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
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2086)
  • Very good (188)
  • Average (37)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceeded All Our Expectations!

Nov 27, 2023 777Traveller1000 Cardiff

This safari camp deserves every reward that it has won and more! The rooms are magnificent and will blow you away! The only thing you may regret is not staying longer! We were lucky to stay in the room that Nelson Mandela stayed in - ask for room A if you would like this and it is also closest to the facilities whilst also being very… Read more
This safari camp deserves every reward that it has won and more! The rooms are magnificent and will blow you away! The only thing you may regret is not staying longer! We were lucky to stay in the room that Nelson Mandela stayed in - ask for room A if you would like this and it is also closest to the facilities whilst also being very quiet! Staff here are so helpful without being intrusive and the food here is the best we have sampled in Africa! The menu changes every day offering lots of choice all cooked to a high standard. The game drives are phenomenal - thank you to our ranger Matthew who ensured we saw all the Big 5 and plenty more! He really went out of his way to try and get everyone’s wishes covered whilst out on the drives. The drink stops are also great - you just cannot imagine standing with a drink and having a giraffe pass by! If it is cold or wet the rangers provide ponchos which are very welcomed if the weather turns at any point so all avenues are covered. We loved that after each game drive we were welcomed back with a welcome drink and we all sat by the Boma Fire to keep warm! It was a real nice way to relax after your drive with the whole group and share stories from what we just saw out on the game drives. We also really appreciated the totally casual dress here - you can go straight into dinner off your game drive without needing to change from your game drive clothing - it was great because Safari is busy and time is not on your side for such things so casual attire was great for Safari! The staff go above and beyond and every whim is catered for. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD

Nov 24, 2023 489malcolmt Holywood, United Kingdom

What a fantastic experience! First class facilities, food, staff and surroundings. But the safaris- OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD. You get so close to the animals in their natural environment. We had Hedman as our guide and he was brilliant. A very knowledgeable, likeable and pleasant man who made the safari a joy. His knowledge of the animals and… Read more
What a fantastic experience! First class facilities, food, staff and surroundings. But the safaris- OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD. You get so close to the animals in their natural environment. We had Hedman as our guide and he was brilliant. A very knowledgeable, likeable and pleasant man who made the safari a joy. His knowledge of the animals and finding them for us was exceptional. He didn’t over talk but just enough to make it interesting and informative. He located all the big 5 animals and more stopping to leave us to enjoy the experience. We hope to return soon.. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful experience

Nov 24, 2023 PamperPrincesses WIGAN

We stayed for 3 nights at the end of our travels along the garden route. We received a warm friendly welcome- we parked our car in a secure car park and were transported to the lodge via a jeep. We were shown around the beautiful property and public areas before going to our chalet. The chalet was was fantastic with a beautiful private plunge pool… Read more
We stayed for 3 nights at the end of our travels along the garden route. We received a warm friendly welcome- we parked our car in a secure car park and were transported to the lodge via a jeep. We were shown around the beautiful property and public areas before going to our chalet. The chalet was was fantastic with a beautiful private plunge pool which overlooked the watering hole (where we saw elephants giraffes rhino lions and many more animals ). The food was lovely and beautifully served. All the staff were brilliant throughout. The safari drives are very bumpy due to uneven tracks, but this didn't bother us & we soon got used to them . An early start for the morning drives were well worth it . Our Ranger - Matthew -was a brilliant guy and very knowledgeable. - we were named the RRF (The retired ranger force!!) We built a lovely rapport with him and as well as being good company during our drives, he made our morning & evening drink stops interesting & fun. Matthew worked hard to find the animals, and managed to find all of the Big 5, as well as many other beautiful animals . The highlight was finding the 2 male cheetahs during our last morning drive & hearing the lions roar from our bedroom in the early morning .. this is what memories are made of ! The only disappointment was the hotel shop . We were hoping to buy lots of souvenirs (fridge magnets, key rings , baseball caps etc for the grandchildren) but it was very sparsely and poorly stocked with tatty jewellery- an opportunity missed by the reserve as a well stocked shop would assist with the upkeep of the property. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wow

Nov 23, 2023 jamesmb155 Birmingham, United Kingdom

Our Three days here created memories of a lifetime. We enjoyed 6 game drives with our ranger, Headman. The defender jeep took us around the reserve and up close for fabulous sightings of so many animals. White and tawny lions, cheetah, rhinos,elephants,tortoises, impala,hippopotamus,monkeys and bamboos and many more. The food was plentiful and… Read more
Our Three days here created memories of a lifetime. We enjoyed 6 game drives with our ranger, Headman. The defender jeep took us around the reserve and up close for fabulous sightings of so many animals. White and tawny lions, cheetah, rhinos,elephants,tortoises, impala,hippopotamus,monkeys and bamboos and many more. The food was plentiful and varied and we were well looked after. The rooms and bathrooms are large and spacious. There is a thoughtful turn down service. You leave your car in a safe carpark on the edge of the reserve and return 3 days later. For us 3 nights was the perfect time to spend here. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 4 of the big 5 were seen pretty regularly on the drives and just about every animal you could think of

Nov 20, 2023 richjane16 Inverness, United Kingdom

There is nothing about this 3 day visit which was not 5 star . It was everything we had hoped it would be and some Great accommodation wonderful food and drink and knowledgeable Rangers. All staff so pleasant and helpful it was hard to leave