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 2566 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (2308)
Very good (196)
Average (39)
Poor (17)
Terrible (6)
Our stay at Pumba. Gorgeous place
Jul 22, 2025Tania MGreater Johannesburg, South Africa
Over the past several experiences on safari here, we've noticed a shift in the quality of the safari rangers. While there's no shortage of amazing wildlife and scenery to see, the guides are starting to let the place down. Compared to earlier visits, we've found the guides to be tired, showing less interest, and overall, the safari experience is…
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Over the past several experiences on safari here, we've noticed a shift in the quality of the safari rangers. While there's no shortage of amazing wildlife and scenery to see, the guides are starting to let the place down. Compared to earlier visits, we've found the guides to be tired, showing less interest, and overall, the safari experience is starting to decline. Despite the abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, the diminishing enthusiasm and energy from the guides detracted from what could've been an even more memorable trip
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An amazing time with incredible memories
Jul 20, 2025Emma W
We had an incredible time at Pumba Water Lodge. The location by the river is stunning and the staff were so helpful and friendly. The food was amazing and accommodation was immaculate. Our guide, Headman, was fascinating to listen to and we learnt so much from him. We made some incredible memories during our stay, thank you all so much.
Incredible
Jul 20, 2025ian r
What a fantastic experience. Everything surpassed our expectation. The accommodation and quality of the restaurant was excellent with amazing staff . The safari with our brilliant ranger Zuks being beyond incredible seeing the big 5 and many other . The memories of our time at Pumba Lodge will remain forever.
Ian and Maggie Roberts
Honeymoon visit
Jul 18, 2025KFM2907Motherwell, United Kingdom
From the moment we arrived, the experience was exceptional. The staff were incredible—genuinely friendly, happy, and always eager to help, which made us feel completely at home. The team who work at Pumba are some of the nicest people we have had the pleasure of meeting & everyone made you feel so welcome.
Our room was stunning, with a…
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From the moment we arrived, the experience was exceptional. The staff were incredible—genuinely friendly, happy, and always eager to help, which made us feel completely at home. The team who work at Pumba are some of the nicest people we have had the pleasure of meeting & everyone made you feel so welcome.
Our room was stunning, with a breathtaking view that we never got tired of. We were in room K of the Bush Lodge which was the last one at the end of the row. It has a great view of the full valley where we enjoyed sitting watching zebra, Giraffes and plenty Impala. The turn-down service was next-level: every evening we returned to find the fire lit, blinds drawn, a tablet placed neatly on the bed, and even hot water bottles tucked in—such thoughtful touches that made a huge difference.
The food? Absolutely out of this world. Every meal was a culinary highlight, beautifully prepared and delicious. The menu changes every night which is brilliant as it means you get such a variety to choose from. Breakfast is incredible & everything tastes so fresh.
A special mention goes to our ranger - Prince. He was not only extremely knowledgeable but also warm, engaging, and clearly passionate about both the job and the animals. It truly elevated our entire experience. The reserve puts so much into looking after the guest and it really shows. Coming off your game drive in both the morning & evening, you’re treated with fresh warm hand towels and in the morning, a hot water bottle on your seat.
What a fantastic stay & the most incredible start to our honeymoon - we were even treated with a bottle of bubbly and some chocolates.
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Fantastic family weekend away at Pumba
Jul 16, 2025Journey34881974478
We had a spectacular time at Pumba. This was for most of us the first time visiting a private game reserve (we spent 2 nights) and Pumba did not disappoint! The facilites were wonderful and service was top notch. Of course sightings were amazing as well. Highly recomend Pumba for an experience that you won't forget!
Our stay at Pumba. Gorgeous place
