Pumba Private Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Virgin rating

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

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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2125)
  • Very good (191)
  • Average (37)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect Pumba ❤️

Mar 22, 2024 KennyHelen United Kingdom

What an amazing time we’ve had! Pumba is absolutely stunning ❤️ We stayed in a Lake lodge which was beautiful and spacious. The dining areas & food is excellent. The staff are amazing and attentive. And Q!! our safari guide was just THE BEST. He is new to Pumba and we were his first guests. He did a fabulous job and made our safari experience… Read more
What an amazing time we’ve had! Pumba is absolutely stunning ❤️ We stayed in a Lake lodge which was beautiful and spacious. The dining areas & food is excellent. The staff are amazing and attentive. And Q!! our safari guide was just THE BEST. He is new to Pumba and we were his first guests. He did a fabulous job and made our safari experience just perfect. He’s super knowledgeable, good fun and a true gentleman. We couldn’t believe his knowledge! We will always remember our interesting chats, laughs, and of course morning coffee and sunset drinks! Thank you Q and to all Pumba staff for making our stay such an amazing memory we will always treasure. Helen & Kenny from no.5 xxx Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good times at this friendly and welcoming game reserve

Mar 22, 2024 Dsgfsh essex

We had a great time at this reserve. It was our first time on safari, everything was well managed, we felt totally relaxed and taken care of. We didn’t manage to see all of the big 5 but appreciated that they limit the amount of animals in a responsible way. We would definitely recommend this reserve, especially as a first time safari. The lodges… Read more
We had a great time at this reserve. It was our first time on safari, everything was well managed, we felt totally relaxed and taken care of. We didn’t manage to see all of the big 5 but appreciated that they limit the amount of animals in a responsible way. We would definitely recommend this reserve, especially as a first time safari. The lodges are stunning and the service excellent. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfection in the Wild

Mar 20, 2024 petapiper Reading, United Kingdom

I’ve just returned from my fourth time staying at Pumba Water Lodge and as usual it never fails to impress. Thomas our ranger was superb and I cannot praise him enough for his tracking and information of animals, birdlife and flora. Dining is a delight with an excellent choice on the menus each day. I also cannot praise the staff running this… Read more
I’ve just returned from my fourth time staying at Pumba Water Lodge and as usual it never fails to impress. Thomas our ranger was superb and I cannot praise him enough for his tracking and information of animals, birdlife and flora. Dining is a delight with an excellent choice on the menus each day. I also cannot praise the staff running this lodge enough, they’re so helpful and always happy and friendly. I’m already planning my next visit. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous!

Mar 20, 2024 donnabO7399VN

We stayed at The Water Lodge for a couple of nights at the end of February. Our whole experience at Pumba was just fabulous. The accommodation was beautiful, with a terrace overlooking the lake, just stunning. The staff were so friendly and efficient and we have to give a special mention to our ranger Mzi who was exceptional and made our game… Read more
We stayed at The Water Lodge for a couple of nights at the end of February. Our whole experience at Pumba was just fabulous. The accommodation was beautiful, with a terrace overlooking the lake, just stunning. The staff were so friendly and efficient and we have to give a special mention to our ranger Mzi who was exceptional and made our game drive experiences so memorable with his knowledge, charm and love for the animals. We would definitely recommend! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating You must experience Pumba!

Mar 18, 2024 Rick F Exeter, United Kingdom

We loved absolutely everything about our stay! It far exceeded our expectations - location, room, food, game drives, staff professionalism and friendliness were all absolutely outstanding. The fact that we are already booking another stay with our daughters and partners in December says it all! We couldn't make any higher recommendation - you have… Read more
We loved absolutely everything about our stay! It far exceeded our expectations - location, room, food, game drives, staff professionalism and friendliness were all absolutely outstanding. The fact that we are already booking another stay with our daughters and partners in December says it all! We couldn't make any higher recommendation - you have to experience Pumba! Read less