Reviews
97 reviews    1 2 3 4
Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   26 October 2024

Debbie who has been on 7 In The Saddle rides. Ants Nest, South Africa - Perfect | The riding was fantastic . Many people who visit here are very competent riders and ride/compete/hunt daily, however I am an older rider who rides once a week and the riding pace was built up gradually to deal with some anxiety at the start of the week and horses were given to me which matched my confidence levels very well. I rode my most favourite horse many times in the week which was wonderful.

[Abbie from ITS replies: It was a pleasure to arrange your holiday. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your return visit to Ant's Lodges].


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Lodge Stay

4 star rating   23 October 2024

Kate who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Good | I was suprised at the amount of cantering - especially given how hard the ground was. The horses all seemed quite happy with it though.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   15 October 2024

Keith (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Safari on horseback | It met my expectations and more all the guides and training was perfect


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Lodge Stay

5 star rating   10 October 2024

Liz who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Everything you dream of | Guides were passionate and knowledgeable. Horses were a pleasure to ride.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Hill

5 star rating   5 October 2024

Suzanne who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Ants Hill | They were so accommodating in all ways. Loved the great care of each horse. Loved that after each ride we untacked the horse and set them free. They would roam the reserve, then make their way back to the stable for meals. They all get chiropractics, Physio, Regular Farrier visits, the Vet lives on the game reserve. Many of their horses are in their 20s, and in incredible shape.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   10 September 2024

Karen (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing | The riding was amazing as we managed to get so close to Rhinos and giraffes. The horses took it all in their stride just another day at the office for them.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   10 September 2024

Anne (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Horse riding Safari | The horses were so well schooled had some fabulous fast canters and felt totally safe whilst on board the horses. Riding through the African bush was an amazing experience - I would highly recommend.
[Olwen from In The Saddle replies - we are so glad you enjoyed your holiday at the lovely Ant's Nest]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   23 August 2024

Adam (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing Safari Adventure | The riding safari exceeded our expectations. The guides and staff were very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. We would love to go back.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyd your holiday at Ant's Lodges.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Lodge Stay

5 star rating   17 August 2024

Elizabeth (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience | Very sure footed horses. I was surprised just how fit they are. We had plenty of very long canters and they were immediately ready for more.
All 4 horses I rode were sensible but enthusiastic. The horses and tack were all in good condition.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your lovely feedback, we are so pleased you enjoyed your holiday to Ant's.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Lodge Stay

5 star rating   17 August 2024

Caroline (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) An incredible adventure | This riding experience was amazing. The horses were well suited to your capabilities - from absolute beginners to experienced. There was a great choice of well looked after horses of different breeds -all so adorable, well behaved and so keen. The grooms did their best to allocate you your choice of horse with a different one each ride or sticking to the same one you fell in love with!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: It's wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your holiday to Ant's, it really is a wonderful destination.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Lodge Stay

5 star rating   25 July 2024

Daniela (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The perfect horse safari | Very good eye to match the perfect horse. Which live their best life in the reserve.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday to Ant's]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   22 July 2024

Evangeline who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Beautiful lodge, fabulous riding and friendly staff | Riding is fun, varied and whatever you want it to be. All the guides are passionate, friendly and keen to share their knowledge, and there is the perfect mix of game viewing and fast canters.

The horses at Ant’s Nest are well-schooled, responsive and a joy to ride. The staff are excellent at finding the right horse for you, from steady ponies to speedy thoroughbreds, and horse welfare is second to none.

Once I found a horse (Zanzi) which was perfect for me, the staff allocated him to me where possible or gave me similar rides when he needed a rest.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you for your wonderful feedback, this is great to hear.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Hill

5 star rating   29 June 2024

Isabella (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience - great time exploring with outstanding food! | The horses were exceptionally well behaved


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   27 June 2024

Mary who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Fabulous Holiday!!! | This was my 4th inthesaddle vacation, and it far exceeded my highest hopes!! The staff was so kind, patient, attentive; the guests were from all over the world; the guides were extremely knowledgeable and fascinating; the horses were very responsive and very happy; the food was exquisite. The tap water is totally drinkable! And to be so close to the magical animals was... indescribable. Spiritual. Unforgettable. I felt extremely well-cared for (loved my room and terrace) and also while riding. I can get anxious, and I felt very safe and secure with the expertise of the guides and the calm horses.

Also all the staff worked seamlessly together and looked very happy. There was a feeling that everyone took care of one another, and there was a lot of laughter, and gratitude.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   27 June 2024

Ellen (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) My week exceeded my wildest dreams! | I was perfectly matched with Alex who I rode the entire week. Alex was steady, had a lovely gait, sensible and sweet. My husband, a beginner, rode Chicks who took wonderful care of him and made this experience one he thoroughly enjoyed. Our small group was divided by ability (at times) with their own guide/staff so that my husband learned to trot and the other husband canter by the end of the week!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: I'm so pleased to hear how much you enjoyed your holiday and it's wonderful that you were matched so well with your horse.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Game census

5 star rating   9 June 2024

Bob who has been on 12 In The Saddle rides. Just wow! | The horses at Ants are all amazing! I have ridden a few of them now and they are a mixed bag of breeds but all safe and sound.
I had Mapula every day and although a bit smaller than I like, she was an absolute star even when the helicopter landed next to us!
The care by Amanda and the team is second to none.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Game census

5 star rating   9 June 2024

Karen who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Holiday that just keeps giving! | My horse was absolutely super fun, keen but not strong and very sure footed.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback, it's wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your return to Ant's.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Game census

5 star rating   9 June 2024

Jane who has been on 15 In The Saddle rides. Ants South Africa : Census ride 2024 | The riding was very exciting . We had plenty of time in the first couple of days to get to know our horses and to ensure we were well matched. I rode the same horse as last year so I knew she would be reliable and sure footed when things speeded up when the helicopter came in.
The riding can be challenging - one day we cantered for 26 minutes solidly through the bush and along tracks chasing a darted zebra but there are guides in front and back up riders behind you so you always feel looked after.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Game census

5 star rating   9 June 2024

Kate who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Excellent


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Hill

5 star rating   31 May 2024

Nigel who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic | Long , fast canters


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   17 May 2024

Suzanne (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Horse Riding Safari | There is a wide variety of horses available for all standards of riding.
For the first 2 days the lodge was at full capacity and the available horses was limited
They did try and match me with a more suitable horse at this time
The horse guides are both excellent and the guide hands were very amenable and competent as well as helpful


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Hill

5 star rating   23 April 2024

Lorna who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Fabulous, amazing experience | This certainly met our expectations, being our second visit to Ants Safaris, we stayed at the Hill, and were just as happy following our visit to Ants Nest 6 years ago. I am an experienced rider, my husband not, but the horses were matched to our abilities, splitting off for some fabulous fun fast riding, then meeting up with the less experienced riders so everyone was happy. The guide are all excellent, knowledgeable, friendly and professional and did everything they could to ensure we enjoyed the riding, allowing time to take photos too.
Sundowns were fantastic visiting different locations each day.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you so much for your lovely feedback and it's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your return to Ant's Lodges.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   16 April 2024

Claus (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Overall good service and friendliness. Great flexibility in relation to wishes.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: We are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   18 March 2024

Catherine who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Another fabulous holiday at Ant’s Nest. | Excellent


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Hill

5 star rating   29 February 2024

Liz who has been on 22 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic! | Great range of horses, I rode 5 during the holiday. They offer horses to suit every level from complete beginner right up to livelier horses for charging about on. You can bring along non-riding friends and they can have a go too! A novice rider was being taught to canter while she was staying there, which she was loving. The riding varies slightly according to which lodge you pick (we stayed at both). As a nervous rider I felt super-safe, and the horses aren't at all fazed by the wildlife. They're very sure-footed on the steeper tracks.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   12 February 2024

Bob who has been on 12 In The Saddle rides. Never fails to amaze! | I was initially in a mixed abilities group but was taken off for some lovely canters.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   12 February 2024

Hetty who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. A holiday of a lifetime! | Beyond our expectations! My husband only had about 6 lessons before coming. They matched him with appropriate horses and gave him huge amounts of confidence. He was able to keep up with the advanced group and absolutely loved it. We both loved the riding and loved the way that the horses roam free in the reserve.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback and we are so pleased that you had such a wonderful time.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   5 February 2024

Sara who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. Wonderful holiday | Lovely, fit well trained horses who know and really enjoy their job.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   16 January 2024

Simone who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Everything we hoped it would be and more! | Myself and my two sons were complete beginners to horse riding. The staff at Ant's nest took very good care of us. They ensured that at all times we felt comfortable and safe on the horses that had been chosen for us. Day by day they built our confidence and our skill level. They gave us plenty of encouragement.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Hill

5 star rating   7 January 2024

Paula who has been on 7 In The Saddle rides. 2nd visit and amazing again! | All the horses I have ridden have been matched to my ability, forward going and well schooled. Even in a mixed ability ride they try to cater for everyone e.g. splitting for fast canters.


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   29 November 2023

Lucy who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Wonderful | Rides cater to the whole group so you are rather dependent on people in your group - which, on occasion, can be a little frustrating.
[Olwen from In The Saddle replies - we do urge you always to have a quiet word with the lodge manager or horse manager if you aren't happy with the pace of the ride- because it is normally possible for something to be done.]


Ant's Lodges - South Africa

Ant's Nest

5 star rating   21 November 2023

Karen who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Ant Africa safari | Excellent


97 reviews    1 2 3 4