Posted on March 26, 2026
In January 2026 we were thrilled to be given the opportunity to put together a select group of riders to join the very first Ant’s Big Five Safari riding out from Ant’s River Lodge.
A holiday at Ant’s Hill, Ant’s Nest or Bushwillow offers the opportunity to ride with a remarkable diversity of plains game and from horseback you can see two of the Big Five – rhino and buffalo. But for many years, Ant Baber had dreamt of creating a full Big Five riding experience and has recently been granted access to explore, on horseback, a 40,000 acre reserve called Kaingo, located about 40 minutes’ drive from Ant’s Hill. This exceptional reserve features 14 kilometres of river frontage, ancient bushman paintings, open plains and sandy tracks, and all of the Big Five. In addition to elephant, black rhino, white rhino, buffalo and lion, you may also encounter cheetah and hippo – with the leopard, of course, remaining the most elusive.
In March 2026 Becky accompanied a small group of riders, who have all ridden on previous big five safaris and also at Ant’s before and so were well placed to give us really constructive feedback. We are pleased to report the safari was an enormous success with comments such as:
“The usual high level of care and customer service we know and love from Ant Africa Safaris but with the excitement of tracking/seeing/riding with the big five….I honestly do not know how the holiday could have been improved upon.”
“Ant’s new reserve is far bigger than I expected, with very varied terrain and vegetation.”
“Having ridden at Ant’s 4 times before, I did not doubt that my expectations would be met, they were, however, exceeded. Brilliant.”
You can read all the feedback from this safari here and read on for Becky’s report.
After a three-hour transfer from Johannesburg, including a final stretch along a dirt road into the reserve, I arrived at Ant’s River Lodge. Entry procedures at the gate — including tyre spraying and foot disinfection — are a reminder that this is a well-managed wildlife area.
On arrival, we were welcomed with refreshments before being shown to our rooms. After some time to settle in, we met for lunch and a briefing outlining the structure of the week. This included riding plans, safety procedures around wildlife, and an introduction to the horses and the team.
Accommodation is in beautiful thatched cottages each containing two rooms
However, the first afternoon didn’t quite go to plan, as a thunderstorm brought heavy rain and lightning, meaning riding was not possible. Instead, we headed out in a game vehicle. Even in challenging conditions, we saw sable, wildebeest and impala, and were able to stop briefly for sundowners among a striking area of ancient rock formations before returning to the lodge.
From the following morning, the week settled into a comfortable and well-organised routine. Days began early, with a light breakfast before heading out to the horses. The boma, where the horses stay, is a short drive from the lodge and so we got to experience a game drive en route each day. The horses are well matched to riders, with most guests riding the same horse throughout their stay.
Robbie bringing Morocco out of the boma ready for riding
Morning rides typically lasted between three and four hours, covering a variety of terrain. The pace was varied, with opportunities for longer canters as well as quieter sections for wildlife viewing. After returning to the lodge, there was time to freshen up before lunch.
Afternoons alternated between further rides and game drives, depending on the schedule and how much work the horses had done. This balance worked well, allowing time in the saddle while also covering ground by vehicle. (Due to the heavy rainfall the river was too high for us to do a river cruise but that would normally be available as another activity).
The food throughout the stay was consistently brilliant, with a mix of relaxed and more formal meals. Lunches ranged from buffet-style options such as quiches, salads and homemade dishes, to more substantial meals like burgers or fresh fish. Evenings were three-course dinners, including dishes such as springbok carpaccio, fillet of beef, ostrich, and a variety of desserts.
Lunch was often outside on the deck which was so lovely with the river next to us
Riding at Ant’s River Lodge offers the opportunity to explore the reserve in a way that feels both immersive and unhurried. Over the course of the week, I rode several different horses, each with their own character, from more forward-going types to quieter, steady rides.
Wildlife sightings varied from day to day, which is very much part of the experience. We saw zebra, wildebeest, impala, eland and sable regularly, as well as buffalo and white rhino. On one afternoon, we tracked a cheetah, managing to find it, although visibility was limited due to thick bush – this was a bucket list sighting for me! We also tracked a black rhino, although he was quite shy.
The viewpoints were just incredible from the hills
Tracking on horseback was a particular highlight throughout the week. One morning was spent following signs of lion and buffalo and we did hear the lions nearby, but didn’t see them. Later in the week we managed to find a large herd of buffalo that had headed to higher ground – it was lovely to watch them with their calves in an open area and the horses were very steady throughout the sighting.
It was so special to see this mum & baby white rhino, they were so relaxed
Elephant encounters were a standout feature of the week. On two occasions, we were able to approach a large bull at relatively close range. The horses were calm and happy grazing which made these moments feel controlled and enjoyable rather than rushed.
Midweek, we completed a longer ride out to a bush lunch location. After several hours in the saddle, we stopped at a clearing where the team prepared a barbecue lunch, including grilled food and salads, followed by a rest period before riding on.
Bush lunch was cooked by the fabulous Peter who was a genius in the kitchen
This was a particularly enjoyable day, as it allowed more time to experience the landscape at a slower pace. As with all riding here, flexibility is key, and plans are adapted depending on conditions, wildlife movement and the group.
As the week progressed, the structure remained consistent, with a good balance between riding and game drives. Some rides were more focused on covering ground, while others centered around wildlife sightings.
In The Saddle guests enjoying a canter on the sandy tracks
On the final full day, I opted to join a morning game drive to take photographs, while the rest of the group rode into the mountains. The horses were left in the bush (under supervision) whilst we returned to the lodge for lunch and later, we returned to continue riding in the afternoon.
The horses were so relaxed and happy in the bush, despite it being a new reserve for them
That evening, we had a final dinner at the lodge, which provided a good opportunity to reflect on the week.
The Ant’s Big Five safari at Ant’s River Lodge offers a well-structured and professionally run riding experience, combining good quality horses, varied riding, and the opportunity to see wildlife in a natural setting. It carries the flexibility and horse quality that is part of the Ant’s portfolio as well as the exciting element of being able to ride with big game.
The balance between time in the saddle and time spent on game drives works particularly well, and the flexibility of the programme allows each day to feel slightly different. Combined with comfortable accommodation and consistently good food, it makes for a very enjoyable and well-rounded riding holiday.
I’ve been fortunate enough to ride in the Okavango Delta and also at Wait A Little and I felt that the Ant’s Big Five Safari can definitely sit alongside any of these big five horse safari destinations in terms of the riding, game viewing and accommodation.
The Ant’s Big Five Safari is a set departure seven night horseback safari for a maximum of 6 experienced riders and is scheduled once per month. Non-riding partners are welcome to join the safari and enjoy game drives & walks.
At all other times you can visit Ant’s River Lodge for half day or all day game drives as part of your holiday at one of the Ant’s Lodges or you could stay at Ant’s River Lodge before or after your Ant’s riding holiday and enjoy having the opportunity to explore much more widely over this huge reserve.
Me with my trusty steed Mashudu whilst a relaxed bull elephant wanders towards us
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For more information on the Ant’s Big Five Safari or a stay at Ant’s River Lodge you can visit the webpage by clicking here, or call the office on +44 1299 272997. My email address is rebecca@inthesaddle.com if you wish to ask me any questions or for any further information.
