Ant's Hill
Farm Klaazyns Nek, Vaalwater 0530 South Africa
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About
5.0
#2 of 22 lodges in VaalwaterLocation
Cleanliness
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ant's Nest & Ant's Hill are two private bush homes situated in the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa. Approximately 3 hours north of Johannesburg. These two bush homes are on a privately owned reserve and can offer guests game viewing activities which include game drives, game walks and fantastic horse riding. They can cater for all levels of riders and also accept kids of all ages. This is a wonderful destination for couples, honeymooners, families or just good friends travelling together.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Horseback riding
Bicycle tours
Babysitting
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Internet
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Bar / lounge
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Entertainment staff
Airport transportation
Massage
Sun terrace
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
Farm Klaazyns Nek, Vaalwater 0530 South Africa
Getting there
Polokwane Airport
137.2 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
Reviews
5.0
778 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Ant's Hill boasts exceptional service that guests find attentive and personalized, ensuring a memorable stay. The hotel's amenities, including well-maintained accommodations, a variety of activities, and standout horse-riding experiences, receive overwhelming praise.
Reviewers are impressed by the cleanliness, noting the spotless and inviting rooms that feature cozy furnishings and tasteful decorations. The ambiance is described as both homey and elegant, with spacious rooms offering scenic views that contribute to a comfortable and refined atmosphere.
Atmosphere
Elegant
Rooms
Comfortable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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Detailed Reviews
I had an incredible holiday at Ants Nest and could not recommend a trip here highly enough. The reserve and lodge are totally stunning.
I stayed for 7 nights as a solo traveller and could not have been made to feel more welcome and at home from the moment I arrived. The lodge has a wonderful relaxed feeling while maintaining incredible attention to detail.
The horses are impeccably well trained and cared for by the very dedicated staff. I’m not sure I’ve ever ridden such well behaved, responsive horses! From the long canters amongst the wild animals to swimming with the horses, I enjoyed every moment of the varied riding. The team are really keen to ensure you enjoy the experience and are correctly paired and will happily let you try different horses or stick with a favourite. My faves were a speedy little pony and a foot perfect warm blood but they have a huge variety of Arabs, thoroughbreds, Friesians and everything in between.
Non riders are also very well catered for with a wide range of other activities.
I loved the balance between the exhilarating riding (approx 3 hours in the morning and another 2 in the late afternoon) and luxurious relaxing by the pool during the heat of the day.
The guides, resort personnel and all other staff really made the trip. All so friendly, knowledgeable about the animals and local environment and not to mention amusing, having us all in stitches on a couple of the rides. All meals were exceptional, and I loved the touch of a freshly brewed coffee bought to my room each morning.
5 stars for this gem of a place which I will definitely visit again. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer!!
I stayed for 7 nights as a solo traveller and could not have been made to feel more welcome and at home from the moment I arrived. The lodge has a wonderful relaxed feeling while maintaining incredible attention to detail.
The horses are impeccably well trained and cared for by the very dedicated staff. I’m not sure I’ve ever ridden such well behaved, responsive horses! From the long canters amongst the wild animals to swimming with the horses, I enjoyed every moment of the varied riding. The team are really keen to ensure you enjoy the experience and are correctly paired and will happily let you try different horses or stick with a favourite. My faves were a speedy little pony and a foot perfect warm blood but they have a huge variety of Arabs, thoroughbreds, Friesians and everything in between.
Non riders are also very well catered for with a wide range of other activities.
I loved the balance between the exhilarating riding (approx 3 hours in the morning and another 2 in the late afternoon) and luxurious relaxing by the pool during the heat of the day.
The guides, resort personnel and all other staff really made the trip. All so friendly, knowledgeable about the animals and local environment and not to mention amusing, having us all in stitches on a couple of the rides. All meals were exceptional, and I loved the touch of a freshly brewed coffee bought to my room each morning.
5 stars for this gem of a place which I will definitely visit again. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer!!
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Date of stay: March 2020
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.
Well after completing 3 safaris nearly back-to-back from South Africa to Zambia and finishing in Botswana, with a small adjunct to Victoria falls, Ant‘s nest was by far our favorite!
Exercising eg riding and doing a safari at the same time is just the perfect combination. Other safaris involve sitting eating, sitting eating, sitting eating and repeat. Ant and his team have created an amazing balance between seeing the animal and moving! For us as a young active family this is very important.
Not to forget how close you can get to animals on horse back!!!! This is a huge advantage which you don’t get on a safari jeep.
My husband had never galloped before our trip and he had barely ridden but after 4 days he was able to so!
You can be a beginner rider or an experienced rider and Ant’s team will be accommodative to your needs, or if you have people who don’t want to ride they can take you out in a jeep or on foot.
We would go back!
The food was also amazing. I am gluten free and they were very thoughtful, other people who where there at the same time were vegans and could not compliment the kitchen highly enough.
Exercising eg riding and doing a safari at the same time is just the perfect combination. Other safaris involve sitting eating, sitting eating, sitting eating and repeat. Ant and his team have created an amazing balance between seeing the animal and moving! For us as a young active family this is very important.
Not to forget how close you can get to animals on horse back!!!! This is a huge advantage which you don’t get on a safari jeep.
My husband had never galloped before our trip and he had barely ridden but after 4 days he was able to so!
You can be a beginner rider or an experienced rider and Ant’s team will be accommodative to your needs, or if you have people who don’t want to ride they can take you out in a jeep or on foot.
We would go back!
The food was also amazing. I am gluten free and they were very thoughtful, other people who where there at the same time were vegans and could not compliment the kitchen highly enough.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Have a massage when you are there!
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.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
What a fantastic place! Just beautiful. We stayed in the Hideaway and had a wonderful view out over the reserve. I loved the architecture of the lodge and chalets. They were stone built around large tree branches for doorways with thatched roofs. Also don’t miss the outdoor shower. It was like showering in a waterfall. Food was delicious, especially the steak Diane. Shout out to the chef Everard. Game drives were beautiful with lots of new and different game for us to to see. Nyala, Blesbok, Sable, and the most extraordinary rhino we have ever seen. Our guide Koos was a wealth of knowledge. Also had a lovely morning out on the horses with Bolt and Gilbert. Everyone went the extra mile and we were fortunate to see a capture of a sable for transfer to a neighboring reserve. The vet rode with us in our vehicle and explained every detail of the process, and the owner Ant was there to assist in the capture and made sure we got to see the whole thing. Truly extraordinary experience. Our thanks to Martha, Taryn, Moses, and all the staff for an fabulous stay. Also all Covid protocols were followed. Temperature on check in, hand sanitizer, and masks in public spaces. Do not hesitate to travel to Africa. They have taken Covid very seriously and it shows. They are ready and waiting for travelers to return.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip 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.
We stayed at Ants Hill for 2 nights. We are both proficient intermediate riders having done a significant amount of riding in the past but neither of us has ridden here in the UK recently. We went to Ants Hill to experience riding along side the animals not for the riding experience. However having said this riding along side and amongst the animals was an amazing experience with good guiding and horses. The rest of the Ants Hill experience left a lot to be desired. On the arrival afternoon we were unable to ride as we were told all the horses were out and away from the stables. This was surprising as we were expected and a couple of horses could have been kept back. The accommodation is quite reasonable and Eagles Nest had a great view. There was no air conditioning or ceiling fan but a floor fan. The dinners were good and on one day there was a BBQ lunch. However one morning when we were asked to start our ride at 8.30 some items on the breakfast had been finished and not replaced. On the morning of our departure the chamber maid decided to make our room up when we were out of it for 20 minutes and continued on our return. We got the distinct impression that we were accommodating the staff rather than the other way round. That said the horse riding was fantastic and some of the staff were very friendly and helpful.
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Date of stay: January 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.
We definitely made some fabulous family holiday memories on this trip. A family of three, including two novice riders, we all really enjoyed exploring the bush on the amazingly well trained horses . By day 2, we were all cantering. The wildlife was spectacular and the staff so very knowledgeable as well as fun to be with. The Ants nest team are like one big family and were all so friendly and accommodating, the food plentiful and delicious. The Sable Suite was perfect for a family, the little touches like the fire being lit for our return from sundowners and hot water bottles to warm the beds whilst we were at dinner, July being a cooler month to visit, illustrate how the team really want you to have the best experience. Dinner was served in a different area of the lodge each of our four nights, we had the option of dinner with hosts or a private dinner. Thank you to the whole team who made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived and accommodated our change of plans when the airline cancelled our onward flight. Definitely worth a visit, I am sure we will be back!
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Date of stay: August 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.
This was my third visit to Ant’s Nest and, like the 2 previous visits, I cannot speak highly enough of this wonderful place. The staff are amazing. Nothing is too much trouble and they always go the extra mile - for example serving dinners and lunches in various locations throughout the lodge and even out on the reserve. The food is absolutely delicious ( and there’s so much of it) and everyone’s needs are catered for. The guides are knowledgeable and so interesting and are obviously engaged and interested in their subjects. They are full of fascinating facts and stories and are genuinely enthusiastic about everything they spot, from the smallest termite to the largest buffalo, from interesting leaves to holes in the ground and much much more. The horses are incredible. They are fit and willing but reliable and seem to really enjoy their job. I’m sure there is a horse to suit every ability, even non-riders. The care taken to match rider to horse ( or maybe it’s the other way round) is second to none and is typical of the way the staff try to make everyone’s experience here extra special. I simply love this place and cannot recommend it highly enough ( 5 stars isn’t enough). I can’t wait to go back.
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Date of stay: March 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.
What a wonderful experience, viewing wild life in Africa on Horse Back.
Wonderful rides into the game park for all levels of riders, guides and staff were knowledgable and friendly while accommodating or even need.
Horse are well matched with riders and rides are incredible out in the African bush.
Sunsets and sundowners are wonderful and the views amazing
Accommodation is luxurious and world class, a bath with a view and outdoor showers, beds are extremely comfortable after a day of horse riding and game viewing.
Meals are delicious and introduce local cuisines and dishes
Overall an absolutely amazing experience
Wonderful rides into the game park for all levels of riders, guides and staff were knowledgable and friendly while accommodating or even need.
Horse are well matched with riders and rides are incredible out in the African bush.
Sunsets and sundowners are wonderful and the views amazing
Accommodation is luxurious and world class, a bath with a view and outdoor showers, beds are extremely comfortable after a day of horse riding and game viewing.
Meals are delicious and introduce local cuisines and dishes
Overall an absolutely amazing experience
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip 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.
This was my fourth trip to Ant’s Nest and it’s safe to say I’m an addict.
I love a holiday that’s active without being strenuous, and adventurous without being completely outside my comfort zone. Which is exactly why I keep going back to Ant’s.
The lodge is gorgeous - even the “standard” rooms are full of charm and character. It’s homely, atmospheric, and exceptionally comfortable.
The horses are incredible. I’m a competent (though not confident) rider, and Amanda and Poppet at the stables have continuously matched me perfectly to different horses that suit in different ways. On rides, the pace is completely catered to abilities and what’s most comfortable. I love long canters through the bush - there truly is no better way to see the animals so closely and become fully immersed in the Ant’s experience.
As a photographer, I also thoroughly enjoyed the drives and bush walks. The guides have encyclopaedic knowledge, making every excursion a bush education!
The staff are friendly and simply cannot do enough to make sure your stay is perfect. The food is to die for - and a bush lunch will put a soggy British barbecue completely to shame!
I can’t recommend Ant’s enough. As a returning guest, it feels like going back home to a big bush family. Ant and the gang have created paradise in their corner of the world, and I simply cannot wait to go back.
I love a holiday that’s active without being strenuous, and adventurous without being completely outside my comfort zone. Which is exactly why I keep going back to Ant’s.
The lodge is gorgeous - even the “standard” rooms are full of charm and character. It’s homely, atmospheric, and exceptionally comfortable.
The horses are incredible. I’m a competent (though not confident) rider, and Amanda and Poppet at the stables have continuously matched me perfectly to different horses that suit in different ways. On rides, the pace is completely catered to abilities and what’s most comfortable. I love long canters through the bush - there truly is no better way to see the animals so closely and become fully immersed in the Ant’s experience.
As a photographer, I also thoroughly enjoyed the drives and bush walks. The guides have encyclopaedic knowledge, making every excursion a bush education!
The staff are friendly and simply cannot do enough to make sure your stay is perfect. The food is to die for - and a bush lunch will put a soggy British barbecue completely to shame!
I can’t recommend Ant’s enough. As a returning guest, it feels like going back home to a big bush family. Ant and the gang have created paradise in their corner of the world, and I simply cannot wait to go back.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
We have just come back from our stay at Ant's Nest and it was the most amazing place!
The location is simply stunning and we felt at home within the first couple of hours.
All guides, hosts and other staff are amazing at what they do and very friendly.
We spent most of our days riding in the morning and the evenings on some great horses, enjoying long canters and the encounters with the animals. It is amazing how close we could get and the guides were very knowledgeable, always offering a lot of interesting facts about the animals and environment.
After a long day it was fantastic sitting together at dinner, always in a slightly different area. All the food was absolutely wonderful!
Even if you are not a rider Ant's Nest still offers a lot of other options so definitely not just a destination for horse lovers.
Again, we cannot recommend it highly enough. We stayed in the Weaver Suite which was beautiful.
Will definitely be going back!
The location is simply stunning and we felt at home within the first couple of hours.
All guides, hosts and other staff are amazing at what they do and very friendly.
We spent most of our days riding in the morning and the evenings on some great horses, enjoying long canters and the encounters with the animals. It is amazing how close we could get and the guides were very knowledgeable, always offering a lot of interesting facts about the animals and environment.
After a long day it was fantastic sitting together at dinner, always in a slightly different area. All the food was absolutely wonderful!
Even if you are not a rider Ant's Nest still offers a lot of other options so definitely not just a destination for horse lovers.
Again, we cannot recommend it highly enough. We stayed in the Weaver Suite which was beautiful.
Will definitely be going back!
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip 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.
This was my 27th visit to Ant's Hill. I was so excited to be back after not being able to visit due to the Covid Travel Restrictions. I keep going back because of the wonderful and caring staff, the beautiful scenery (including the wildlife), the scrumptious food, and of course: The horses.
I love to ride, and own a horse; but there is something magical about being able to ride in the African bush on a horse. The horses can get much closer to the animals than a person on foot or in a game viewer vehicle. It's awesome to be able to get within in feet of a Giraffe or Rhino.
Even if you are not a rider, I do recommend giving it a try. Ant's Hill and Nest have some very gentle safe horses for beginners, and guides that put the guest's safety first.
The accommodations are well kept, and simply beautiful. They are also extremely comfortable. Plus Ant's puts five star hotels to shame with how clean the rooms are! The food is fantastic, and I love the desserts. My favorite is the "Banoffee Pie" which is exactly what it sounds like (We don't have that dessert in the USA) , bananas and toffee in a pie. It's usually a lunch desert; but I think it needs to be promoted to a dinner one! You will not starve at Ant's.
The staff is fantastic. The guides are great fun to ride with and know their stuff! They can identify the animal tracks, and know the local flora and fauna. I can't say enough about the kindness of the guides, the management staff, the chefs and the wonderful ladies who keep the lodge clean and organized. And of course the owner; Ant, he has a great depth of knowledge about the area, and is always great to chat with.
Ant's Hill and Nest are both great for solo travelers; I've always felt welcome and safe there. A person can not go wrong booking a trip to Ant's.
I love to ride, and own a horse; but there is something magical about being able to ride in the African bush on a horse. The horses can get much closer to the animals than a person on foot or in a game viewer vehicle. It's awesome to be able to get within in feet of a Giraffe or Rhino.
Even if you are not a rider, I do recommend giving it a try. Ant's Hill and Nest have some very gentle safe horses for beginners, and guides that put the guest's safety first.
The accommodations are well kept, and simply beautiful. They are also extremely comfortable. Plus Ant's puts five star hotels to shame with how clean the rooms are! The food is fantastic, and I love the desserts. My favorite is the "Banoffee Pie" which is exactly what it sounds like (We don't have that dessert in the USA) , bananas and toffee in a pie. It's usually a lunch desert; but I think it needs to be promoted to a dinner one! You will not starve at Ant's.
The staff is fantastic. The guides are great fun to ride with and know their stuff! They can identify the animal tracks, and know the local flora and fauna. I can't say enough about the kindness of the guides, the management staff, the chefs and the wonderful ladies who keep the lodge clean and organized. And of course the owner; Ant, he has a great depth of knowledge about the area, and is always great to chat with.
Ant's Hill and Nest are both great for solo travelers; I've always felt welcome and safe there. A person can not go wrong booking a trip to Ant's.
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Date of stay: October 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.
TP won't allow me to cut & paste contact details but if you Google Ant Africa Safaris, their contact details are under Book Now
Hiyah, you'll likely meet more people at the Hill as there can be more guests and we met more younger people there. The Nest is more intimate and mainly couples. Both are excellent and have very similar activities. Hope that helps.
Yes it's 3 hours from J'berg you can get a transfer if you contact Ants Nest as for Victoria falls not sure best to email Ants direct and they will be able to help.
Hi There, sorry for the delay in answering your qeustion. Yes the lodge and staff are very accomodating with vehicle and walking game veiwing trials.
"Good all year round, enquire about participating in the annual census - brilliant experience"Read full review
"The main lodge and pool have a steep drop off with minimal barriers so constant supervision of younger children would be required. "Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
ant`s hill & ant`s nest hotel vaalwater, ant`s hill and ant`s nest
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceWaterbergVaalwater
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ant's Hill
What are some of the property amenities at Ant's Hill?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Ant's Hill?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Ant's Hill?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Ant's Hill have airport transportation?
Yes, Ant's Hill offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Ant's Hill?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.