pleasure hosting you and being able to enjoy some of those special moments in the hide with you. We are so happy that you enjoyed it so much that you want to return again next year. As we say to almost every guest FOMO catches you in much the same way that Africa gets into your blood and never wants to let you go. The anticipation of whatever might happen next stops you from leaving the hide in case you miss that one special sighting, so much so that you really didn't even want to go on extra game drives. Next year promises to be a great reunion and we look forward to it immensely.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Grietjie Nature Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
R 7,745 - R 7,906 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Antares Field Guide Training Centre - Hostel
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkGrietjie Nature Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
