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
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2192)
  • Very good (194)
  • Average (37)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing

Oct 5, 2024 marcoislandfl Tenerife, Spain

Sublime, wonderful Pumba, I returned with my daughter, after 10 years as a memory trip , loosing my husband 2 years ago, we always wanted to return. Hospitality, luxury accommodation , Food superb , service in restaurant five star plus, even if last leaving smiles all the time , from hard working well trained staff. Safari drives, rangers we… Read more
Sublime, wonderful Pumba, I returned with my daughter, after 10 years as a memory trip , loosing my husband 2 years ago, we always wanted to return. Hospitality, luxury accommodation , Food superb , service in restaurant five star plus, even if last leaving smiles all the time , from hard working well trained staff. Safari drives, rangers we had GREAT!😜😜😜 I cannot thank you all enough for my memory trip back to Pumba for my 80 th birthday, please please book this paradise Safari , you will not be dissapointed Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Outstanding Experience

Oct 3, 2024 gregmarkham49

An outstanding experience, amazing hospitality, incredible accommodation and excellent Game Drives and wildlife experiences! A morning and evening game drive is included, prepare to layer up as it gets cold, but there are hot water bottles and ponchoes provided, but you may still need extra clothing. Any sighting is managed so no more than 2… Read more
An outstanding experience, amazing hospitality, incredible accommodation and excellent Game Drives and wildlife experiences! A morning and evening game drive is included, prepare to layer up as it gets cold, but there are hot water bottles and ponchoes provided, but you may still need extra clothing. Any sighting is managed so no more than 2 vehicles are present with the animals at any time. The lodges are fantastic, the team are exemplary with first class service and great food and drink, all included. Our Ranger was amazing, getting us up close with all the animals without compromising their environment. Would definitely recommend! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pumba Reserve

Oct 2, 2024 Exploration622463

Luxurious accommodation overlooking the lake. Small and intimate reserve with plenty of wildlife including the big 5. Special mention to our ranger Mzi who was not only able to seek out elusive animals but shared his conservation knowledge with us.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating overall enjoyable

Oct 1, 2024 hadassa62024

Even if the animals hide themselves very well in the winter (September), the accomodation itself is just fantastic & it was just so adventures to look out for every sign of one of the big five - we saw four of them in three days. The fifth who is missing is the lepard which will also in other parks be very difficult to spot.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A truely wonderful experience

Sep 30, 2024 Srem29 Liverpool

Stayed 3 days at Pumba Water Lodge and what a special 3 days it was. From the moment we pulled up at the main gate to leaving, it was an experience like no other. Staff were amazing, our lodge was just heaven overlooking the watering hole so we watched plenty of animals from our balcony. The game drives were just amazing and big thanks to Cleo who… Read more
Stayed 3 days at Pumba Water Lodge and what a special 3 days it was. From the moment we pulled up at the main gate to leaving, it was an experience like no other. Staff were amazing, our lodge was just heaven overlooking the watering hole so we watched plenty of animals from our balcony. The game drives were just amazing and big thanks to Cleo who was so knowledgeable and gave us memories to last a lifetime. It was lovely going back to our lodge after our evening meal to find fire on and hot water bottles in the bed. We have never been so well looked after. It was just incredible from start to finish. Read less