Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide

Antares Bush Camp is a little piece of heaven. The lodge itself is extremely comfortable and well appointed. The indigenous garden is a birder's paradise with beautiful sunbirds feeding on the aloes. There are two mini hides in the garden, one eye-level with a nesting site and one at eye-level over a reflection pool where one can observe and photograph blue waxbills, green-winged pytilias and the like at one's leisure. The crown jewel is Umgede Hide. This subterranean hide places one at eye level with a waterhole. We were lucky enough to have an amazing interaction with a family of elephants. The hide itself has all one would need for a prolonged stay, including comfortable furniture and tea and coffee on tap. The owner and host, Ian is significantly experienced as a ranger and trainer of rangers. He has excellent people skills and goes out of his way to ensure that your stay will be memorable. Ian will take you on a game drive each day. We had friends staying on the neighbouring reserve so sadly we did not get to do a drive with Ian. However, I learnt much about the bush just chatting with Ian while we watched birds in the garden so I have no doubt that a game drive with Ian would be a reel treat. Ian and his family have created something truly unique - absolutely world class and very hard to replicate.

A house with garden, braai area, swimming pool AND your own hide. Can not ask for more! We had an amazing stay with visitors like a herd of elephants, many species of birds, a tortoise and a pride of lions. Fantastic for photographers - you can even sleep in the hide. House and hide are very well equipped, we did not miss anything. Another highlight was the game drive with Ian: We had plenty of time to observe lionesses with their cubs and an old lion (we were the only vehicle for 30 min). Fantastic for wildlife photography but also to relax at the pool, listen to the birds and read a good book. It is self-catering, therefore bring your own groceries.

We had an incredible stay at Antares in May 2026. For most of our group, it was our first experience of an African safari and we couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Ian was a great host and an exceptional guide when out on the game drives - he helped us get some incredible sightings of the large mammals but was also brilliant at showing us the local birdlife and sharing his knowledge about the ecology of the area. The lodge itself is a superb base, super comfortable and stylish - in particular, the kitchen is one of the best equipped of any self-catering accomodation I've stayed in and it was a real joy to cook in. The standout feature is definitely the Umgede Hide - if you're a photographer or a birder, you will love this place. We enjoyed sitting there for hours and had some fantastic sightings. I would love to be able to come back one day but in the meantime, grateful for some wonderful memories!

This intimate and very beautifully decorated bush lodge is simply amazing. The rooms are beautiful and beautifully decorated with very good beds, air conditioning and a lovely bathroom. The way the rooms have been combined with the main camp is beautifully done. The main camp is also a beautiful experience, a large well-equipped kitchen with everything you need and a little more, a large beautiful dining room, a beautiful living room with access to 2 terraces, both with a view of the waterhole, a lovely pool, and a lovely braai area also with a view of the waterhole. It is all so well done and well placed around the waterhole. That is why we came to the Umgede hide at the waterhole. A lovely place with good seating in direct contact with the waterhole. Well-equipped dream place for all those interested in photography, animals and bird life. Ian and Mel have created a beautiful and very African dream place. The lodge is located in a large beautiful game reserve, and there is so much to experience. Despite rain for a day and a half out of 3 days, it was a great experience to be there. Ian is really good at telling about life around the waterhole. Despite the rain Ian took us on a fantastic game drive with lots of elephants and a beautiful big male lion that we followed along the Olifant river. The last morning the sun shone again and all the little birds came to the waterhole to drink and bathe. Ian we will definitely come back to your beautiful place. Best regards Soes and Poul

Wow. Ive known Ian for a number of years now and I know his wildlife knowledge is second to none, so I knew that Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide would be something special. What I didn't realise until last week was just how special. Ive been fortunate to visit a number of hides over the years and for me this is one of the very best. The hide itself is really well thought out, super comfortable and boasts an amazing view of the water hole. For a photographer being at water level for those low level shots when animals are drinking is something special. I can now say from experience you can get Elephants drinking real close so you need that wide angle lens. What I really liked is that when sitting at the hide there was no other distractions, no road noise etc just pure peace and quiet. I only stayed for the day at the hide but I was shown around the camp and the accommodation looks fantastic. Im really keen to get booked in with the family for a few nights so I can spend more time in the hide. I have previously had walks and game drives here so I know how productive this can be here as well. If you are a photographer you really can get some special shots here, if you are a wildlife lover you will love the unique experience of getting up close and personal with some epic African wildlife.

Exceeded all expectations! To be able to view the game in such close proximity was amazing. We could sit on the verandah, relax in the pool or sit in the hide and just be a few feet away from a herd of elephants. Our room was excellent, bed comfortable, the indoor and outdoor shower a bonus. We loved the decor of the lodge, the choice of indoor or outdoor eating, the well equipped kitchen and the choice of places to relax. We enjoyed the game drive with Ian, our host, he is extremely knowledgeable, full of interesting facts and stories. We can’t wait to return. Definitely to be recommended.

We had an amazing weekend away here with friends. Loved the house and all the entertainment areas - was perfect for the 8 adults. The kitchen was also very well equipped. We spent most of the weekend enjoying the underground hide which is just perfect for viewing the game up close and so different from the usual hide experience. Lots of bird and animal activity during our stay. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Antares Bush camp was the highlight of our 9 day trip to the Kruger and surrounding area. The close up game viewing from the hide and decks was astounding. Our group of 8 enjoyed the spacious accommodations offered by Antares, indoor and outdoor dining, large braai, well stocked kitchen and comfortable lounge area. Ian was a great host and a wealth of information about the game and bush. Antares is 100% worth visiting.