Pumba Private Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Virgin rating

Impala chalet at Water Lodge
Gemsbok Chalet at Water Lodge
Kudu Suite at Water Lodge
Water Lodge
Lodge Deck
Bush Lodge
Pool at Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge Chalet
Bush Lodge Chalet
A video preview image
Impala chalet at Water Lodge
Gemsbok Chalet at Water Lodge
Kudu Suite at Water Lodge
Water Lodge
Lodge Deck
Bush Lodge
Pool at Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge Chalet
Bush Lodge Chalet

The hotel

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.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2214)
  • Very good (194)
  • Average (37)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect honeymoon

Nov 18, 2024 BenScho23 Berwick upon Tweed, United Kingdom

Our first safari experience couldn’t have been better. The drives were relaxed and informative and the quality of the lodge was exceptional. The staff were incredible and we wished we stayed longer!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best place we have ever stayed

Nov 15, 2024 Gregpoole27 Reading, United Kingdom

I don’t have the words to describe how incredible this trip was. It was our first time doing a safari and it definitely won’t be the last. We have to shout out our guide Zuks who was super knowledgeable, very respectful of the animals whilst still giving us some of the best opportunities to see them in action. Some of the highlights were a cheetah… Read more
I don’t have the words to describe how incredible this trip was. It was our first time doing a safari and it definitely won’t be the last. We have to shout out our guide Zuks who was super knowledgeable, very respectful of the animals whilst still giving us some of the best opportunities to see them in action. Some of the highlights were a cheetah hunt, being 20 metres from the lions, seeing a baby elephant and baby giraffe, and seeing such a multitude of animals. He was phenomenal and we could not have asked for more. The staff at pumba are wonderful - such excellent service and nothing is too much of an ask. They had the 5 star touch at every point including setting your towels and sunloungers out for the day for sunbathing, leaving a bed time story and fudge every night and remembering our favourite drinks for the evening. The food was delicious, a different menu every evening and excellent lunch options, the waiters and waitresses couldn’t do enough. To sum it up this was truly one of the best places we have ever stayed, we will absolutely return. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Feels like we have just lived a dream ❤️

Nov 13, 2024 789janer Staffordshire, United Kingdom

All I can say is WOW what a trip. South Africa you are a beautiful place. The icing on the cake for us was Pumba ❤️from the moment we arrived we saw animals. Our water lodge accommodation was fabulous very authentic, nothing wasn’t catered for your own binoculars, plunge pool, bed turn down with chocs, stories left on your pillow and the fire lit… Read more
All I can say is WOW what a trip. South Africa you are a beautiful place. The icing on the cake for us was Pumba ❤️from the moment we arrived we saw animals. Our water lodge accommodation was fabulous very authentic, nothing wasn’t catered for your own binoculars, plunge pool, bed turn down with chocs, stories left on your pillow and the fire lit with hot water bottles in the bed bliss. The staff in Pumba are extremely friendly and attentive with nothing too much trouble. With two game drives per day our Ranger Thomas was extremely knowledgeable and keen to share this with us and had hawk eyes spotting the animals . We saw everything. The morning coffee in the bush and afternoon bar was a plus. Big shout out Thomas you were amazing and if we get the chance to come back we will definitely be asking for you thankyou for being so wonderful ❤️. Everyone should take the visit to the 7 fountains foundation and go with the fabulous courageous and inspirational Norma who works hard to improve lives ❤️. Added a few pics but there are many and we were so close too all of them. Just can’t say enough for Pumba and SA we love you thanks ❤️❤️xx Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Magical Stay

Nov 12, 2024 Kathi121

Our stay at Pumba was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I’ve been to many different lodges and game reserves before and this was definitively at the very top of the list. The lodge is magnificent and the staff definitely goes the extra mile for their guests. Our rangers were highly experienced, very knowledgeable and pleasant to be around, thank you! Highly… Read more
Our stay at Pumba was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I’ve been to many different lodges and game reserves before and this was definitively at the very top of the list. The lodge is magnificent and the staff definitely goes the extra mile for their guests. Our rangers were highly experienced, very knowledgeable and pleasant to be around, thank you! Highly recommend Pumba! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A wonderful stay

Nov 11, 2024 Michael H Belfast, United Kingdom

We visited Pumba for the second time to celebrate a 60th birthday, and a 30th wedding anniversary. It was a fantastic experience, and although the weather was unkind - with almost total rain the entire time we were there, the facilities, staff and accommodation were superb. Even the game drives still managed to find a variety of the animals and I… Read more
We visited Pumba for the second time to celebrate a 60th birthday, and a 30th wedding anniversary. It was a fantastic experience, and although the weather was unkind - with almost total rain the entire time we were there, the facilities, staff and accommodation were superb. Even the game drives still managed to find a variety of the animals and I probably got the best photo I have ever taken! We will be back. Read less