Set amidst the striking landscape of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Pumba Private Game Reserve offers two fantastic luxury lodges, allowing guests to experience the beauty of the African wilderness in style. Pumba offers a rich biodiversity-filled 'Big Five' game viewing experience as well as reintroduction programme for the rare white lion and free-roaming leopard. Pumba is divided between Water Lodge and Bush Lodge, each boasting private timber decks with private plunge pools and outdoor shower. There is also a stunning swimming pool with sun deck to laze on and a thatched restaurant serving magnificent fusion cuisine under the stars with an Eastern Cape Flair, complemented by a fantastic selection of local wines. The kid’s safari program makes this the ideal choice for families too, creating memories for life.
Amenities
Safari
Bar
Fitness Centre/Gym
Laundry Service
Restaurant
Spa
Swimming Pool
Where is it
In the malaria-free region of the Eastern Cape. Driving time from Port Elizabeth Airport: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Hotel information
Water Lodge – Overlooking the magnificent Lake Cariega, Water Lodge comprises 12 stone-walled thatched waterfront chalets leading off meandering footpaths. The Impala Chalets have private timber game-viewing decks with plunge pool and outdoor shower, underfloor heating, en-suite bathroom with free-standing bathtub, bathrobes, air-conditioning, fireplace, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, telephone, safe, sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Bush Lodge – Overlooking a small watering hole on a flood plain, guests can enjoy stunning mountain views at Bush Lodge. 11 exclusive glass-enclosed, thatched Msenge Chalets, each with en-suite bathroom and luxury bedrooms opening onto a private timber deck with private plunge pool and outdoor shower. All chalets have air-conditioning, ceiling fan, fireplace, mini-bar and hospitality tray, telephone, safe and sleep maximum 2 adults.
All Inclusive of: all meals, tea/coffee, soft drinks, selected local beer, wine and mineral water. Two game-drives per day.
Water Lodge –Gemsbok Chalets are similar to the Impala Chalets and sleep maximum 2 adults and 2 children. The Kudu Suite is a 2 bedroom chalet with separate lounge area, a wraparound deck with private plunge pool and steam room. Both bedrooms have their own bathrooms, perfect for families or small groups, the Kudu Suite sleeps maximum 3 adults and 2 children or 4 adults.
Bush Lodge – The Family Suite has 2 bedrooms perfect for families and couples travelling together and sleeps maximum 2 adults and 2 children or 4 adults.
Water Lodge and Bush Lodge both have their own restaurant with extensive wine lists, lounge, pool and sun deck and game-viewing deck. Water Lodge also has a waterfront floating pier and sundeck. Msenge Lodge has the Bush Bar, to enjoy a refreshing cocktail whilst game viewing. 'Kids on safari' programme. Soul Spa*. Gym. Gift shops*. Library. Laundry service*. Activities include: walking safaris*, archery, bass fishing, bird watching*, morning and afternoon game-drives. Picnics available on request. Complimentary WiFi.
* Denotes local charge.
Based on 2489 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (2236)
Very good (194)
Average (37)
Poor (16)
Terrible (6)
Wonderful wild life experience!
Jan 18, 2025EllenLoasby
We loved our 2-day stay at Pumba! The game reserve is in beautiful and varied surroundings, our bedrooms were gorgeous, private, with all the facilities one could want, including a plunge pool and terrace to watch more wild life from. The communal areas are well laid out, service is friendly, professional and helpful and our ranger was awesome,… Read more
We loved our 2-day stay at Pumba! The game reserve is in beautiful and varied surroundings, our bedrooms were gorgeous, private, with all the facilities one could want, including a plunge pool and terrace to watch more wild life from. The communal areas are well laid out, service is friendly, professional and helpful and our ranger was awesome, very knowledgeable and fun to be with. Can't fault it! We'd go back and stay 3 nights next time! Read less
Honeymoon
Jan 12, 2025Lamurph_93
We visited Pumba Private Game Reserve on 25-29th December 2024 for part of our honeymoon and everything was perfect. Our game driver Cleo was so knowledgable and made sure we saw all of the animals. We stayed at the bush lodge; our room, the food, the staff, the service was amazing from start to finish. On our final night the staff set up a… Read more
We visited Pumba Private Game Reserve on 25-29th December 2024 for part of our honeymoon and everything was perfect. Our game driver Cleo was so knowledgable and made sure we saw all of the animals. We stayed at the bush lodge; our room, the food, the staff, the service was amazing from start to finish. On our final night the staff set up a private dining experience which was lovely. The staff couldn’t do anything more for us. We had such a great trip, we will definitely return for our anniversary. Read less
5 Stars all the way
Jan 4, 2025Ian HHull
5 stars all the way; food, room with a view (elephant, pumba, zebra, wildebeest, impala, pumba, hippo, birds) comfort, facilities, fabulous staff. But the real stars of the show are the animals and Philip, our ultra-knowledgable ranger, who together went above and beyond to give us magical unforgettable memories of this beautiful place and its… Read more
5 stars all the way; food, room with a view (elephant, pumba, zebra, wildebeest, impala, pumba, hippo, birds) comfort, facilities, fabulous staff. But the real stars of the show are the animals and Philip, our ultra-knowledgable ranger, who together went above and beyond to give us magical unforgettable memories of this beautiful place and its residents. Thank you Pumba. If you get the chance to come, ignore the expense and do it. Read less
Relaxin mg 3 day visit
Dec 30, 2024Clare52_10Leeds, United Kingdom
Excellent 2nd visit to Pumba. We stayed in the Waterlodge this time and our lodge was spacious, clean and had wonderful views. We stayed over Christmas and it felt very relaxing. Our ranger Lena did an amazing job seeking out all the animals we wanted to see and we really enjoyed her company. Food was good - we weren’t hungry the whole time!
Safari
Dec 30, 2024eithnemsloanNewry, United Kingdom
Brilliant vacation, accommodation was amazing. We had a lovely friendly very accommodating female guide taking us on our game drives. Only down side, as a daily walker , we couldn’t leave the accommodation for a stroll 😥
Wonderful wild life experience!