Our reserve and camp is approx. 3.5 hours north-west of Johannesburg and offers simple, but comfortable tents, a community room for meals and lectures, as well as a fireplace to end inspirational days adequately.
The AMES reserve is a natural habitat in the Waterberg region. It has been “rewilded” with rhinos, giraffes, crocodiles, and many large and small endemic species, which now live there naturally. Our vulture “restaurant” feeds endangered vultures, our old Land Rover takes us around, and Les, the head guide and manager, shares his extremely broad wildlife experience and knowledge.
The week combines seeing the work of AMES in action, nature education, AMES Safari experience, bush walks and game drives, anti-poaching unit training, stargazing, sundowner … and most of all connecting with nature in an inspiring group.
Itinerary
Each trip is starting on Saturdays. From Europe, we recommend taking an overnight flight, arriving at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport on Saturday morning. We will greet you there, pick you up and ensure a safe transfer to the camp/reserve. For anyone arriving one day earlier, we do have a partner hotel in Sandton/Johannesburg. If no other travel is planned after the week, there are typically Friday night flights back to Europe.
Day 1
Saturday
Day 2 - 6
Sunday - Thursday
Day 7
Friday
Pickup on arrival, or latest at around 11am in Jo’Burg and transit to AMES reserve.
Time in the AMES reserve camp. A typical day starts early and we will be out with the animals at least twice every day. There is a packed program of practical and theoretical nature education that changed the way many saw their natural surroundings. The work of AMES will be seen and done “hands-on”, supporting the wildlife rangers, building the infrastructure, and working with the Anti-Poaching-Unit training.
Pick up at the reserve around 10am, so every flight will be reached in time.
Your health and safety are our biggest priority. We closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 virus on global travel. Together with our local partners, we follow the government’s advice. If travel is allowed and justifiable at the time, we are offering the following dates for the wildlife experiences in 2022 & 2023:
2023
2024
Costs are subject to change but will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking. Rates are calculated closely to the actual cost occurring. All potential overhead of every booking goes to AMES for its conservation projects, supporting the protection of the land, wildlife, and local communities. Daily rates are only applicable if there is not a full-week booking.
Standard rate
2023
3.900 EUR p.w.
800 EUR p.d.
Guardian rate
2023
2.100 EUR p.w.
420 EUR p.d.
Standard rate
2023
5.300 EUR p.w.
1.100 EUR p.d.
Guardian rate
2023
3.200 EUR p.w.
650 EUR p.d.
What's included**
* for 2 persons sharing one tent
** We can help with any other related bookings (e.g. hotel accommodation or experiences in Jo‘Burg or other destinations in Southern Africa)
Small exclusive group experience
(max. 12 people)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as beverages
Daily lectures and round tables on nature education with one of the most experienced guides
All transport from and to Johannesburg International Airport (flights are not included), camp is a few hours from Jo’burg
Daily experiences
Basic AMES safari equipment.
You will find more in our shop
ames-collection.com
Accommodation in simple, but comfortable safari tents
Safety measures and guards
All excess income will go 100% to the benefits of the AMES foundation
Coordinator in South Africa
Favourite animals: Rhinos
Year: 1959
Will there be “free” time?
Yes, there are deliberate times in the agenda to allow for flexible and individual planning.
Is there internet and cellphone reception?
There is reception - though it is weak and partially unreliable. There is good wifi in the camp, though it is depended on electricity and there has been outages in the past.
Can you arrive later or leave earlier?
Yes, we understand busy schedules and can organize for later arrival or earlier departure with individual transit to the airport. Please note that this induces additional cost that need to be covered.
What equipment is needed?
We will share a detailed packing recommendation list ahead of your journey.
Do I need to take Malaria precautions?
Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Africa, not so much in the Waterberg area. We still recommend you fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Ames travel guide
We believe in education through experience and we believe that Africa’s wildlife and nature will help to re-connect to nature.
There is not a shortage of travel guides, but through AMES we want to provide you with a selected unique perspective on experiences and locations that transport the above idea. Also, over the years, we have developed a network of trusted partners that provide offers at preferred rates or sometimes packages that are not even available “on the market”. We have a focus on wildlife, but In the following long list we also include spots we just generally really like as well as relevant information for every traveler in Africa.
South africa
Of course, we also want you to have an unforgettable time in South Africa apart from your stay at the AMES Reserve. „For further information about Johannesburg and Cape Town and other travels within Southern Africa, please contact us!”
