Ants Nest & Hill , South Africa

  Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for Ant's Nest / Hill

Itineraries for a stay at Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill are individually tailored to suit and you are free to choose which of the available activities you do and when. When you arrive your hosts will explain what there is to do and you can discuss with them your choice of activities for each day. The following is an example itinerary for a week's stay:

Day 1: On arrival into Johannesburg you will be met and transferred to Ant's Nest/ Hill. You will have lunch and settle in before meeting the horses and heading out on an evening activity for a first view of the area. You will return to the lodge after sundowners for dinner.

Day 2: A wake up call and leisurely breakfast when you wish, or an early call when the light is best for game viewing and an early morning activity to explore the reserve either riding, on a game drive or a guided walk. You will stop for a delicious bush breakfast/lunch, then ride back to the lodge by a different route.  After a siesta by the plunge pool and afternoon tea, there is opportunity for a late afternoon ride or an evening game drive with spot light. Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Day 3 - 6: Three full days at Ant's Nest/Hill, with your choice of morning and afternoon activities. Lunches will either be in the bush or back at the lodge. You might also decide to take a tour of the main farm to see how a typical farm in Africa runs or to visit the local village. Other additional activities are also on offer off the property

Day 7: After a leisurely breakfast and lunch you will be transferred to Johannesburg for your onward journey.

Notes:

Booking forms and further information are available from Wild and Exotic Ltd, telephone 01439 748401 or email info@wildandexotic.co.uk

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which was enclosed with your booking form.

   Wild and Exotic fact sheet for Ants Hill & Nest

Climate: Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill are located in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo province in the northern part of South Africa. This beautiful area is malaria-free and at an altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level offers a wonderful temperate climate and can be visited all year round.

Summer (November to March) - the days can get quite warm (up to 28-32 degrees on average) but it is a dry heat. We do get summer rainfall, normally in the form of thunder storms. These rarely affect activities and are usually in the evening, however, the African climate is still always unpredictable.
Autumn (April to May) - days can still be warm but the evenings cool down. Average day time temperature 22-28 degrees. Evenings 10-15 degrees.
Winter (June to August) - days are warm (temperatures in the mid-twenties) evenings and early mornings very cold with average early morning temperatures 5-12 degrees. It very rarely rains at this time when the bush is golden and dry.
Spring (September, October) - days start getting hotter, evenings and mornings could still be crisp but not as cold. A very slim chance of rain. On occasion we can get very hot days.

Electricity: We have large round-pin plugs with AC 220V voltage at all lodges. Plugs vary from country to country, so do travel with a set of adapters to ensure your ability to charge and use your appliances on safari.

Game drives: Our guides will be available to take you out in an open 4x4 Land Cruiser either for morning or afternoon game drives or using a spotlight at night to find elusive nocturnal animals, such as the rare brown hyena, aardvark bush baby and porcupine. The advantage of a game drive is that you are able to cover more ground across the reserves. Game drives and walks can often be combined to make game viewing and photography more exciting.

Game List: We usually find: white rhino, zebra, giraffe, warthog, blue wildebeest, sable antelope, nyala, waterbuck, impala, red hartebeest, blesbok, kudu, the rare Livingstone eland, oryx, mountain reedbuck, bushbuck and nyala, steenbok, mongoose, springhare, chacma baboon, vervet monkey, duiker, black backed jackal, scrub hare, lesser bush baby, tree squirrel, rock hyraxes. 
We sometimes spot nocturnal species such as: leopard, carcal, aardvark, brown hyena, porcupine, bush pig, bat eared fox, stripped polecat, honey badger, serval cat, African civet, genets, wild cat and klipspringer. Please contact us for an up to date bird list.

Getting there: We can arrange private road transfers or air charters between destinations but let us know if you would rather hire your own car. See directions at bottom of page, for any other directions not listed please contact us.

Gratuities: Tipping is not required at any of the lodges, but if you feel the service was deserving of a tip, a general guideline is R 100 per visitor per day (the management distributes this amongst all the staff).

Guided walks: For those who prefer walking, our guides will lead you through the bushveld on foot. These walks are informative and interactive, enabling you to gain knowledge of African flora and fauna. One can often miss the smaller details of our beautiful environment when on a vehicle or horseback, so guided walks are highly recommended. Whilst these can be in the form of a gentle stroll, the more energetic can hike over the plains and up impressive gorges. Whilst identifying insects and birds and learning about the medicinal uses of various plants you can also learn how to track game. Specialised bug hunts are available for children at both bush homes.

Location: The reserves are situated on an escarpment looking out over the Waterberg Plateau in the Limpopo Province, 3 hours north of OR Tambo International Airport (formally known as Johannesburg International Airport) We are 3.5 hours east of Madikwe and 5 hours west of the Kruger National Park.

Luggage: Please make sure to lock all of your bags when travelling and to obtain travel insurance prior to departure. It is recommended that you travel with a set of clothes and essential items in your carry-on bags in case of luggage being lost.
Should you book a private charter flight please be aware that the luggage restrictions are normally between 12-20kg and should be packed in soft bags.

Meals: We are able to cater for all dietary requirements, but would require you to advise us in advance if you have allergies or special needs. We are happy to prepare special children meals.

Medical: The whole area is malaria-free and since we have excellent local doctors with one of the countries' leading paediatricians living nearby, the Waterberg is one of the safest places to visit in Africa. You will only need to ensure your tetanus injections are up to date. Tick bite fever can be contracted from pepper ticks in the summer months. This is easily treated ~ please consult us for symptoms. It is essential that anyone visiting Ants Hill & Nest has full travel and medical insurance. Up-to-date Tetanus and Hepatitis injections are required for some countries, but recommended for all.

Both Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill have a number of staff trained as First Responders, however it is vital to have full travel and medical insurance for emergencies.  Some hospitals and air rescue may require up-front payment. Guests will be required to sign an indemnity before going out on any of the activities.

Money: We accept all major currencies (USD, GBP, and Euro). If using U$D, please make sure to bring new notes as most countries do not accept old notes (with smaller heads). We accept credit cards, but only Visa and Mastercard, and please note that there is an additional 5% charge should you wish to pay with your card.

Other activities:

Mountain biking: The incredibly diverse terrain offers extreme technical cycling as well as gentle meanders
Clay pigeon shooting: For those wanting a bit more action you may wish to try out target or clay pigeon shooting.
Massages: Lounge by the pool or enjoy a massage.
Library and shop: We have a selection of books available and a curio shop stocked with original, handmade crafts.
We are very happy to take you through the Waterberg to see other interesting sites, including:

• A local ‘Big Five' game reserve, so you can try to find the lion and elephant we would rather not ride or walk with.
• Elephant Safari: you can take the opportunity of interacting with a number of trained African Elephants, which is the most enjoyable and educational experience. This is followed by a ride through the bush on elephant-back with an experienced elephant handler.
• A tour of Bushman paintings and Iron Age villages.
• A Farm Tour, where Ant's father, Charles Baber will give you the historical background to the area, taking you around his cattle stud and farm where geraniums are grown for producing essential oils. You are welcome to use the tennis court and pool in the beautiful gardens of Charles' house.
• On Sundays we go to a historic thatched church where you can meet local people and see the 1914 building designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Children can attend a colourful Sunday school where the Sotho children sing choruses in rousing harmony.
• We are happy to take you shopping in the local town where you will find a wide variety of African arts and crafts.

Recommended stay: 4-7 nights (this could be at one of or a combination of both lodges.)

Riding: Both Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill offer the opportunity for some of the greatest game viewing in the African bush - from horseback. You can canter along open sandy tracks or traverse high ridges with spectacular vistas. The pace can be as fast or relaxed as the riders would like. Often we can get so close to the game that the experience remains unforgettable.

We have fit, reliable and responsive horses, providing a choice for both the professional rider and the absolute beginner. (You do not need to have ridden before). The herd of 60 horses is made up of big thoroughbreds and Arab-boerperd crosses and includes some fabulous children's ponies. Each ride is led by two competent guides and the emphasis is on safety at all times. The enthusiastic rider may wish to ride twice daily and turn their stay into a luxury riding safari. Families or couples, where some ride and others don't, can enjoy separate activities. As we always have two guides on each ride novices can go out with their more competent partners without slowing the ride. Basic lessons for non-riders are available at both reserves; many guests learn to ride and gain confidence here.

Tack and equipment: We use comfortable Maclelan saddles made locally for long hours in the saddle. These are based on the famous US cavalry saddle designed for the comfort of both horse and rider alike. We do also have a few English saddles available. We recommend that all our guests wear riding helmets. Children under the age of 18 will not be able to ride with us unless they are wearing a riding hat so we stock a selection of sizes. We do, however, recommend that you bring your own well-fitted helmet if you plan to spend many an hour in the saddle. Wide brim hat covers are advisable. Your travel insurance company may well make the wearing of riding helmets compulsory. Our weight limit is 120 kg (19 stone).

Visa Requirements: A valid passport at least six blank pages and with expiry date at least 6 months after date of return from South Africa is required. If a father (or mother) is travelling with his (or her) children alone, then a letter of consent, certified by their local police, and signed by the other parent, must be carried with the travelling parent. A visa is not required for UK Citizens travelling to South Africa and residing no longer than six months.

Water: The water is safe to drink at both lodges, but if you would prefer bottled water please the staff will be happy to accommodate your wishes. Please make sure to inform the lodge staff of any dietary requirements or allergies prior to travel.

What to bring: Sunglasses, sun cream, hat, swimming costume, neutral bush coloured clothing: shorts, trousers, shirts, riding helmets and leather chaps with comfortable old riding clothes (helmets are also available at the lodge) walking shoes or trainers. We recommend a warm fleece/jacket throughout the year. Warmer clothing is recommended for our winter months (see climate below). Binoculars, camera with plenty of spare film and batteries or disc and charger. Personal medications. Light rain jacket (if travelling in the rainy season).