Ant Africa Safaris

Set within a private 12,500-acre game reserve in South Africa’s wild and beautiful Waterberg region, Ant Africa Safaris offers an exceptional combination of wildlife, wilderness and adventure, just three hours north of Johannesburg. The diverse reserve encompasses 12 distinct ecological zones, from open grassy plains to thick savannah bushveld, creating a remarkably rich habitat for wildlife.

One of Ant Africa’s greatest strengths is the variety of ways to explore the reserve. Game drives, guided walking and some of Africa’s finest horseback safaris allow you to experience the bush from very different perspectives. Riding alongside wildlife, including elephant, rhino and other plains game, offers an especially intimate and exhilarating safari experience.

The collection includes Ant’s Hill, Ant’s Nest and Bushwillow Camp, each owner-designed and built using local stone, thatch and natural materials that blend beautifully into the surrounding landscape.

Ant’s Hill sits dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Waterberg. Spacious rooms feature vast folding doors and elegant en-suite bathrooms, while private cottages offer sunken baths and waterfall showers, creating a peaceful retreat with spectacular bushveld views.

Ant’s Nest, the original homestead, lies within a natural amphitheatre and has a relaxed, classic African character. Wide verandahs overlook open plains where horses, rhino and other wildlife regularly graze remarkably close to the lodge. It is not unusual to find a white rhino just metres from the swimming pool.

Bushwillow Camp occupies 1,100 hectares of open bushveld and has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Its position overlooking an expansive plain provides wonderful views and a sense of space, while retaining the intimate character for which Ant Africa is known.

For a change of scenery, Ant’s River Lodge is located on the neighbouring Kaingo Private Game Reserve, around an hour from Ant Africa Safaris. Covering 16,400 hectares of bushveld savannah, valleys and dramatic mountain scenery, the reserve is shaped by the winding Mokolo River and supports more than 50 mammal species and over 250 bird species.

With its diverse habitats, exceptional horseback safaris and choice of intimate lodges, Ant Africa Safaris is particularly well suited to travellers looking for an active and immersive South African safari experience.