In The Saddle Worldwide Riding Holidays – South Africa Ants Lodges – Family Holidays with a Twist

In The Saddle Riding Holidays specialise in horse riding holidays all over the world. From ranches in the Rocky Mountain states of Montana and Wyoming, beach and mountain rides in Europe, horseback safaris in Africa and riding expeditions to remote and unexplored parts of the world. In The Saddle can find a holiday to suit just about anyone, whatever their riding experience.

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Tailormade riding to suit all abilities and ages amongst South Africa’s plains game on responsive and well mannered horses. Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill are ideal for everyone with the length and pace of rides tailored to suit ability and experience. Top Tip: Combine a few days at each lodge to enjoy the best of the riding and game viewing available. The two beautifully decorated and luxurious lodges are based on their own private game reserves, offering a very personal experience. All levels of riders are catered for on excellent well-schooled horses – Non riders are very welcome!

horse riding safari in south africa

Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill are run by the Babers, whose family have lived in the Waterberg since 1865.  They have perfected the art of the luxurious and very personal safari. Activities can be tailored to suit each person in the group, making this an ideal holiday for riders and non riders alike, and both lodges offer you the chance of a fabulous riding safari.

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Each lodge has a number of excellent well-schooled horses from Thoroughbreds and Arabs to Boerperd crosses. All riding abilities can be catered for with horses for experienced riders as well as steady ponies for children. Even those who have booked as non-riders may be encouraged to ride at least once during their stay since one of the best ways to get close to game is on horseback. You will be amazed at how close you can be to the animals. For those who prefer to walk, the guides will take you on guided bush walks. Vehicle game drives and cycling safaris are also available.

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Each reserve has an incredible variety of game from rhino, buffalo, nyala, waterbuck, giraffe, eland, sable, oryx, wildebeest, red hartebeest, kudu, impala, zebra, blesbuck, warthog, bushpig and brown hyena as well as all the smaller animals such as African wild cat, mongoose and more than 250 species of birds. There are no elephant or lion so all levels of riders can be safely taken out on horseback. The guides can also take you to other places of interest in the Waterberg such as to see bushman paintings, archaeological sites or an elephant-back safari. For those who are a little saddle sore or in need of real relaxation, you can enjoy a massage. All these extra activities are at an additional cost.

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At both lodges, great pride is taken in the delicious cuisine on offer. Enjoy bush breakfasts, starlit dinners around open fires or impromptu lunches beneath a shady tree. Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill not only offer a fabulous game viewing experience and a wide variety of activities, they are superb places to just relax and watch the sun go down for those needing a well-deserved break.

 

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The lodge is nestled in landscaped gardens, with an expansive saline pool that blends naturally into the surroundings. There is a thatched covered chill out spot furnished with large sofa beds for those in need of a siesta or respite from the African sun.

riding holiday south africa

The lodges are pen all year, and you may Arrive and depart any day and stay for as long as you wish (they recommend a stay of at least seven nights). Each lodge can be booked at an adult and child rate on a non exclusive basis or alternatively booked exclusively for a private group. Prices based on a 7-night stay in a standard room during the summer holidays start are £1514 per adult, £996 per child.

Author: Laura

A 70's child, I’ve been married for a Very Long Time, and appear to have made four children, and collected one large and useless dog along the way. I work, I have four children, I have a dog… ergo, I do not do dusting or ironing. I began LittleStuff back in (gulp) 2004. I like huge mugs of tea. And Coffee. And Cake. And a steaming cone of crispy fresh fluffy chips, smothered in salt and vinegar. #healthyeater When I grow up I am going to be quietly graceful, organised and wear lipstick every day. In the meantime I *may* have a slight butterfly-brain issue.

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