The Antbear Guest-house

Stay in this delightful cottage in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Antbear was originally built in the 1940's and recently restored by sculptor Bruce Attwood. Bruce has made this cottage a charming and romantic retreat for any visitor with it’s thatch and wooden interiors. The name of this cottage comes from a previous „resident" who lived beneath the floor boards before restoration. This cottage is eccentrically refurbished with wood gathered in the surrounding valleys. Here you will find that comfort & hospitality are part of the whole experience of The Antbear. This is a truly unique stay. A revisit will be a must as Antbear has a true recipe for relaxation. Here you have the option to have all your meals or to self-cater. Meals are part of the surprises at the Antbear has on offer as home made cooking is an essential part of the menu. Here you can also have an opportunity to participate in farm activities enjoy a sun downer at the dam, view snowcapped mountains in the winter time while having dinner & wine beside a warm crackling fire in the lounge. This cottage is within an hours drive from most Drakensberg resorts. Situated on a hill with breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounds. Visit our Homepage at http://www.antbear.de to see pictures of what we offer. Also check out your chances of winning a free holiday accomondation at the Antbear-Guesthouse.

Antbear Guesthouse, B&B, bed, Bed and Breakfast, Drakensberg, bed&breakfast, antbear, bed&breakfeast, german, getaway, guest house, guest house World Heritage Park, Drakensberg Park, Berg, Drakensberg, climbing, hiking, rock climbing, Amphitheatre, National Park, Cathkin, Champagne Castle, Drakensberg Boys Choir, World Heritage Park, Drakensberg, Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu Natal, Natal, South Africa, Natal, KZN, Tourism, Department of Economic Development, Ecotourism, World Heritage Park, Ecotourism, Drakensberg, World Heritage Park, Mountains, Amphitheatre, Injasuti, Bergville, Winterton, Cathedral Peak, Witsieshoek, Himeville, Sani Pass, Underberg, Bulwer, Coleford, Kamberg, Antbear, Drakensberg, Antbear,Loteni, Mkhomazi, Swamp, Vergelegen, Cobham, Garden Castle, Royal Natal National Park, Spioenkop, Drakensberg Boys Choir, Monks Cowl, Cathkin Peakdrakensberg, guest houses, guesthouse, guestlodge, different, accommodation, accommodation south africa, accommodation drakensberg, Estcourt, bird, bird watching, birding, birdwatching, breakfast, estcourt, guest, accommodation, accommodations, cottages adventure, africa, angling, arts, kwazulu, kwa zulu, biking, country, cultural, culture, horse, horse riding, destinations, destinations Drakensberg, durban, ecotuorism, Midlands, Midlands meander, farm, farm stays, farmholiday, fishing, flyfishing, guide, guides, holiday, holiday Drakensberg, holiday south africa, holidays, homes, hotel, international, lesotho, lodge, lodges, lodging, Meander, Mooi river, Mooiriver, mountain, natal, nature, peace, peaceful, relax, safari, safari lodge, safaris, self, self-catering, selfdrive, self-drive, selfdrivetours, service, tourism, tourist attractions, tours, trails, association,schampart, schampart-attwood, river, travel, travel Drakensberg, traveller, trout, vacation, weenen, world heritage, Zulu, 4 wheel drive, 4x4, agrisa, agristays, agritourism, agritours, backpacking, bass, andrew, conny, attwood, artist, bush hiking, Bushman, Rock art, Painting, ethnic, business, business accommodation, camp, camping, cape, Cape Town, car hire, car rental, catering, comfortable, destinations south africa, discover, education, english, falls, water fall, farmproducts, farmstay, farmstays, farmtour, farmtours, farmvisits, forest, furnhurst, game , game lodges, game reserve, gamelodge, gameviewing, golf, graslands, harrismith, heritage, hiking , hiking routes, history, hluhluwe-umfolosi, jacana, johannesburg, kosi bay, kwazulunatal, lake, language, mountain biking, natural heritage, off-road, oliviershoek, predator, pretty, private lodge, reservations, rustic, sa culture, safe, San, south africa, South Africa, south african, southern, st lucia, stay, sterkfontein, villarentals, wetlands, where, where to stay, wheretostay, wild life, wilderness, wildlife, Zululand, central, southern, northern, splash fen, honeymoonThe Antbear Guesthouse, originally built in the 1940's and recently restored by sculptor Bruce Attwood, gets its name from the previous resident, who lived beneath the floor boards before restoration.

Eccentrically refurbished using wood gathered in the surrounding valleys, the Antbear combines comfort with a unique environment.

Using a fifty-year-old outhouse for the basic framework, Bruce created a unique guest-house and home in the rural hinterland of Kwazulu-Natal. The original structure consisted of two traditional rondavels, or thatch covered huts, connected by a stoep, or veranda with an overhead trellis. Perched on a kind of natural platform overlooking the Bushman's river,  the house has panoramic views of the Drakensberg Mountains for 160 Km. 

Relax, enjoy the view, take walks around the farm and savor the delicious food prepared by Andrew and Conny. There is a lot to be seen and done in the area. Experience some exquisite bushman rock art at Kamberg or drive up to Giants Castle and spend some time in the mountains. Day walks or overnight stays in the caves or mountain huts are both possible and very worthwhile. For those of you who are fanatical about trout then you'll find yourself in the right area. The safari feeling can be found in the Weenen or Spieonkop game reserves and of course the midlands meander offers plenty of opportunity to buy some local craftwork or just have a nice drive.

The Antbear overlooks the Bushman's river, which rises in the high Drakensberg near Giants castle and meets the Tugela north east of the small town of Weenen. It flows through one of those places on earth where the drama of human events seems to be etched forever into the landscape. In the south the huge mountains form the backdrop to this gigantic natural stage and down on the plain bisected by rivers and studded by thorn trees, the red tinge of grass still seems to hint at the bloody battles that were fought here. It is an area of huge vistas, a myriad of vantage points where the landscape rolls out for as far as the imagination.

Wagondrift dam and Moor park (8km from the Antbear) are two small conservation service nature reserves where bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and impala abound. Moor Park is renowned for its bird life including a pair of nesting black eagles. A major feature of the park is the old Boer furrow trail which visitors can follow.

Kamberg (35km from the Antbear)  has inspired many a dedicated fisherman to rise before dawn, get to out in the foothills of the Drakensberg and bag his trout. For anglers interested in not only  catching trout, but also learning about their lifecycle, Kamberg is a special treat. The hatchery is right here and visitors are welcome.  For those of us not so interested in fishing follow the 5km trail passed the waterfall and chance upon the most exquisite examples of San rock art that can be seen anywhere.

Giants Castle (35km from the Antbear) with its splendid mountain scenery and  towering escarpment is a mecca for those who love strenuous hiking trails, as well as those who prefer a leisurely stroll along the contour path to experience the peace and silence of the wilderness. This reserve is famous for its caves and shelters are rich in San rock art. Another popular attraction is the Lammergeyer hide where Lammergeyers (an endangered bird of prey) and Cape Vultures can be viewed feeding.

The Weenen Game Reserve (40km from the Antbear) is one of those rare safari places  without malaria. At a relatively modest 5000 hectares Weenen is not like a large game reserve but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in variety. There are views where the waving grasslands dotted with flat-topped acacias resemble a miniature Serengeti, complete with modest assemblages of zebra, giraffe and rhino. Other areas, cleft by deep gorges are thickly forested. In the south an escarpment looks down on to the Bushman's river meandering in its deep secluded valley and on the plateau beyond stretches the reserve's wilderness area which is only accessible by foot. 

A horse safari in this malaria free bush is also an option. These professionally guided trails take you within meters of towering giraffe and wildebeest. This is something that novices can also partake in.

The Spieonkop game reserve (60Km from the Antbear), through its small size, allows for excellent game viewing throughout the year. This is also one of the most interesting battle sights of the Anglo Boer War. The nature reserve surrounds the Spieonkop Dam which reflects a completely different kind of safari feeling

The Midlands craft meander starts just 15km from the Antbear. The old world charm and tranquil countryside has attracted a new breed of people who have taken residence among the farmers. These are creative crafters, sculptures, potters, weavers and leather workers who ply their trade in quaint old cottages and farmhouses and welcome the curious. The Midlands is dotted with cozy country inns  just perfect for unhurried lunches or just tea and home made jam scones.

The Howick falls (80 Km from the Antbear) makes a worth while day trip. The waterfall falls some 90 m and the little trail down into the gorge is wonderful. On the way back why not stop at La Lampara the most excellent Italian restaurant in our region.

The Amphitheater, Oliviershoek pass and the Sterkfontein dam make a lovely drive in the northern part of the Drakensberg

For the more adventurous a visit to the top of the Drakensberg is essential. The 2˝ hour trail to the top of the escarpment takes you to the edge of the Tugela falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. It falls some 950m and in Winter has been known to freeze solid. The last leg of the trail involves the climbing of a chain ladder to get to the top. For those without a head for heights the drive to the start of the trail is one of the most beautiful roads that one could imagine. 

The Battlefields. It is difficult to imagine that the scenic and tranquil landscape of central and northern KwaZulu-Natal was once the focal point of major military clashes; where over a span of 70 years, one historical drama after another unfolded against the backdrop of the African veld and the Majestic Drakensberg mountains. The area boasts the largest concentration of battlefields in South Africa. But don't let the description battlefields mislead you into thinking you are going to spend time in the past.. The climate, the scenery, the cultural diversity, the cuisine and the hospitality makes your visit a unique and memorable experience.

The Southern Drakensberg is as easily reached from the Antbear as the Northern part. Why not Day trip to the Sani Pass, if you have a 4x4 then it makes for wonderful driving. The back roads hug the berg and the lack of other vehicles along this way is almost suspicious.

A number of golf courses can be found in the area, both 9 and 18 holes.

Estcourt is the main metropolis here but don't expect too much. Fort Durnford is worth a quick visit if you're driving past, it includes the outdoor museum of a traditional Zulu village. If you would like to experience a glider flight over our beautiful area, then this can be done at the Estcourt Aero Club on weekends.

Whichever way you decide to explore, upstream or downstream,  following the course of the Bushman's river from its source at Giants Castle to where it meets the Tugela just past Weenen is a journey through some of the most inspiring landscape and wildlife areas in South Africa.

Meals are part of the real surprises that the Antbear has on offer, as home made cooking  is an essential part of the menu. We like to use our own home grown organic vegetables and if we haven't got, then we lean heavily on those local providers with similar attitudes to our own. We both like cooking and are up to changing just about anything to suit tastes or philosophies. Our cooking experience is in part a journal, a record of events and memories expressed in recipes. In the course of our travels we have filed away many recipes and with them images of people and places and their lives. How food tastes has much to do with the associations we make and if you would like to hear the tales of our meals we would love to tell them.

In  the parts of North Africa that border the Mediterranean a mild climate favors agriculture. Olives and wheat historically grow well here and a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Nomadic flatbreads like Lavash are made of wheat and barley flour and are baked on a griddle over a hot fire. Together with red chilies, cumin, garlic and legumes, vegetables and meat from lamb or chicken are often slow cooked in a tagine: this is a traditional Moroccan clay pot that's laid over the coals of the same open fire. Our variation was served with a carrot and olive salad with chilled prickly pears and ice-cream for desert.

Thanks for a great weekend. Your hospitality is something we will always remember the Antbear by. See you soon
David and Melanie (Pretoria)

Thanks we has a wonderfull time. The antbear is a very special place and we will definatly be back
Andrew and Leani (Naboomspruit + jhb)

Thanks for a great weekend and great food. We'll be back
Lesley, Solly and Russel Cowan

We made a mistake coming here andwhat we ölearned during our days at the Antbear is that mistakes made on this mountaintop are really wonders in disguise. The longer you stay here the more you learn about thatched roofs, pizza ovens and balconies. So there will definatly be a next time. We want to see the new house when it is finished. Thanks for your hard work and undivided attention and we wish you and the Antbear aprosperous future. Hopefully filled with nice and subtle mistakes
Marcel Beukeboom & Willemien Free  

It's been so tranquil and focused and a wonderful six days that I don't know what date it is. Good sign. So many thanks. May your cows have plentiful milk, may your creative spirit endure, and by the way why is the sky blue?
Francie

A wonderful time of retreat, calm, humour, bonhomie ... and yes work. Much achieved, learned and cooled out. This house is a haven and the vista remindful of the glorious web of life. Thank you.
Darine

This has been a lovely restful time in enchanting surroundings. We enjoyed every aspect of our stay so much.
Dottie and Johe

What can I say other than its been heaven on earth this weekend. Next time we'll bring enough rope for the expedition.
Vernen

Thank you, this wonderful place is clearly a home-coming and re-centering. Sharing it with you has been a moment of magic. And then all the plans you have... We just have to come back. Bravo and a big thank you.
Marianne and Desmond Colborne (Cape Town / Paris)

A very unique place. And original. Thanks to the hospitality and personality of the hosts.
Stralitzia tours

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for a few still, suspended moments as enchanting as the ruins were to you a year or so ago.
Liane

The furniture seems to have evolved from the wood as effortlessly as - well, an antbear, emerges from its burrow ... You're special, thank you for sharing your vision. And damn fine cooking.
Glyn, Chris, Spencer and Ian (Durban)

Congratulations, you've made the most beautiful house I have ever seen.
Rev (Randburg)

Everything has been wonderful, you, the way you received me, your furniture, your styling, the view, the house, my bedroom. Thanks a lot.
Solvi dos Santos (Paris)

Your place is very nice. I hope to see you again.
Harwina Manyoni (Durban)

Here the stars are amazing.
Alex (Paris)

I must say its been a right gudd-un.
Jim (London)

Best Christmas in years. Wonderful house and country-side. I will send you a card from the corners of the globe.
Isabelle

We loved it. Antbear is great and just the place to spend a very merry Christmas. Thank you for your hospitality and best of all your company.
David and Jeanne

Wild spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, applesauce, ginger, mulberries, mielie bread, beautiful wooden furniture, mountain streams, sunshine, ....... and lots of wonderful hospitality. Thank you.
Tamar, Mark, Simon, Robyn, Kim, Deborah and Kevin

Thanks for letting us share this beautiful dream now become a reality.
Ivan and Sarah

The Tranquility here is a balm to the troubled soul. It's as though time stands still, and ones worldly concerns seem to melt away, to be carried off on the gentlest of breezes, or perhaps on the wing of one of the many beautiful birds that inhabit the area. One is then left unencumbered to experience an exquisite lightness of being which is quite bearable thank you.
Michael & Jessica Salt

I look forward to seeing the namesake of the Antbear. A beautiful place.
Christine

We put Simon to sleep for a whole 5 hours for the first time in his 6 week life.
Mark, Tamar and Simon