What to expect : 

We want your wedding experience to be as unique as your love story, but we also know how helpful expectations are to the wedding-planning process. Here is a general timeline of most of our Ankawini weddings. 

FRIDAY : Arrival of first guests Generally, the wedding couple arrives at the venue on Friday, along with some of their closest friends and family members. Sometimes, wedding service providers also prefer to arrive on Friday. Check-in is at the Ankawini Pool Bar. 

Friday night kuier :  The venue is yours for the weekend, so make the most of it! Couples often kuier with their closest friends and family on the night before the wedding. It's usually a bring-and-braai, and the Ankawini Pool Bar will be open to serve you. 

SATURDAY :  Breakfast For guests who booked Friday night accommodation, buffet breakfast is served from 8-10am below the ballroom. 

Guest arrival :  The rest of your wedding guests arrive throughout the day. Check-in is at the Ankawini Pool Bar. 

Clay pigeon shooting : This is a popular pre-wedding morning activity for grooms & groomsmen, friends & family, and even brides & bridesmaids. It must be arranged ahead of time. We usually schedule for 10-11:30am, but these times can be adjusted. 

Bridal Suite : Garden Tower Room 1 is our designated bridal suite, complete with its own private terrace with plenty of natural light. However, our brides can get ready in any room they choose. Most of our brides choose Garden Tower Room 1 or Garden Tower Room 5. Whichever room you choose, you can also order drinks from the bar to be delivered throughout your preparations. 

Groom's Suite Kudu Bar Complete with leather couches, leopards, and its own balcony overlooking the venue, the Kudu Bar is the perfect place for boys to be boys. It's great for photo ops, too. And to top it off, you can have drinks from the bar delivered throughout the morning. 

 Ceremony Barn or Riverside : Our most popular ceremony locations are the Barn and the Riverside, but we've had ceremonies in the riverbed and even on the lawn by the pool. The choice is yours. 

 Photo sessions :  Use this time to take family and wedding party photos before heading off to your newlywed session. We can pack you a cooler full of drinks and champagne, and we'll even drive for you if you'd like. 

Cocktail hour : While you're taking photos, your guests are on the lawn enjoying drinks, a grazing spread, and good company. 

Reception :  Now it's time to party! Eat dinner, give speeches, celebrate, and dance the night away. Your DJ might have a closing time, but we don't. 

SUNDAY  : Breakfast For guests who booked Saturday night accommodation, buffet breakfast is served from 8-10am below the ballroom. 

Guest departure : All guests and service providers must depart the venue by 11am unless otherwise arranged. Check-out is at the Ankawini Pool Bar.