Without wishing to be corny, doing nothing is probably the most favourite past time at the Antbear. No pressure,
no wake up calls (in fact no telephone in the room), hot water all day long. Antbear is the best place to simply wind down and relax. Just enjoy our little bit of paradise and recharge the batteries.
Hiking is the most important active past-time in the Drakensberg. There are also a number of self-guided trails around the hills and valleys surrounding the Antbear. Giants Castle Nature reserve offers possible the best that the Drakensberg has to offer. Of course the Southern Drakensberg is another option with bushman paintings a beautifull waterfall to be found a Kamberg. The uKhahlamba National Park (formerly Royal Natal National Park) with the Tugela Gorge walk and a number of other well-known trails just adds to the offers. On request, we will organize day hikes to the top of the Amphitheatre, an experience you will never forget and do-able for all those of average fitness and unafraid of heights (the last ascent is via metal chain ladders). See also uKhahlamba National Park.
Exploring the Berg on horseback is even more spectacular than on foot. Then there is Umsuluzi Private Game Reserve where horse back safaris give game viewing a whole new meaning. Special group outings, including overnight safaris, can be organised with advance notice.
The are offers many dams stocked with trout as well as several mountain streams. Permits for trout fishing are sometimes required and there is an additional charge for trout caught and not thrown back.
There is plenty of great golfing opportunities in the Drakensberg region. Just ask us an we will tell you about where to go.
4x4 trails are plentiful in the area you could even get a few training tips. As for mountain bikers there are plenty of options. Mountain bikes can also be rented at Umsuluzi and game viewing by mountain bike is definitely different.
Across the Oliviershoekpass lies the large and stunningly beautiful Sterkfontein Dam which forms part of the Tugela Vaal Water Scheme which supplies water to Johannesburg. The clear water of this large dam is suitable for watersports such as sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. Overlooking the dam is a spot where the conservation authorities leave carcasses for the Cape Vultures - a vulture "restaurant".
The Spioenkop Battlefield and Game Reserve is approximately an hours drive from Antbear. Here you can relive the Battle of Spioenkop (1900) where the British army on its way to relieve besieged Ladysmith was involved in heavy fighting with the Boer Army. After heroic persistence on both sides, the Boers eventually occupied the summit - but with heavy casualties for all. We can also recommend a battlefields guide. The nearby 6000 ha Spioenkop Game Reserve is based around a dam in the Tugela River. There are rhino, giraffe and antelope in the reserve and it is a popular spot for picnics and day trips. With advance notice we can organise (guided) tours to other points of historic interest e.g. Kerkenberg and the Kaalvoet Vrou Monument, 4x4 excursions through the magnificent Mnweni valley right throught to Mike's Pass (Central Berg), etc.