Ant’s Nest
Ant’s Nest is a unique bush home on a 12,000 hectare private game reserve in the malaria free Waterberg region some three to four hours drive north from Johannesburg. The classic and spacious bush home is owner designed and built using local stone and thatch that blend into the surroundings. The property can be booked on an exclusive and non-exclusive basis depending on the time of year. With a big emphasis on families, guests have ultimate flexibility to do their preferred activities while at Ant’s Nest. Children of all ages are wholeheartedly welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
There are six individually furnished en-suite bedrooms accommodating a maximum of 12 guests in the main house and two detached cottages either side of the main house. The main house has a comfortable lounge and a small library, and is surrounded by an open verandah. Additional junior beds can be added to the rooms. Upstairs in the main house the ‘Sable Suite’ has a master bedroom with a king-size four poster bed and a second room with a double or twin bed and an additional ¾ sized day bed in the lounge / dining area that can be converted to a child’s bed. This suite can accommodate a family of five. In the main house the ‘Weaver Suite’ has a king-size four poster bed and is a very large room. Two additional children’s beds can be added to this room sleeping a maximum of four people. Downstairs in the main house, the ‘The Davidson’ room is a double room and a twin room – both with en-suite bathrooms and adjacent to each other ideal for families with older children.Private dining is available. The detached cottage ‘Rondavel’ room has a double bed and a four poster single day bed suitable for an extra child sleeping a total of three people. The heated pool is surrounded by lawn and is large and very child friendly with a shallow beach area sloping into the deeper end. There is also a removable pool fence that can be put up or taken down depending on parents’ requirements.
Eating & Sleeping
Meals can be prepared according to the parents’ wishes. Typically the children’s meals are dishes such as macaroni cheese, pizza, burgers etc. High chairs are available for younger children. A complimentary babysitting/listening service is available for children of all ages and done by a housekeeper. There are also competent and friendly staff that will feed and bath babies. Please discuss your needs with the lodge managers on arrival in order for them to know what your expectations are.
Wildlife & Activities
The area has many different kinds of antelope as well as zebra and sable and buffalo breeding programmes (in a separate area). Activities include guided walks, horseback game viewing and game drives. Bush breakfasts, suppers around open fires or lunches under shady trees are all part of the Ant’s Nest experience.
Specifically for children …
• Horseriding – horses are available for all riding abilities. The lodge’s herd consists of almost 70 horses and relatively competent kids can ride on their own, whilst very small (under four years) and beginner riders can be led by one of the guides. There are helmets available in a a variety of helmet sizes however it is recommended that guests bring their own well fitted hats.
• Swimming with the horses.
• Bug and spoor walks / learn to become a ranger.
• Fishing.
• Snake and reptile talks / handling.
• Mountain biking available for kids ages 12 and older.
• Archery.
• Rhino tracking.
• Badminton, volleyball, trampoline.
