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Safari Weddings
Many couples are frustrated that they can't get married outside in the UK, and opt for an overseas wedding to reflect their own outdoor lifestyles.
Although beaches have traditionally been to most popular destination, at Guides for Brides we are predicting a strong swing in the direction of safari weddings, with Africa being the obvious choice.
We visited Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill recently, and were incredibly impressed with their knowledge, professionalism, friendliness and the overall experience.
Arrive in style for your wedding
The Ant Collection: Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill
For anyone who enjoys being around horses, the pick of safari wedding venues has to be The Ant Collection; luxury lodges in a private reserve 3 hours from Johannesburg. Either lodge can be hired exclusively, with space for up to 26 guests across the two lodges, or just a room for the two of you.
The lodges are situated a 20 minute 4WD drive from each other along sandy tracks - or about an hour on horseback - so we would advise accommodating your group at one lodge or the other. At either lodge there is plenty of communal space for relaxing both inside and around the pool and gardens, and the bedrooms are all deluxe standard. Ants Nest is the more suitable of the two if you are travelling with children, while visitors report that the smaller Ants Hill, situated at the top of a breathtaking rocky ledge, so less suitable for anyone suffering vertigo, has a more intimate atmosphere that might suit couples better.
However, both lodges aim to offer the same facilities and services, and staff move from one to the other.
Fact File
The nightly rate is between £260 - £380 depending on the season and the room chosen. These rates include all meals, all drinks, horse riding, game drives, game walks and laundry and no expense is spared in the level and quality of service given. We would advise a stay of 3 - 7 nights, perhaps combining the trip with a visit to a "Big Game" reservation.
Wedding packages are excellent value at between £250 - £900 depending on the options chosen, and can include a hairdresser, masseur, photographer, cake, flowers and even a local singing group.
Contact
The Ant Collection
Po Box 441, Vaalwater
South Africa, 0530
Tel: +27 12 993 3026 or +27 82 832 0723
Fax: +27 86 509 8239
Email: reservations@waterberg.net
Skype: amelia.bann
Web: www.waterberg.net and www.ridingsouthafrica.com
Proud members of Classic Safari Camps of Africa www.classicsafaricamps.com
