Ant Africa Safari - South Africa
Ant Africa Safari Lodge brings you up close to South Africa’s incredible wildlife while ensuring comfort, style, and family-friendly amenities. Set within a private game reserve, this exclusive lodge is all about intimate safari experiences, warm hospitality, and a relaxed, home-from-home atmosphere. Whether you’re watching rhinos roam from your veranda, riding horses alongside giraffes, or enjoying a sunset boma dinner, every moment here feels special.
📍Waterberg, South Africa
★★★★★ | ££££
Ant Africa Safari Lodge
Star Rating: 5-star
Reviews: Excellent (Average 4.8/5)
Rates:
Per Adult: From £350 per night.
Per Child (11 and younger): From £180 per night.
Rates include accommodation, all meals (including lunch on arrival or departure), local drinks (soft drinks, spirits, beers, and house wines), and a variety of activities such as horse riding, game drives, guided walks, mountain biking, and fishing.
Please note that rates may vary depending on the specific room type and season.
Best time to visit: May to September for prime wildlife viewing, but year-round for a mix of adventure and relaxation
Family-Friendly Highlights
Horseback safaris – safe for beginners and children
Guided game drives – suitable for all ages, with private vehicle options
Junior Ranger Program – fun and educational wildlife activities
Swimming pool – perfect for cooling off after a safari
Babysitting available – on request (extra charge)
Family-sized rooms & cottages – with flexible sleeping arrangements
Complimentary cots and highchairs – provided free of charge
Close encounters with wildlife – giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and more!
Cultural experiences nearby – local village tours and traditional storytelling
Childcare
There’s no formal kids’ club, but little ones are warmly welcomed. The lodge offers tailored activities for children, including nature walks, animal tracking, and pony rides. Babysitting is available upon request for an additional charge, giving parents a chance to unwind.
Parent Perks
Horseback riding safaris – an unforgettable way to explore the bush
Relaxing spa treatments – massages with a view
Boma dinners under the stars – delicious meals in a magical setting
Sunset sundowners – G&Ts with a panoramic wildlife backdrop
Plunge pools & sundecks – to soak up the African sun
The Details
Ant Africa Safari Lodge is a boutique-style retreat in the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere, a malaria-free reserve known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Unlike traditional safari lodges, the emphasis here is on flexibility—there’s no rigid schedule, allowing families to tailor their experience.
Accommodation ranges from luxury suites to private family cottages, each with elegant African-inspired decor, en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor spaces perfect for wildlife spotting. Some rooms come with private plunge pools, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
The on-site activities cater to all ages and abilities. Horseback safaris are a standout feature, with gentle, well-trained horses available for both experienced riders and beginners, including children. Game drives and guided bush walks offer up-close encounters with rhinos, buffalo, antelope, and even cheetahs.
For families looking to add a cultural element, the lodge can arrange visits to local communities where you can meet artisans, learn about conservation efforts, or experience traditional South African music and dance.
Best Bits
Horseback safaris – safe for kids and an amazing way to see wildlife
Family-friendly guided game drives – flexible and private options available
Swimming pool – great for post-safari relaxation
Tailored children’s activities – from animal tracking to storytelling
Gourmet dining – locally inspired cuisine with kid-friendly options
Breathtaking views & luxury lodgings – safari chic with home comforts
Malaria-free zone – safer for families with young children
Cultural excursions – experience authentic South African traditions
Getting There from the UK
Nearest airport: Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Flights: Direct from London (approx. 11 hours)
Transfer time: 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg OR private charter flights to a nearby airstrip
Self-drive option: Good road conditions, ideal for a scenic road trip
Ant Africa Safari Lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience where adventure meets comfort. Whether it’s your first time on safari or a return trip, this is a place where families can truly connect—with nature, with wildlife, and with each other.