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About Ant's Nest

Ant's Nest is a homely safari lodge tucked away in a natural amphitheater on a private game reserve in the magical Waterberg region. Once the original homestead, the lodge offers a classic African ambiance with its spacious verandah and thatched roof and overlooks a waterhole frequented by a diverse range of wildlife, bringing the thrill of game viewing right to your doorstep. Ant's Nest not only offers stunning valley views but is also surrounded by vast plains where horses and other animals graze nearby. Don't be surprised if you find rhinos grazing just 10 meters away from your poolside lounge chair!

Ant's Nest features six spacious en-suite bedrooms, accommodating a maximum of twelve guests, and can be booked out on a per-room or exclusive-use basis. All guests have access to the main lodge area, where a 15-meter heated swimming pool, extensive lawns adorned with native plants, and an inviting thatched relaxation area with spacious sofa beds, await after a day of adventuring, not to mention delicious meals and refreshing sundowners.

Ant's Nest Setting

The Ant Collection, consisting of Ant's Hill and Ant's Nest, comprises 12,500 acres of beautiful Waterberg bushveld and is the ideal place to get up close and personal with wildlife whether it's on foot, in a game vehicle, or on horseback. The reserve is made up of 12 different ecological landscapes from open grassy plains to thick savannah bushveld, offering a broader variety of flora and fauna than anywhere else in Africa.

The Ant Collection has a wide selection of safari experiences on offer, including exploring the South African bushveld in an open 4×4 game vehicle, on horseback, or on bush walks to spot the elusive white rhino – which, although endangered, is prominent in the area. Enjoy mountain biking through the lodge's varied landscape, or partake in wine-tasting evenings and excursions in the surrounding area to see wild animals. Both Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill provide the full safari experience, whatever your preference.

What's included

  • All meals
  • Select beverages
  • Horse riding
  • Game drives and night drives
  • Walking safaris
  • Mountain biking (not suitable for kids 12 and younger due to terrain)
  • Rhino tracking
  • Bush lunches and sundowners
  • Fishing (seasonal)
  • Air rifles and archery

Location

How to get there

  • 3 hrs

    O.R. Tambo International Airport

  • Ant's Nest

    Farm Gunfontein 71kr, Vaalwater, 0530

  • Check in at Ant's Nest

    14:00 on day of arrival

  • Check out at Ant's Nest

    11:00 on day of departure

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

  • Brilliant honeymoon week

    We were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived - the staff were great in both Ants Nest and Ants Hill and the accommodation is stunning. Wonderful, well looked after horses and we rode every day. Each ride was different and always great fun, and lots of other activities on offer too. Lots of diverse wildlife which we were able to get really close to - very special experience. Would very much love to go back!!

    Conservio.com review

    L. Heazy

  • Dream fulfilled and more!

    Have dreamt of going to this place for 20 yrs, finally had the time and the money. It was amazing, exceeded any expectation I had and then some. Beautiful area, amazing lodge, staff & guides, not to mention great horses and riding experience and experiencing the animals on horseback - speechless!

    Conservio.com review

    J. Wags

  • Best Experience Ever!

    Amazing trip! Best experience ever. The lodge is fabulous, clean, well furnished. The team is so nice, caring, friendly etc... The safari riding horses is a amazing experience as it allows to be very close to the animals. They know how to adapt to each guest, I am a beginner and I was very comfortable. The pictures and description is really below the truth , I can only recommend to try to spend the best time of your life!

    Conservio.com review

    C. Dunnin

Ant's Nest impact highlights

Ant Africa Safaris aims to establish sustainable tourism by preserving the surrounding environment, enhancing the well-being of both our guests and staff, contributing to the local community's upliftment, and prioritizing local skills and development opportunities whenever feasible.

We are fortunate to have the exceptional Waterberg Academy right in our vicinity, offering a top-tier academic environment spanning from pre-prep to matric. This independent school actively maintains a scholarship and bursary fund to provide access to education for as many local children as possible.

Tourism plays a pivotal role in employment within the Waterberg region. The majority of our Ant's Nest staff are recruited from the local community, and many have been valued members of the Ant's family for several years. Whenever possible, we offer training and development opportunities in various areas such as guiding, housekeeping, kitchen operations, and maintenance. This initiative aims to enhance employment prospects for our staff and their families, either within the Ant's organization or within the local community.

Environmental education constitutes a vital component in safeguarding the region and its wildlife. We actively encourage local schoolchildren, many of whom have never had the opportunity to encounter a rhinoceros, to visit our reserve and witness conservation efforts in action.

The Waterberg has received recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, granting it special recognition as a distinctive landscape and ecosystem. The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is dedicated to maintaining a harmonious balance between conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and sustainable human development.

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