- SOUTH AFRICA | Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province
Fast Facts
Key highlights
- A private, malaria-free wilderness to explore
- Flexible, tailor-made experiences
- Romantic, relaxed and family-friendly lodges
- Incredible horseback safaris for all levels
- A safari with heart perfectly suited to non-riders too
Type
- Owner run safari lodges with conservation-first focus.
Rooms
- 6 suites at Ant’s Nest perfect also for exclusive use
- 5 luxury cottages at Ant’s Hill including 2 family rooms
- 5 Cottages at Bushwillow – ideal for experienced riders and singles
Location
- Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa
Getting there
- 3 hours by road from Johannesburg or private charter to the Waterberg
Child policy
- All ages welcome, ideal for families
Open
- All year round
Meet the Owners
Ant Baber was born and brought up in the Waterberg as a descendant of the earliest pioneers in the Limpopo region. Of Irish and English extract, his family were part of the 1820 Settlers who came looking for a new life in this spectacular landscape. Son of a well-respected cattle rancher, Ant’s dream from the age of 12 was to take the wild hills that make up the reserve back to how they were when his family first arrived here, teeming with a wide variety of game.
After more than 20 years following his ambition, herds of buffalo and giraffe, rhino and leopard, and rare indigenous antelope species such as roan and sable, now roam and thrive in the reserve. Having grown up on the back of a horse, it was natural for him to want to share the experience of seeing Africa over the ears of a horse, immersed seemingly as part of the bush and its wildlife, and not just as an observer. In the mid 1990s, Ant’s Nest was created from the renovation of the old pioneer ranch house on the reserve.
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Explore & Experience
At Ant Africa Safaris, every stay is tailored to help guests make the most of their time in the Waterberg. With a wide range of activities, it is ideal for couples, families, riders, non‑riders, and groups of friends. Explore on foot, by open 4×4, or from the saddle of one of their exceptional horses — including the chance to walk with white rhino. From mountain biking and wine tasting to poolside relaxation, the experience is as varied as it is personal.
Raised on horseback, Ant always dreamed of sharing the magic of Africa from the saddle, but his vision has always gone far beyond riding, to offer a sustainable safari that connects people to nature, supports local communities, and protects the land for the future.
What Makes It Special
We love working with Ant Africa Safaris. At the heart of it all is Ant himself — a passionate conservationist whose life’s work has been to rewild the land, reintroduce endangered species, and create a home: for family, guests, and wildlife alike. His dedication has turned this private reserve into a sanctuary, especially for white rhino, who now thrive here under his protection.
There’s a rare sense of belonging at Ant’s. Many of the team have been there since the beginning, and the atmosphere is warm, light-hearted, and deeply personal. Every day is flexible and joyful — and if you meet Ant, you’ll understand why his bear hugs are legendary.
Accommodation
The accommodation at Ant Africa Safaris includes three lodges, Ant’s Nest, Ant’s Hill, and Bushwillow Camp, all offering a slightly different experience but uniting in ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Each lodge features beautifully decorated rooms and suites, blending traditional African design with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy spacious verandas, private pools, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Ant’s Nest, the original homestead, is warm, relaxed, and ideal for families and groups. It offers open plan living with views over a watering hole and beautiful gardens.
Ant’s Hill, set high on a ridge, is more dramatic in setting, with jaw-dropping views and beautifully designed thatched cottages. Some rooms come with plunge pools and fireplaces, perfect for year-round stays.
Bushwillow Camp is a relaxed, private lodge, set on 1,100 hectares of open plains. The lodge includes private cottages with decks, a pool, lounge, and communal dining, and is ideal for experienced riding families, couples, or singles traveling together.
Your Stay makes a Difference
Ant Africa Safaris is rooted in a long-standing commitment to conservation, sustainability, and community upliftment. Ant’s dream, sparked at just 12 years old, was to return the wild hills of the Waterberg to their natural state — alive with the game his family once encountered. Today, after more than two decades of dedication, that vision is a thriving reality: buffalo, rhino, giraffe, leopard, and rare antelope like roan and sable now roam freely across the reserve.
This rewilding has gone hand-in-hand with a deep investment in conservation, particularly the protection of white rhino, not just on their land, but across the region. Ant Africa Safaris works closely with Waterberg Rhino UK and other conservation partners to support anti-poaching and long-term wildlife protection. All lodges run on solar power and water-efficient systems, while long-term local employment, in-house training, and support for neighbouring communities reflect their belief that a safari should benefit not just the guest, but the land and people too.
Image Gallery
Step into life at Honour Way clients through the lens, from wild landscapes and welcoming spaces to the experiences and little details that make each stay unforgettable.
