Pumba Private Game Reserve

The place and the staff exceeded our expectation in every way. Nothing was too much trouble. Their attention to detail was phenomenal. Game drives, spa treatments, excellent meals. The weather wasn't ideal for game drives, but they took that into account. So many sightings to tick off. We are avid birders, and spotted some good ones. They found out it was my partners birthday while there and made him feel special with a cake and singalong. Read less

Amazing balance of 5 star accomodation and service along with amazing game drives. Small numbers of vehicles at any one spot, small numbers of guests in each vehicle (we had our own game truck much of our 4 days there. Food was amazing, all meals. and staff are amazing. Big call out to our Guide: Hedman: you are THE BEST! We loved Hedman, so welcoming, so well able to tailor his info and chats with each group of animals and guests! We loved both the animal viewing with him, but also the game drive stops for snacks and drinks. one day we had snacks in the company of 5 rhino, literally 50m away from us in the wide open plains. big call out that our kids (17 & 15) did not fancy game drives before this holiday - they LOVED the time in pumba so so much. Read less

Myself and my husband travelled from Ireland and spent 3 nights in Pumba during our honeymoon. And it honestly was the best part of our entire honeymoon throughout South Africa as well as Mauritius. On arrival to our bush lodge there was a bottle of champagne and a happy honeymoon platter in our room. The room was lovely and big and had views of the plain. It had a plunge pool and big decking with 2 sun loungers. We managed to get 6 game drives in and each drive was incredible. Our ranger Headman was so knowledgeable and taught us a great deal in between searching for the animals. We saw every animal bar the cheetah which he tried very hard for us to find. Every drive was amazing and such an incredible experience to see all the animals in their natural habitat. Our morning game drive started at 7am. We would start off the morning with some tea and coffee prior to leaving and little toasted sandwiches as well if you wanted. Best thing was the hot water bottles to take with us on the drive as it was very cold in the mornings! We’d get back usually around 10am and we’d have breakfast and then rest of the morning/afternoon to relax. One afternoon we spent relaxing on our decking at the bush lodge. Looking over the plain while in the plunge pool and seeing animals around the plain from baboons, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and rhinos it was incredible to see. The other afternoon we went for a couples massage which was nice and relaxing and use their sauna which was private to us. Our evening/afternoon drives started at about 1530 and we got back about 1800ish. Again each drive was incredible and Headman would tell us a great deal. Stopping off for sundowners was lovely too and one occasion a Mother rhino and her baby approached us while we were all out of the jeep. Headman was amazing and advised us on exactly what to do. It was such an incredible moment that myself and my husband will never forget. Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners were all lovely and really couldn’t fault any of the staff. They were all very attentive. Plenty of options for breakfast and lunch. Dinner menu was slightly smaller to choose from but still nice all the same. Coming back to our lodge after our dinner was lovely, the fire was lit one evening and hot water bottles would be left in our beds for us every night. We were both so sad leaving Pumba as it honestly was the most incredible experience from start to finish. We can’t wait to go back some day. Read less