Ant's Big Five Safari - South Africa

Ant's Big Five Safari

5 star rating   21 March 2026

Bob who has been on 14 In The Saddle rides. Like Ants but better (if that's possible)! | Riding out with Ant most days was great. Although he was very ably backed up by Fred and Chase.
Thought had obviously been given to the horses selected by Zoe and Amanda. I rode Mashudu, who liked her own space but was comfortable and settled very well by the first afternoon. Ashanti, the most chilled 4 year old ever?! Amboseli, such an amazing all rounder. And my big boy Morocco
It was very exciting tracking the big 5 with Ant who always had safety in mind (look for your escape route).


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?

Early starts so a light breakfast was perfect. Take away snacks were a great idea.
Thanks to Eric and Peter for catering for my non meat eating diet. Amazing bush lunch.
What a lovely lady Penny is. Always so thoughtful and obviously genuinely wanted to look after our every need.
Very clean accommodation and communal areas.
The gardens were beautifully tended.


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?

Eat. Ride. Eat. Ride. Drink. Sleep.
No more information required!
The information regarding the Reserve was interesting and helpful.
A river cruise was mentioned which would have been good but I think the amount of rain stopped play with this?
So lovely to be joined by Becky who is obviously loved by all at AAS which is such a telling sign of the great relationship between AAS and ITS. A great fit.


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

You cannot.
I was genuinely touched to be considered and invited.
Thank you.


Do you have any other feedback for us?

The usual high level of care and customer service we know and love from AAS but with the excitement of tracking/seeing/riding with the big five. I felt very safe at all times and the horses and wildlife seem to have already accepted each other.
I honestly do not know how the holiday could have been improved upon.
Everything was fab. The lodge staff, the guides, the horse care, the food, the wine.......and the amazing horses who for me, are always the star of the show. Safe but fun; the perfect combination.
Oh dear, am I ever going to explore anywhere else?!