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.]


The Riding

How well were you matched with the right horse for your ability?
5 star rating
How would you rate the variety of riding, pace or terrain?
5 star rating
How would you rate the overall standard of the horses, tack and stables?
5 star rating

The Accommodation

How would you rate your room(s) for comfort and facilities?
5 star rating
How would you rate the standard of the food?
5 star rating

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

We were more than impressed with the food which was served to us which seemed to be around the clock. The quality was top-notch, freshly prepared and presented in a 'fine dining' atmosphere. This even included the two bush lunches we were served. We were presented with 'native game' (wildebeest, kudu, ostrich, local prawns and fish) something we had never experienced and found it DELICIOUS!


Before Your Holiday

Did you have all of the information you needed to:

Plan and prepare for your holiday?
5 star rating
Feel comfortable about your transfers and what to expect?
5 star rating

How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

I was very satisfied with the pre-holiday information and ALL the help we received via email. The time difference between us was the only unavoidable but understandable glitch. We found it was easier to pay by credit card so not to have a lot of Rand.


How could we improve the way we handled your booking and payment?

If I did this trip again, I would have pre-paid the transfers to / from the airport and The Big Five.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: It is absolutely an option to pre-pay for private transfers on this holiday but all excursions are booked and paid for locally.]


Do you have any other feedback for us?

At 72, I hope I can come again. As we left the Lodge, it was almost like an orchestrated fare-well with EVERY animal (rhino, zebra, wildebeest, impale, kudu, giraffe, buffalo, blesbok, warthog) making an appearance along the track.