“After an extremely busy two years as Mr. South Africa and representing our beautiful country at the Mr. World 2016 Competition in London during July 2016, I was looking at the perfect spot (away from everything and everyone, and also at times from cell phone reception – which was fantastic), to treat my parents to thank them for their incredibly amazing support during my journey, and one during which I could not have spent a lot of time with them.
A friend of mine, who has also been of great support on my journey as Mr. South Africa, came across a little piece of heaven, relatively close to home (Johannesburg) in Lephalale, by the name of Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill Bush Homes. The ‘Ants’ part of the name reminded me that those who work hard will always be rewarded, and my reward as Mr. South Africa 2015/2016 was this visit to this beautiful lodge.
Since we hit the road on a sunny Friday afternoon, one of the Lodge Managers kept in touch with me on the road to find out how we are travelling, something, which I have never, came across before. The same Lodge Manager welcomed us with open arms upon our arrival at Ant’s Nest, not to forget the welcoming drinks. We were introduced to our breath-taking villa, which left me teary-eyed to think how grateful I am to experience this lodge and our awesome country at its best. Dinner was served, and we shared in it with our fellow guests, making one meet new people and share in interesting stories for all-over. When the morning broke, our room doors were open (my room looking out onto a heavenly bath and miles and miles of bush and the sounds of animals), the other room opening up onto our private splash pool. Breakfast was served with a special touch, and so also the rest of the meals over the duration of our stay, making our stay even more memorable and special, and NO, I am not talking about the extra kilo’s we have picked up (but which were SO worth it) Haha!
I embarked on a horse safari which made me look at these beautiful animals with new eyes, sharing in it with a very intelligent guide, teaching us more about the wildlife as we came up close to some of the many animals on the farm. Later the afternoon, we went on a game drive and came up very close with the farm’s rhinos, a rare moment as we had to remember ourselves that if we do not protect these “giants” our own children might not be able to see them in the wild. We are not too sure where we found the time, but we were even surprised with a massage during our stay, that also took place in the comfort of our private villa, the World’s View cottage.
All and all an incredible experience and if you are looking for some quality time away and wanting to recharge your batteries; look NO further than ANT’S HILL AND ANT’S NEST BUSH HOMES!
I am so grateful and glad we came across this little gem, which will definitely see us again. Thank You to all the staff for making this so special!”[:]