Ant's Bushwillow Safari - South Africa

Ant's Bushwillow Safari

5 star rating   12 February 2025

Anne who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Magical Horseriding Safari - Up close and personal with wildlife | I stayed 8 nights at Bushwillow part of the Ant's Lodges group. The horses are impeccably well cared for and not skittish but forward going. The Guides are brilliant at matching the horse to the rider and their ability. They make every ride interesting and share their incredible knowledge of the wildlife, flora and fauna whilst having plenty of fun riding (depending on the group those experienced will be catered for and may go on separate routes). Small numbers so I didn't feel left out as a solo traveller.

We rode out to different areas twice a day (optional) and had Sundowners at beautiful spots - this is the best bit of the day when you untack your horse and release them into the wild to live with the other animals, whilst you watch the sunset with drinks/snacks in comfy chairs. The horses come back for breakfast in the morning 🙂

We got to ride up to Ant's Hill and Ant's Nest so it was great to see the other Lodges too.
As an experienced rider I was well catered for and enjoyed every single moment and didn't want to leave.


The Riding

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

How would you rate your room(s) for comfort and facilities?
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How would you rate the standard of the food?
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Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

The food is absolutely brilliant - Chef Viola and Chef Caroline never cooked the same meal twice and it was all superb (clean plates every time).

You have a choice of breakfast, the Continental is amazing with fresh fruit, 2 choices of yogurt, cereals and plates with meats, cheeses, croissants etc. You can also enjoy the special of the day ranging from Eggs Benedict, Pancake stack with fruit, French Toast with banana & honey, etc.

Lunch was equally gorgeous and plenty of it ... changing every day.

Afternoon tea at 4pm with something tasty ... cake/rock cake etc.

Evening meal at 7:30pm - 3 course meal which was out of this world.

It's not a slimming holiday because I can't resist temptation. They cater for each person and take into account any food intolerances/allergies.


Before Your Holiday

Did you have all of the information you needed to:

Plan and prepare for your holiday?
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Feel comfortable about your transfers and what to expect?
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How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

This is my second holiday with In the Saddle and as usual I interrogated Lois about every aspect of the holiday. Their pre-holiday information is par to none and I can't see me ever going with any other company. A friend of mine booked the same holiday but didn't get anything near the level of service or information and has booked her next adventure with ITS.


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

Like Mary Poppins, you are practically perfect in every way 😉


Do you have any other feedback for us?

I've already recommended this holiday to my riding friends and they are very excited about the prospect. I would go back in a heartbeat as it was truly magical. I felt privileged to be able to get so close to the wildlife and doing it on horseback just makes it even more special.