A focused fool can accomplish more than a distracted genius.

- Alex Hormozi

Need a distraction-free worktation?

Get more done in the quiet of the mountains for focused, deep work.

A quiet base in the foothills of the Drakensberg on the edge of the Midlands Meander, Antbear Eco Lodge offers access to some of South Africa’s most striking natural landscapes. It’s a place to pause, reflect, focus undistracted, surrounded by mountain views and open skies.

The lodge is built from natural materials and set on a working permaculture farm. Days here are simple: farm-to-table meals, space to focus, and time to explore the Drakensberg’s natural and cultural heritage. Within an hour’s drive, you can hike, go horse riding, fishing, visit caves with San rock art, or explore local craft and food markets.

 

Antbear Lodge

Welcome to Antbear Lodge! A unique place where you are surrounded with vast, open views and enjoy farm to fork three-course meals!

 

Eclectic Wood

Each unit is filled with unique, handmade wooden fittings and furniture, making it a truly unique experience.

 

Farm-to-Table

Enjoy a delicious farm to table three-course dinner each evening and a scrumptious breakfast.

 

Accommodation

Each unit is different, carefully designed for your comfort fitted with a fireplace, bar fridge, and everything you might need to make your stay comfortable.

 

Jacuzzi Tubs

Most units are fitted with a jacuzzi bathtub and shower so you can enjoy a long relaxing glass of wine after a long day of sightseeing.

 

Spacious and Private

Each unit is private with vast open views on either the mountains or the large garden with orange, apple, and lime trees.

Top Activities & Experiences

Picture productive workdays in a peaceful and distraction-free environment, mid-day walks to the lake with the horses quenching their thirst, or a meditative walk in the forest labyrinth, with evenings enjoying unobstucted views of the star filled sky, weekends exploring South Africa’s most majestic natural landscapes.

Hiking

Enjoy Scenic Hiking Trails & San Cave Art at Giant's Castle

Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve, a UNESCO world heritage site part of the Drakensberg mountain range, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage.

Visit the San rock art centre created by South Africa’s earliest hunter-gatherers depicting spiritual rituals, animals, and daily life; hike to dramatic escarpment viewpoints, and spot endangered bearded vultures soaring above the cliffs. Day hikes range from gentle routes along rivers to more challenging overnight climbs with wide views.

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Game viewing

Safari Off The Beaten Track at Weenen Game Reserve

Set in the rolling savannah, Weenen Game Reserve is a conservation success story where farmland has been restored to thriving wilderness.

Embark on game drives or walking safaris to see white and black rhino, giraffe, zebra, antelope, and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat. With its peaceful landscapes and acacia woodlands every turn offers the chance to witness wildlife up close without the crowds of larger reserves.

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Farm Experience

Meander Through The Midlands Meander in Search of Artisan Experiences

Winding through rolling hills and valleys from Mooirivier to Hilton, the Midlands Meander offers 80km of a variety of uniquely South African art, culture, and nature.

Explore artisan studios, craft breweries and markets where artists, potters, cheesemakers, and weavers share their passion for sustainable, handmade living.

Between stops, visit the Nelson Mandela capturing site, go flyfishing, or simply soak up the beauty and tranquility of the green landscapes dotted with waterfalls and forests.

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Wine Tasting

Enjoy Wine Tastings and Craft Beer Overlooking Green Pastures & Mountain Air

In the heart of the countryside, Abingdon Wine Estate stands out as KwaZulu-Natal’s first family-run boutique wine farm, producing award-winning vintages from vineyards rooted in these rolling hills. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, harvest boards and tapas style dishes designed for sharing while overlooking the vineyard.

Alongside there's also a hub for craft beer and artisanal brewing. From small-batch IPAs to farm-style ales, local microbreweries invite you to sample unique flavors in relaxed taprooms surrounded by green pastures and mountain air.

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Sani Pass and Lesotho

Take A Exhilitating but Scenic Drive (or Hike) To Sani Pass & Lesotho

Rising dramatically through the Southern Drakensberg, the Sani Pass is one of the world’s most spectacular and adventurous mountain routes, climbing from South Africa into the highlands of Lesotho.

Travel by 4x4 or on guided hikes along winding tracks with views of towering peaks, waterfalls, and valleys far below. At the summit, step into the Kingdom of Lesotho, a land rich in Basotho culture, traditional villages, and endless mountain panoramas. A stop at the legendary Sani Mountain Lodge—home to Africa’s highest pub—offers the perfect reward with hearty food and warm hospitality.

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Midmar Nature Reserve

Swim the World Famous Midmar Mile at the Midmar Nature Reserve

Just outside Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Midmar Nature Reserve offers a blend of outdoor adventure and tranquil escapes along the shores of Midmar Dam. Enjoy birdwatching, cycling, fishing, sailing, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge while surrounded by rolling hills and open skies.

The reserve is best known as the home of the Midmar Mile, the world’s largest open-water swimming event, which attracts athletes and adventurers from across the globe each year.

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The Need-to-Know Stuff

The essentials, minus the overwhelm. Have more questions? Book a free discovery call.

Retreat cabin exterior view Retreat interior bedroom Forest pathway Campfire and forest scene

Want to add some magic to the workplace?

Book a free, no obligation discovery call to start the conversation.

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Find Us

Situated in the heart of South Africa, we're tucked in the mountains, yet close to the beach. This is where history was made. It's the home of the Zulu tribe, lead by King Shaka Zulu, and marks a critical point in the history of European Africans - the "Voortrekkers" - who crossed these mountains on foot towards liberty from the British rule. It was also here where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962.

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