The Ant’s Nest is a classic homestead surrounded by wonderful mountain vistas, wide verandas and a traditional African atmosphere. A blissful accommodation run by Ant and Tessa Barber, who have a passion for horses, hospitality and conservation, the lodge focuses on horse-riding safaris on a private reserve complemented by a family of 85 handpicked and dedicated staff.
Location
The Nest sits in a natural amphitheatre in front of a busy waterhole frequented by local game. With open plains on all sides and views into the valley, the lodge’s activities take place on Tess and Ant’s 12,500-acre private game reserve where diverse terrain and scenery make for a perfect game-rich landscape. The Waterberg area is an internationally recognised natural heritage site, home to mountain gorges, crystalline streams, rolling hills and the beautiful Marakele National Park.
Rooms
There are six rooms at the lodge decorated in rich terracotta and dark wood. The Weaver Suite is the largest room at the lodge with a four-poster bed as well as a large four-poster day bed and expansive valley views from the veranda. Families can book the Sable Suite, a spacious two-bedroom space with four-poster beds, large bathrooms and a lounge with sofas and a fireplace. There’s also a dining area and incredible elevated views of the surrounding bush.
Communal Areas
Guests can enjoy breakfast on the deck, lunch in the bush and dinner around the fire or in a shaded spot in the gardens.The extensive gardens house a number of indigenous plants, a heated swimming pool and a thatched shaded lounge with sofa beds.
Activities
Horse-riding is the main activity at camp and excursions are tailored around guests wishes, even those who are completely inexperienced. The unique rides are accompanied by two guides and take place within the lodge’s private game reserve. For non-horse riders, there’s plenty more to do on the reserve from guided walking safaris over the plains and game drives to mountain biking and cultural excursions in and around Waterberg. Guests can also attend reptile talks and night sky safaris equipped with telescopes and knowledgeable astronomers.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the Waterberg can be said to have a subtropical highland climate, characterised by hot summer days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
