Ant's Nest

Description

Ant’s Nest is hosted by Ant and Tessa Baber with their competent and friendly team. Lying in a natural amphitheatre, the original homestead, with its wide verandas, has a classic African atmosphere. The luxurious en-suite rooms accommodate a maximum of only twelve guests. Tessa, who grew up in Kenya, brought the colonial home a stylish warmth using classic furniture fashioned from local fabrics, timber and stone. There is a 15 metre pool in the garden, ideal for those needing some exercise or great for kids. It is heated all year round. Extensive lawns and beds of indigenous plants surround the pool and home and there is a wonderful, thatched covered chill out spot with vast sofa beds to relax on during the heat of the day. A wide variety of game frequents the waterhole in front of the house where horses and dogs abound.
Ant’s Nest is booked predominantly on an exclusive basis, i.e., to one group of guests at a time, although out of high season, you can also book just one room.

Ant’s Nest offer the opportunity for some of the greatest game viewing in the African bush – from horseback. You can canter along open sandy tracks or transverse high ridges with spectacular vistas. The pace can be as fast or relaxed as the rider would like. When you come across game you can often get so close the experience is unforgettable.

We have fit, reliable and responsive horses, providing a choice for both the professional rider and the absolute beginner (you do not need to have riding experience to ride with us). The herd of 45 horses is made up of big thoroughbreds and Arab-boerperd crosses and includes some fabulous children’s ponies. We use comfortable Maclelan saddles and have English saddles available. Rides are led by two competent guides and the emphasis is on safety at all times. We therefore advise all guests to wear protective head gear whilst out riding. For the enthusiastic rider, you may wish to ride twice daily and turn your trip into a luxury riding safari, alternatively for the less eager; riding can be one of the many activities you can enjoy. Many guests learn to ride here. It is compulsory for all clients to wear head protection gear whilst riding.

Game drives:
Our guides will be available to take you out in an open 4x4 Landcruiser either for a morning or afternoon game drive or using a spotlight at night to find elusive nocturnal animals, such as the rare brown hyena, aardvark and porcupine.

Children:
Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill will give your children a life-changing experience. Special activities are laid on for children and teenagers who enjoy getting involved in the running of a game reserve. Children of all ages can join their parents on all activities or can alternatively be taken out separately. Toys and games are available to keep young ones occupied between activities and the lawned gardens surrounding both bush homes create a safe haven for them to play in. Special food and meal times can be arranged and children are welcome to come to supper in their dressing gowns. While the variety of activities keep all well entertained you will all learn a great deal about wildlife and gain inspiration to last you a lifetime. It’s quite educational, riding lessons are also available for the novice rider. Many children learn to ride and how to appreciate the environment here.


Other activities:

Both bush homes make for a fabulous wedding venue and we can tailor make your special day.

We are very happy to take you through the Waterberg to see other interesting sites including:

Big 5 game drive in a nearby game reserve. This give you the opportunity to search for lion and elephant. The giants of the wild that we would rather not ride with.

Whilst not traveling around you can lounge by the pool or enjoy a massage. We have a selection of books available and a curio shops stocked with original, handmade crafts.

Bushman paintings and Iron Age villages.
The rhino and cultural museum, visiting orphaned rhino.A Farm Tour, where Ant’s father, Charles Baber will give you the historical background to the area, taking you on a tour of his cattle stud and farm. There is a tennis court and pool below the beautiful gardens at Charles’ house.
Elephant Safaris: This activity allows you the opportunity to interact and ride with the amazing African Elephants. It is an educational and enjoyable experience. This is followed by a ride through the bush on Elephant back together with an experienced Elephant handler.
We go to a historic thatched church on Sundays where you can meet local people and see the 1914 building designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Children can attend a colorful Sunday school where the Sotho children sing choruses in rousing harmony.For those wanting a bit more action you may wish to try out some target or clay pigeon shooting.We are happy to take you shopping in the local town where you will find a wide variety of local and African arts and crafts.


Wining and Dining:
We take great pride in our sumptuous home cooking, dining outside whenever possible under shady trees. We often end morning game activities with a bush lunch, while at night we sit around open fires under the stars. Excellent South African estate wines are served. We can cater for all dietary requirements.

Check-In  12:00 PM   Check-Out 12:00 PM

Price & Availability

Ant's Nest Map