Pumba Private Game Reserve

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Pumba Private Game Reserve | Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape | Virgin Atlantic Holidays

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

5 stars

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

Explore the local area

In the malaria-free region of the Eastern Cape. Driving time from Port Elizabeth Airport: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Hotel Information

Room Information
Room Upgrade 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.

Please note: Meal plan inclusions are defined by the hotel and are subject to change at any time without notice.

Hotel details

Facilities

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.

Additional Information

* Denotes local charge.

Trip advisor rating

4.9/5

2,685 reviews

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Excellent

90%

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Average

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“Out of this world”

Sep 15, 2026Rayc5962

Pumba private game reserve is truly 5+star safari resort The whole experience is true magical from rooms to food safari guides and pure luxury experience from start to finish Everyone has a smile on there faces The staff are the best The food is at the best you will eat The safari guide has the best knowledge and knows where to go and gives the best information about animals and the game reserve It’s a holiday me and my wife will never forget Thank you pumba

“Amazing”

Sep 04, 2026Plott64

Booked this for my wife’s 60th Birthday as she had always wanted to go on a Safari. The whole experience far exceeded our expectations, my wife had tears of joy after the first game drive. Sopho our ranger was so knowledgeable about the animals and their environment. The accommodation was outstanding and kept spotlessly clean. The plunge pool was magnificent and you could sit watching animals pass infront of you. We would like to thank everyone for making this a magnificent holiday for us and making it so special for my wife who will treasure it forever.

“Fantastic Experience”

Aug 29, 2026Sunshine806891

We had such a fantastic stay at Pumba Game Reserve. From the moment we arrived, the service was excellent. All of the staff were incredibly kind and friendly, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. There was never any waiting around for anything. The reserve itself is beautiful, and the communal areas are absolutely stunning. Coming back from a game drive to see the fires roaring was particularly special and really added to the atmosphere. Our room was very well equipped and was serviced several times throughout the day. The evening turn-down service, including a lit fire and hot water bottles, was such a lovely touch on a chilly evening. The mini bar was also very well stocked and there was everything we needed. The room itself is starting to feel a little tired in places, but the location, facilities, surroundings and level of service more than made up for this. We also used the gym and spa during our stay. I had an amazing treatment at the spa, which was incredibly relaxing and exceptional value for money. I would definitely recommend making use of the spa while you are there. Of course, the main reason for visiting Pumba is the wildlife, and this was absolutely incredible. From the moment you arrive, you are seeing animals everywhere. We saw wildlife from our lodge, during dinner and even heard the animals throughout the night. It was such an amazing experience and something we will never forget. The game drives were a real highlight, and our ranger, Denise, was exceptional. She had an incredible amount of knowledge about the reserve, the animals, plants and birds. She did everything she could to give us the best possible opportunities to see as much as possible, while always making sure we were comfortable and getting the experience we wanted. It was very clear that Denise genuinely loves the animals and understands their behaviour so well. She knew how to approach and observe them safely without disturbing or unsettling them, which made the game drives even more special. Denise added so much to our experience and is a real asset to the ranger team. We will never forget our time at Pumba. A huge thank you to all of the staff for the hard work that goes on around the clock. The effort everyone puts in to go above and beyond really did not go unnoticed. If you are considering booking a safari, we would absolutely recommend Pumba. We had an incredible experience and would love to return one day.

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Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. However, ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: https://www.atol.org/about-atol/atol-certificates.

This product offers you combinations of a hotel and flights at an inclusive price. This product enjoys the protection of the Package Travel, Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018.

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