Do

Mingle with exotic animals on horsebackSouth Africa

There’s definitely an advantage to appearing as though you’re an animal while trying to get up close to another. At the Ant Collection, the horses used for riding safaris graze and wander the bush with the wildlife you’re hoping to see – including rhinos, giraffes and zebras – so none of them feel threatened by the presence of ponies.

Ant’s has about 90 horses (most of them thoroughbreds or Arab-Boerperd crosses), so there’s one to suit any level of rider, including those who’ve never saddled up before. Two guides accompany each safari through the private game reserve: one to canter along ridges and sandy tracks with the experienced equestrians, the other to hang back with the novices.

When you’ve had enough time atop your mount, head back to Ant’s Hill lodge, built on the edge of a cliff, with a pool and deck overlooking Waterberg National Park. Meals, including high tea before the afternoon ride, are a highlight, and each of the rooms and cottages is decked out with African fabrics, daybeds and touches of luxury. After dark you can enjoy a wine tasting, head out on a night drive or learn about the stars.


A four-night stay at the Ant Collection starts from about US$1,550 a person, twin share, and includes meals, riding, walking and 4WD safaris, mountain biking, and transfers from Johannesburg Airport.

You know how to relax at the lodge, but do you know how to ride a horse?

Bench Africa
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Tags: action, animal encounter, horse riding, safari, south africa

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