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 2576 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (2318)
Very good (196)
Average (39)
Poor (17)
Terrible (6)
Stop what you are doing and book immediately
Aug 30, 2025rnorri959196
Everything about Pumba Water lodge is amazing. The room was beautiful- the private pool was a welcome surprise. The staff are amazing. Lots of small touches and regular cleaning of the room too. The spa was lovely. The game drives are great- very private and not many guests per jeep- you have a drink stop on each one and the rangers go above and…
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Everything about Pumba Water lodge is amazing. The room was beautiful- the private pool was a welcome surprise. The staff are amazing. Lots of small touches and regular cleaning of the room too. The spa was lovely. The game drives are great- very private and not many guests per jeep- you have a drink stop on each one and the rangers go above and beyond to make sure you see lots of animals. The reserve is huge and it is exciting when you do find a lion! The food is great with a really good menu selection each day- we did all inclusive. The restaurant area is lovely with beautiful views.
We had the best ever time here and would not hesitate to recommend.
Really hope we can return one day.
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An unforgettable Safari Experience At the Pumba Game Reserve
Aug 28, 2025Bekki R
Our recent visit to Pumba Game Reserve was nothing short of spectacular! The safari experience was out of this world. Denise, our ranger, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many fascinating facts about the wildlife and the reserve. Her passion and expertise truly enhanced our adventure.
The service throughout our stay was of the highest…
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Our recent visit to Pumba Game Reserve was nothing short of spectacular! The safari experience was out of this world. Denise, our ranger, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many fascinating facts about the wildlife and the reserve. Her passion and expertise truly enhanced our adventure.
The service throughout our stay was of the highest standard. The lodge was stunning, offering the most amazing views and was impeccably clean. Every detail was thoughtfully attended to, making our stay comfortable and memorable.
The staff were all lovely and very friendly, always ready with a smile and eager to assist. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our visit and can't wait to return. Highly recommend Pumba Game Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience!
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Magical!!
Aug 27, 2025BoutrosGhaliDurham, United Kingdom
Spent the last 4 days of our South African adventure at Pumba, and most definitely saved the best until last.
Stunning, authentic, beautiful, bags of charm, it’s simply a magical place.
The landscape and park itself is varied and picturesque, so the first impressions were fantastic from the minute we arrived.
The lodges and accommodation are…
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Spent the last 4 days of our South African adventure at Pumba, and most definitely saved the best until last.
Stunning, authentic, beautiful, bags of charm, it’s simply a magical place.
The landscape and park itself is varied and picturesque, so the first impressions were fantastic from the minute we arrived.
The lodges and accommodation are quite superb, situated on the bank of the river/lake with views over the reserve, the luxury and attention to detail inside is outstanding.
The communal area, where meals are served, is equally as impressive, the food and service are very, very good.
Then there’s the safari’s and the encounters with the stars of the show, the wildlife, two per day, morning and late afternoon, each lasting around 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The rangers expertly guide you through the terrain where we were up close with zebra, giraffe, rhino, elephants, hippopotamus and the stunning white lions, truly a spectacular experience.
Whilst the animals in the reserve are undoubtedly the main attraction I would say the thing that elevates Pumba is the staff, genuine, friendly, professional, attentive, they could not do anymore and are the major factor in how good the Pumba experience is.
I would like one final, special mention for our Ranger for the 4 days, Philip. A fabulously engaging, interesting, funny, entertaining and knowledgeable guy whose passion for what he does shines through and made this even more special, what a legend!!
In summary my wife, daughter and I could not have enjoyed this anymore, it exceeded all expectations and was the perfect end to a memorable South African trip.
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The most amazing experience
Aug 22, 2025Daniel KBroxbourne, United Kingdom
My wife and i along with our 2 daughters visited Pumba on the 12th of August and never wanted to leave. It is hard to do justice to just how amazing our stay was with mere words. From our arrival to our special breakfast before our departure, the whole experience was sublime. The main lodge is so beautiful and cosy, the accommodation rooms…
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My wife and i along with our 2 daughters visited Pumba on the 12th of August and never wanted to leave. It is hard to do justice to just how amazing our stay was with mere words. From our arrival to our special breakfast before our departure, the whole experience was sublime. The main lodge is so beautiful and cosy, the accommodation rooms themselves equally so. The attention to detail and service received is second to none. They have thought of everything, and go above and beyond with little touches and nothing is too much trouble. I could go on forever about all the different aspects and how much we loved them, but primarily the staff were so wonderful, with special mention to those you can see in the photograph, Zenale, Sopi, Athi, Gabi etc were so wonderful!!!!! and then we have the main man, Prince our ranger, who was magnificent. He was so good and absolutely brilliant with my 2 girls and went out of his way to ensure our trip was as amazing as it was. He is a special guy and cannot thank him enough.
This short review is a mere taste of how truly wonderful our trip was, one that all 4 of us will never forget. We dearly hope to return one day and experience it all again.
Thank you so much again to everyone at Pumba and especially Prince
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Making memories in Africa
Aug 13, 2025nanaransom2014Dawlish, United Kingdom
An Amazing experience with amazing people and animals.Words are not enough to express such a wonderful adventure.
Stop what you are doing and book immediately