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Saddle up for a safari
Ant's Nest horseback safaris
The view from Ant's Nest.
© Richard Chipps
Did you know?
Ant's Nest is named after Anthony Baber, one of the earliest pioneers in the Waterberg Wilderness region.
Ant's Nest is a luxury game lodge in Limpopo's Waterberg Wilderness region that is famed for its wild and wonderful horseback safaris. Set in a game reserve with open plains and rugged mountain slopes, at Ant's Nest you're likely to see zebra, wildebeest, eland and, perhaps, rhino.
Depending on your group, you can either opt for a fun-filled family horseback safari, an action-packed group safari or a romantic honeymoon safari. Ant's Nest is happy to tailor your horse riding safari to suit you. You can decide when you want to get up and for how long you want to ride.
You'll definitely enjoy the food here. Ant's Nest offers long lazy brunches in the shade of ancient trees, starlit dinners and lunches out in the middle of the bush.
Accommodation at Ant's Nest is in a lovingly restored farmhouse that was the original home of the Baber family, settlers in the area over a century ago. There is a wide veranda, one of the biggest beds you've ever seen and a lovely pool set in a gorgeous garden. You can also stay at Ant's Hill, which is higher up in the mountains and boasts incredible views. Ant Baber and his wife Tess run both the lodges and have many colourful tales to share.
Horseback safaris are not the only way to enjoy Ant's Nest. The lodge also offers guided safaris in an open 4x4. You can also take a guided game walk and learn more about the fauna and flora of the area.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Ant's Nest
Tel: +27 (0)14 755 3584
Email: reservations@waterberg.net
Website: www.waterberg.net
How to get here
From Johannesburg/Pretoria take the N1 north. After the Kranskop Tollgate turn left towards Nylstroom/Modimolle on the R33. Continue for 70km to Vaalwater. Go through Vaalwater and turn right on the R33 towards Ellisras/Lephalale. Follow this road for 11km and take right hand turn down the gravel road to Dorset. Follow this for 10km and on the left you will see a sign for Ant’s Nest.
Around the area
Visit the nearby village of Vaalwater, which is the main meet-and-greet spot in the area. Go for a coffee or a light lunch, do some curio shopping or check out the local pubs.
Tours to do
Ant's Nest can arrange a guided tour of local San paintings and Iron Age villages in the area. On Sundays, you can go to a historic thatched church where you will meet locals and see a 1914 building designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
What's happening
If horse riding is not your thing, you can go mountain biking, take a gentle walk, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting or enjoy a relaxing poolside massage.
Best buys
The Black Mamba is a wonderful shop in Vaalwater boasting an impressive range of arts and crafts from all over Africa.