Ant's Nest & Ant's Hill Waterberg Riding Safari
Five Days of Family Bushveld Riding on a Malaria-Free Waterberg Reserve
Overview
Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill are two exclusive-use bush homes on a private, malaria-free reserve in the heart of the Waterberg, roughly three hours by road from Johannesburg. With a herd of more than 100 horses and a reserve deliberately stocked with plains game and rhino rather than lion or elephant, Ant's can safely put an absolute beginner, a six-year-old on a led pony, and an advanced rider out on the same landscape on the same day — each on the right horse and the right route. Over four nights you ride out twice daily among giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu and rhino, with the reserve entirely to your own party.
Because there are no dangerous predators or elephant, this is one of the very few places in Africa where a first-time rider can experience genuine wildlife from the saddle in complete safety. Beginners are taught properly and matched to calm, schooled horses; children ride from young ages under close supervision; and confident riders can trot and canter across open plains. McLellan-style saddles are standard, helmets are mandatory, and the weight limit is the most generous of any premier operation at around 110 kg. Non-riders are superbly catered for with game drives, bush walks, mountain biking and swimming, making this a rare destination where a mixed riding and non-riding party is equally happy.
Who It's For
Everyone from absolute beginners and horse-mad children to advanced riders — the widest welcome in African riding. Families and mixed-ability groups are the sweet spot. Minimum age effectively none for led pony walks; independent riding from around six with supervision. Maximum weight approximately 110 kg, the most generous of any premier operation.
Package Highlights
100+ Horses
A schooled horse for every ability, from led ponies to forward canter mounts
Ride Among Giraffe & Rhino
Plains game and rhino on a reserve free of dangerous predators
The Finest Family Ride
Beginners and children ride safely while experts are still challenged
Malaria-Free Bushveld
No prophylactics needed — three hours from Johannesburg by road
Exclusive-Use Homes
Book Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill as your own private bush home
More Than Riding
Game drives, bush walks, mountain biking and swimming for non-riders
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive roughly three hours north from Johannesburg (or fly to the reserve airstrip) and arrive at your exclusive-use bush home. After lunch and settling in, meet the horse team for a relaxed assessment ride so guides can match each rider to the right horse, followed by sundowners overlooking the bushveld.
🏨 Accommodation: Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill (4 nights)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Ant's Nest
📍 Waterberg, Limpopo, South Africa
An intimate, exclusive-use bush home on a private malaria-free reserve, booked as a private house for your family or group. Warm, characterful interiors, a heated pool and open bushveld views sit at the centre of a reserve grazed by giraffe, zebra and rhino, with a herd of more than 100 horses on hand.
From $1,050 per person per night
Ant's Hill
📍 Waterberg Escarpment, Limpopo, South Africa
A cluster of open-fronted suites and family cottages perched on the Waterberg escarpment, with sweeping views across the reserve. Sunken baths, private verandas and a clifftop pool make it a romantic and family favourite, sharing the same riding operation and reserve as Ant's Nest.
From $1,150 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Green Season (Nov–Mar)
(~$1,050/night)
Four nights in the warm summer green season — lush bushveld, dramatic skies, newborn plains game and excellent value, with warm midday breaks between rides.
Get QuotePeak Winter Riding (Apr–Sep)
(~$1,200/night)
Four nights in the cool, dry winter — the most comfortable riding conditions, crisp mornings and superb game viewing as animals concentrate near water.
Get QuoteExclusive-Use Family Buyout
(~$1,725/night)
The whole bush home reserved for your family or group with dedicated guides, tailored rides for every ability, and complete privacy on the reserve.
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 4 nights exclusive-use accommodation at Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill
- ✓ All meals, teas, house drinks and selected wines
- ✓ Two guided horseback rides daily, matched to ability
- ✓ Led pony walks for young children
- ✓ Game drives, bush walks, mountain biking and swimming
- ✓ Reserve and conservation fees
- ✓ Laundry service
✗ Excluded
- ✗ Flights and road transfers to/from Johannesburg (arranged on request)
- ✗ Premium spirits and champagne
- ✗ Comprehensive travel and riding insurance (mandatory)
- ✗ Spa treatments and curio purchases
- ✗ Gratuities (at your discretion)
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The Waterberg rides year-round. The cool, dry winter (roughly April–September) offers the most comfortable riding and the best game viewing at waterholes; the summer green season (November–March) is lush and dramatic with warm midday breaks between rides.
Why Choose This Package
The Widest Welcome in African Riding
Over 100 horses let an absolute beginner, a child on a led pony and an expert ride the same reserve on the same day.
Wildlife From the Saddle, Safely
A reserve of plains game and rhino with no dangerous predators — genuine safari riding for first-timers and families.
Malaria-Free & Easy to Reach
Roughly three hours by road from Johannesburg, with no anti-malarials required — ideal for young children.
Exclusive-Use Privacy
Book Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill as your own bush home, with the reserve, horses and guides devoted to your party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Ant's Nest & Ant's Hill Waterberg Riding Safari?
From $4,200 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates