Comfort
There are three unique lodges in the reserve and you can choose to spend your time in one, or combine the two. A basic bush camp is also possible for private groups.
- Ant’s Nest is nestled in a natural amphitheatre. This is the original homestead, with a wide variety of game frequenting the waterhole in front of the lodge, where horses and dogs abound. There are wide verandahs, a heated swimming pool in the garden and plenty of areas for relaxing.
- Ant's Hill is built on the edge of a cliff, offering breathtaking views across the Waterberg. The draped four-poster beds are seven foot wide and each bathroom is spectacular. Set in boulders on the edge of the cliff, the heated swimming pool cascades over the lip of the gorge, inducing you to relax there for hours.
- Bushwillow consists of 1100 hectares of open spaces along with the camp itself. The camp includes 3 basic standard en-suite double/twin standalone rooms and one two bedroom,two bathroom unit. It sleeps a maximum of 10 guests and a minimum of 4 guests at a time. All rooms offer the same amenities along with air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities. All the rooms surround the main lodge and are within close proximity of each other. The main lodge offers a swimming pool, bar, lounging and dining area.
The rooms at each lodge are unique and priced individually. There are twin/double rooms situated above the main lodge with a private veranda overlooking the spectacular gorge; a spectacular two bedroom cottage with vast living and veranda areas as well as a plunge pool; privately appointed honeymoon cottages, one which has a private plunge pool. Please ask for information on which rooms are available for your desired period.
WiFi is available in the communal areas and in the rooms.
All rooms have hairdryers and safes, and a laundry service is included.
Meals
Meals are prepared locally using fresh ingredients. Vegetarians and special diets can be provided with advance notice. The food is excellent and always plentiful.
Most drinks are included, including alcohol, except for premium wines, champagnes etc. You can help yourself to soft drinks, water, juice etc throughout the day. Tap water is safe to drink but the staff can buy bottled water for you if you prefer.
There are three meals a day - breakfast, a light lunch, and a three course dinner in the evening. Guests usually eat together around one communal table but honeymoon couples can request private dining one night if they wish.
Climate
From November to December, the summer months become hotter and more humid with either continual rain or storms in the afternoon, on these days, you will head out to ride once the rains have stopped. At this time of year, mosquitoes and other insects are also more numerous and present in comparison to the winter months.
From January to March, the weather is usually drier and the days are very hot. Your morning rides finish earlier in order to avoid this heat. At this time of year, mosquitoes and other insects are also more present and numerous in comparison to the winter months.
In April, the vegetation starts to change, the green bush becomes brown and sparse throughout this period of autumn. The temperatures will drop during the night, however during the day it will still be hot with the possibility of storms in the afternoon.
In May and June, the winter months, the temperature lowers significantly at night and early in the morning. The vegetation becomes browner still and the tress lose their leaves. Due to the sparseness of the vegetation, visibility through the bush is improved.
From July to September, the weather is extremely dry with very cold nights. The temperature is also quite cool during your morning and end-of-afternoon excursions.
From October to November, the spring is at its peak dryness with hot winds and sparse vegetation. The first rains arrive at the end of October.
Tips
Tipping is not expected but if you wish to leave a tip then up-to-date guidelines are provided in your room.
Packing list
Head
- Hard hats are mandatory when riding and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. They can be provided by the lodge if necessary.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and thorns
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold, particularly during the winter months (May - September)
- Waterproof jacket - particularly during the summer months (October - April) when there can be rain or thunderstorms
- Casual clothes for the evening
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps to protect against thorns. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the lodge and camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Nightwear
Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for the pool or swimming your horse in the dam
- Binoculars for viewing game
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Torch for finding your way back to your room at night
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
Our Recommendations
- Wherever possible you should wear neutral colours, such as beige, brown or natural bush colours for riding as bright colours, such as red, yellow or white can startle the wildlife and they will see you long before you've seen them
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
