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.
Based on 2481 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (2228)
Very good (194)
Average (37)
Poor (16)
Terrible (6)
Pumba fulfilled my wife’s ambition and more!
Dec 8, 2024Michael CFleet, United Kingdom
Pumba fulfilled my wife’s ambition and more!
The staff couldn’t do enough to make the stay relaxing and rewarding. We stayed for four nights and even with 8 safari’s they all generated differing results whether it was a stroppy elephant, the elegance of the giraffes, seeking out and finding Lions, the playful Vervet moneys plus the many other…
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Pumba fulfilled my wife’s ambition and more!
The staff couldn’t do enough to make the stay relaxing and rewarding. We stayed for four nights and even with 8 safari’s they all generated differing results whether it was a stroppy elephant, the elegance of the giraffes, seeking out and finding Lions, the playful Vervet moneys plus the many other species in the park: Zebra, Impala, Warthogs, Hippopotamus’, Rhinoceros, many birds and more. Msi our safari guide proved to very informative and interested in both the Fauna and Flora much to our liking.
The accommodation was excellent offering a view over the lake and able to see elephants taking a mud bath and playful monkeys on the far bank.
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Fabulous 3 days on safari
Dec 7, 2024susansZ3674FH
Everything about this place has been amazing. We have able to see so many animals very close up as the rangers are so good at spotting them. Of course it's much smaller than the national parks, but that means you do get more chance to see everything. The lodge is really lovely with everything you could want. If it's not there, just ask. Really…
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Everything about this place has been amazing. We have able to see so many animals very close up as the rangers are so good at spotting them. Of course it's much smaller than the national parks, but that means you do get more chance to see everything. The lodge is really lovely with everything you could want. If it's not there, just ask. Really recommend this trip.
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Unbelievable resort
Dec 5, 2024alanhB2111YI
Absolutely wonderful stay, the staff are excellent, the accommodation is surprisingly spacious and well equipped as well as being remote from other residents. I am a semi-professional photographer and was able to get some incredible photos that are now selling on Getty Images. We saw 4 of the Big 5 but the diversity of the wildlife is amazing and…
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Absolutely wonderful stay, the staff are excellent, the accommodation is surprisingly spacious and well equipped as well as being remote from other residents. I am a semi-professional photographer and was able to get some incredible photos that are now selling on Getty Images. We saw 4 of the Big 5 but the diversity of the wildlife is amazing and you get really close.
Very few improvements to suggest. some attention to detail where lodge taps, walls etc have been damaged. An environmentally friendly method of heating the plunge pools and swimming pool would be appreciated.
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Incredible
Dec 5, 2024CainT826
This was our first stay at a game reserve and it was absolutely incredible. All the staff were so attentive and delivered an amazing service! The food at every meal is exquisite! The rooms were amazing and the cleanliness was spot on. Even after heavy rain slowly come through the roof (due to damage caused by the monkeys) the staff were very…
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This was our first stay at a game reserve and it was absolutely incredible. All the staff were so attentive and delivered an amazing service! The food at every meal is exquisite! The rooms were amazing and the cleanliness was spot on. Even after heavy rain slowly come through the roof (due to damage caused by the monkeys) the staff were very apologetic and provided extra towels and fixed the roof the next day! The game drives were amazing and just overall our stay couldn’t have been better!
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Superb
Nov 30, 2024FartFinderStanmore, United Kingdom
Having stayed at Shamwari before we assumed nothing could compete with their high standards.
We were wrong .We much preferred our stay at Water Lodge and half the price.The drives were unbelievable. The service superb and we loved our room with views of elephants lions across the lake.
A tip here lock your doors the clever monkeys know how to open…
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Having stayed at Shamwari before we assumed nothing could compete with their high standards.
We were wrong .We much preferred our stay at Water Lodge and half the price.The drives were unbelievable. The service superb and we loved our room with views of elephants lions across the lake.
A tip here lock your doors the clever monkeys know how to open them.
Every meal was excellent ok maybe not quite as good as Shamwari but not far off.
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Pumba fulfilled my wife’s ambition and more!