The movie Out of Africa, with its haunting music score, has been enjoyed by many and watched time and time again. I grew up on a farm in Africa so it has always been extremely evocative for me.
I recently stayed at Ant’s Hill & Ant’s Nest in the Waterberg, South Africa and I was instantly transported back into that movie and to memories of my idyllic childhood.
The bush home ambience, the wide open spaces, the incredible views, the night sounds and the sheer exhilaration of being on a horse in the bush shared only with the wildlife.
The lovely surprise is that this horseback experience can be enjoyed at all levels – from the very youngest family members, through all abilities (or lack of!) to the experts who want the thrill of cantering across wide open spaces. With around 90 free roaming horses and 90 members of the Ant’s ‘family’ to look after guests it makes for a very memorable & personalised experience.
The two ‘bush homes’ at Ant’s are somewhere pretty special, somewhat remote from the normal routine of safari lodges ….. genuinely out of Africa. Relaxed with a true home away from home atmosphere there is accommodation to suit all – honeymooners, families (no malaria), multi-generational family groups, singletons, couples and anyone else. The rooms and cottages (with names which reflect the space – Eagle’s Nest, Hideaway, Lookout, World’s View …..) give privacy and a real sense of place.
A stay at one of the bush homes makes an ideal start to an African safari adventure – only a 3 hour drive from Johannesburg - no rush to get up in the mornings (a real bonus after all the manic preparations to get away) - wonderful spaces for indoor and outdoor living - the tranquillity of superb dining under an African starry sky listening to the sounds of the bush - riding amongst the giraffe, wildebeest, antelope of many kinds, buffalo and rhino and all the beautiful birds.
After 3 nights it is then time to drag oneself away from this idyllic family home and stay at a Big5 safari lodge to encounter the big cats, elephant and other game from a safari vehicle or even on foot. No more lazy mornings but up to experience the stunning African dawn!
Ant’s is a true Out of Africa experience and one guests never forget.
(Twins well with Garonga Safari Camp, Kambaku River Sands/Kambaku Safari Lodge or even over the border into Botswana to Mashatu Game Reserve.)
