Ant and Tessa Baber have perfected the art of the luxurious and very personal safari. Activities can be tailored to suit each person in the group, making this an ideal holiday for riders and non riders alike.
“Ant and Tessa’s hospitality was unbeatable. I had a truly wonderful stay the whole seven days I was there.” Angela, Gloucestershire
The ride ::
Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill are two beautiful lodges each set in their own private game reserve owned and run by the Babers, whose family have lived in the Waterberg since 1865. Both lodges offer you the chance of a fabulous riding safari and for those families or groups that consist of non riders, there are a range of other activities on offer.
Each lodge has a number of excellent well-schooled horses from Thoroughbreds and Arabs to Boerperd crosses. All riding abilities can be catered for with horses for experienced riders as well as steady ponies for the children. Even those who have booked as non-riders may be encouraged to ride at least once during their stay since one of the best ways to get close to game is on horseback. You will be amazed at how close you can get to the animals. For those who prefer to walk, the guides will take you on guided bush walks. Game drives and cycling safaris are also available.
Each reserve has an incredible variety of game from rhino, buffalo, nyala, waterbuck, giraffe, eland, sable, oryx, wildebeest, red hartebeest, kudu, impala, zebra, blesbuck, warthog, bushpig and brown hyena as well as all the smaller things such as African wild cat, mongoose and more than 250 species of birds. There are no elephant or lion so all levels of riders can be safely taken out on horseback. The topography is diverse from high mountains to open savannah plains.
The guides will also take you to other places of interest in the Waterberg such as the Lapalala rhino sanctuary, to see bushman paintings, archaeological sites, an elephant back safari or a working ranch tour. For those who are a little saddle sore or in need of real relaxation, you can enjoy a massage. All these activities are an additional cost.
At both lodges, great pride is taken in the delicious cuisine on offer. Enjoy bush breakfasts, starlit dinners around open fires or impromptu lunches beneath a shady tree. Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill not only offer a fabulous game viewing experience and a wide variety of activities, they are superb places to just relax and watch the sun go down for those needing a well-deserved break.
Ant's Nest Ant's Nest is a beautifully refurbished old colonial homestead surrounded by large lawned gardens. There are six rooms which comprise: two private suites with private verandah, a newly built master bedroom with a twin room close by (ideal for families) and two additional rooms in the main house. There are two large sitting rooms and dining areas as well as spacious verandahs with scenic views. The 15m heated pool is great for those in need of exercise or for the children to play in.
Ant's Nest is primarily booked on an exclusive basis to one party and of the two lodges is the best suited for families with small children. At certain times of the year it can also be booked on a non-exclusive basis.
Ant's Hill Ant's Hill is built on a ridge overlooking a gorge offering magical views of plains and distant hills. There are two chalets with private verandah, a large en suite room above the main lodge and a cottage which consists of a double en suite room and two twin rooms ideal for a family or friends. Set in boulders on the edge of the cliff the plunge pool cascades over the lip of the gorge, enticing you to relax there for hours.
Ant's Hill can either be booked by one group or at any time you may book just one room. A single supplement applies only during certain holiday months.
Weather ::
General Information ::
Book / Enquire ::
Contact us for
more information ::
Open all year. Call or email for availability. Open all year.
You can arrive and depart on any day and stay for as long as you wish. We recommend a stay of at least seven nights. Each lodge can be booked at an adult and child rate on a non exclusive basis or alternatively booked exclusively for a private group.
Please note that Ant's Nest can Only be booked on an exclusive basis at certain times.
Published Features :: African Dream - That's what Andrea Moffatt found at this fabulous private game reserve - complete with horses (Photos Steve Haugham). Horse & Rider Magazine July 2007 CLICK HERE >>
The Riding :: Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill are ideal for everyone with the length and pace of rides tailored to suit ability and experience.
Prices 2008 ::
ANT’S NEST (7 nights)
Adult 9 Jan - 19 Feb £1,750 20 Feb - 20 Mar £1,435 21 Mar - 18 Apr Minimum group rate of £1,255 per night 19 Apr - 14 May £1,750 15 May - 30 Jun £1,435 1 - 7 Jul £1,750 8 Jul - 5 Sep Minimum group rate of £1,255 per night 6 Sep - 17 Oct £1,750 18 Oct - 4 Nov Minimum group rate of £1,255 per night 5 Nov - 30 Nov £1,435
Child aged 2 to 11 years 9 Jan - 19 Feb £1,050 20 Feb - 20 Mar £875 21 Mar - 18 Apr Minimum group rate of £1,255 per night 19 Apr - 14 May £1,050 15 May - 30 Jun £875 1 - 7 Jul £1,050 8 Jul - 5 Sep Minimum group rate of £1,255 per night 6 Sep - 17 Oct £1,050 18 Oct - 4 Nov Minimum group rate of £1,255 per night 5 Nov - 30 Nov £875
Children aged under 2 years £420 which includes child minding services.
Single supplement of £125 per night; except not charged in low season (20 Feb - 20 Mar; 15 May - 30 Jun; 5 - 30 Nov. Single supplements do not apply when lodge is booked exclusively.
ANT'S HILL (7 nights) Adult Jan - 19 Feb £1,750 20 Feb - 20 Mar £1,435 21 Mar - 14 May £1,750 15 May - 30 Jun £1,435 1 Jul - 4 Nov £1,750 5 Nov - 30 Nov £1,435
Child aged 2 to 11 years Jan - 19 Feb £1,050 20 Feb - 20 Mar £875 21 Mar - 14 May £1,050 15 May - 30 Jun £875 1 Jul - 4 Nov £1,050 5 Nov - 30 Nov £875
Children aged under 2 years £420 which includes child minding services.
Single supplement of £125 per night; except not charged in low season (20 Feb - 20 Mar; 15 May - 30 Jun; 5 - 30 Nov. Single supplements do not apply when lodge is booked exclusively.
Includes :: Accommodation; full board; drinks; riding and safari activities at the lodge.
Payable Locally :: Off ranch activities; massage treatment, tips.
Nearest Airport :: Johannesburg.
Transfers :: Private road transfers are from £130 each way per vehicle (two people). Prices depend on the vehicle size and the number of people travelling.
All Inclusive Price :: As for Ride (Ant's Hill 7 nights) and including flights with South African Airways from London Heathrow to Johannesburg and road transfers. From £2,097