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.
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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
My mother and I spent 8 wonderful days in Ant's Nest.
Our stay at Ants Nest already started with the warm welcome from Binke and Kim. Since we had missed lunch, we were served a light lunch for afternoon tea immediately after moving into the room. Then it started already on the horseback to 1. Safari.
The horses are incredibly sure-footed and used to the wild animals (certainly thanks to the natural attitude, because they are allowed to roam freely through the reserve all night long). Safe horses should not be called jaded. Depending on the riding level, you will also be assigned very fiery and fast horses if desired. We were impressed by the good eye our guides had for us for the allocation of horses.
This good view is also evident on the safaris. Teksure, who led most of our riding safaris, was able to give us so many beautiful viewing opportunities from the animals of the reserve. The sightings were accompanied by his amazing information and entertaining stories about the flora and fauna (was also interesting for the children in the group).
Those who are aware of which animals the reserve houses and don't want to go on safari to see all the Big Fives (lions, elephants don't have it) will surely get their money's worth considering the abundant number of antelope and bird species, white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and much more!
After releasing the horses during the evening ride, the refreshing gin and tonic (and other drinks) awaits you during the sundowner, which you can enjoy in a social gathering with the other guests and guides.
Meals are also shared at large tables with all guests, sharing the discoveries of the day. We really appreciated this family reunion. To stay the same at meals: A big compliment to the kitchen. As a vegan, I prepared to eat side dishes for a week. Far from it. My diet was taken into account at every meal (even the afternoon tea). You know what vegan means here and create delicious, varied creations. It was always a pleasure when Caroline announced the daily dinner menu by the campfire.
The spacious room (we had the Davidson room) with warmed duvets for the cold winter nights, was very clean. Also the garden around the lodge (from which you can often observe animals) is kept well maintained by the housekeeping. We strongly recommend giving yourself a massage. My mother was allowed to experience a wonderful massage by Eneria vom.
Around from the morning wake-up call to the safaris and food to the accommodations an unforgettable holiday thanks to this unique place with unique people.
Thank you
Daniela and Leya
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Date of stay: July 2024
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.
Set in a beautiful location made all the more enjoyable by the staff who were friendly, knowledgable, hard working and easy going. The horses were really well trained and the wildlife was so relaxed around us that we could get very close. So nice to see the horses set free into the reserve after the riding - they have a wonderful life and kept in great condition
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Date of stay: February 2022
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.
Our first visit to South Africa, made even more amazing thanks to the fantastic staff and volunteers who could not do enough to make our stay a happy one. The Guides were incredibly knowledgeable as well as being so friendly and considerate and the choice of activities left nothing to be desired. The horses were well trained and willing and to get so close to the wild animals safely was just mind blowing. Did I mention food? You need to take a healthy appetite, the food was tasty, up market restaurant quality and wonderfully presented. Sundowners were a great start to relaxing after an active day. All in all a most memorable holiday, we will be back
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Date of stay: May 2022
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.
I went to Ant’s hill and Ant’s nest for my first solo travelling and also my first riding holidays ! I have to say that it was really wonderful ! Days are separated in two big activities, which can be : riding, cycling, walking, game drive or even archery. I did a lot of riding but also some walking ! Rides were wonderful, with guides who really know what they are talking about, showing us the different tracks, explaining many things. As you’re on horseback you may have the luck to go quite close to the animals which is wonderful ! I was worried I would not follow the group, but horses are so calm and quite ! It was wonderful !
Concerning the meals, I am vegetarian and had a special menu each time which was really tasty ! Meals are taken with other guests (but you can ask for private meals) which, I think, is a really great idea and makes solo travelling really easy here ! You can enjoy conversations with other guests, from other countries and discover a lot about them and where they are from ! It’s a really great human experience ! At dinner 2 staffs are here to dine with you, chat and also be sure that everything is ok. People there are really nice and they are always taking care of you in such a nice way !
The room was really nice too, even if I was there mostly for sleep time and shower.
So if you want to enjoy a wonderful place with a really nice staff in Waterberg and ride horses : here is the place to stay !
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Date of stay: September 2022
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 fabulous place. We stayed at Ants nest and were so well looked after. We did the trip as cheaply as we could and still felt like we were having a deluxe experience. This place is an absolute gem, it caters really well for different levels of riders and is one of the few places I found that allows novice riders to do bush safaris. The horses allow you to get jaw droppingly close to all the animals, and we saw so many, including some incredibly close rhino and giraffe experiences. The staff and guides are fabulous and so knowledgeable and the food is delicious. They did a wonderful job of catering for my food intolerances. Ants are also doing an amazing job at conserving the white rhinos. I really can't recommend this place enough. It was a holiday experience of a lifetime. The swimming with horses at the dam was also an unexpected and wonderful surprise.
One tip for anyone who decides to go to Kololo for the big game drive - It's about 1.5hrs and is really bumpy roads to get there. We saw many of the same animals but they were much further away as we were in a jeep and couldn't deviate from the track. We did see elephants, which we hadn't seen at Ants, but no big cats (although of course they were there). It's interesting to go and experience a different reserve as the terrain is different, but on reflection, it really does show just how wonderful the experience you have at Ant's is in comparison.
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Date of stay: February 2022
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.
My fiancee and I visited Ant's Hill in October and had the time of our lives! I'm an inexperienced rider but they were patient and helpful in getting me up to speed so I could have an amazing time on this horseback safari. Sarah rides often and was thrilled that you could try different horses each day or find your favorite and stick with them for the entire trip. The rhino sighting was unforgettable as we watched a baby rhino sprinting alongside her mom. The service and hospitality is outstanding and my favorite example was the dinner they set up for us on our private patio and arranging excursions when we weren't riding. Can't recommend them highly enough!
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Date of stay: October 2019
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 6th visit to Ant’s Nest and I’m sure it won’t be my last. It truly is a magical and fabulous place to visit. The staff are outstanding, without exception. The guides are wonderful - so well informed and interesting; I learn masses every time I come. The chefs create delicious and imaginative food. The rooms are clean, comfortable and well equipped. But what makes Ants Nest (and I’m sure it’s the same at Ant’s Hill) so exceptional, is that they always go the extra mile to ensure everyone is having a great time. This includes accommodating everyone’s dietary needs ( special veggie/vegan choices, cooking meat how guests ask etc); making sure everyone feels comfortable and happy with their horse; providing interesting activities for non-riders; arranging a different location for lunch, dinner and sundowner. The horses are exceptional - fit and well schooled and there is a horse suitable for all levels of experience, fitness and size and the horses obviously love their job! I can’t recommend this wonderful lodge, and the fantastic team who work there, highly enough.
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Date of stay: February 2024
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 had the privilege to stay at Ant's Nest in January and it was such an amazing and special experience. We traveled with our 3 year old son and I cant say enough words to describe how kind, accommodating, flexible and spectacular the entire staff was to our family. We loved how each day they offered a different and unique experience. There was just enough structure but flexibility to accommodate to each person's needs and preferences. We especially loved Ant, management, and his staff who were so kind to us and the experiences was so one of a kind. We loved riding the horses, seeing the animals, and meeting all the interesting and different people who work and traveled to this reserve. I think if you are traveling as a family, this place is extra special. Lots to do and see, especially for a child. My son still talks about all the activities and the animal friends he met especially his horse Tulley and dog friends, Rolphy and Tess. We cannot wait to come back to this special place and a huge thanks to the amazing staff and owner!!
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Date of stay: January 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.
Five star experience at Ant’s Nest. This is an amazing place to stay. The accomodation and landscaping is inspiring and shows off the South Africa ambience at its best. The rooms are very comfortable and the service is second to none. The staff at Ants will truly pamper you. Don’t forget to book a massage. The food is first class and you eat in different locations every night around the property. Ants cater to every taste and nothing is too much trouble. The horse riding around the property will take you to all the wildlife you would want to see, especially rhinos, zebras and giraffes. Because you are on horseback, you can get up close and personal and it is an experience in itself. The sundowners remote from the property, are a great way to enjoy a local Amarula or stick to your gin and tonic. The pool is lovely, but in June it was very cold. In fact, at night you will need to don some warm clothes. During the day the sun is out and the skies are clear. Also best to wear long sleeves as they bushes have sharp thorns. There is also a gift shop where you can buy a fleece or local items to bring home. A fabulous holiday to be recommended.
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Date of stay: June 2022
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 our second visit to Ants and we were as blown away by the experience this time as we were the first time. Our first visit was in October 2019 at the end of the winter, which was much drier, this time everything was incredibly green. All the other reviews say it all. Great people and hospitality, amazing horses, superb access to wildlife, very comfortable beautifully clean accommodation, and the most delicious food. All the staff cannot do enough for you and the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and keen to make sure you have the best access to their wildlife. We are vegan and they couldn’t have catered better for us, we always had a delicious vegan version of the menu so we never felt like we were the poor cousins at the dinner table. Honestly couldn’t recommend this place more highly, we will be back.
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Date of stay: April 2022
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.
Kirkby Stephen, United Kingdom9 contributions1 helpful vote
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.
Salisbury, United Kingdom1 contribution1 helpful vote
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.
There are more places to choose from in the Vaalwater area.
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
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