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 2605 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (2345)
Very good (196)
Average (41)
Poor (17)
Terrible (6)
Pumba water fabulous but watch the clwaners they steal from your room when your not there
Nov 11, 2025C6087WDdavidhBurscough, United Kingdom
The reserve and the drives were fabulous. The staff were mainly superb however the cleaning staff left a very sour taste to our stay. Not once but twice stole cash from our room and the room for our sister in law. The manager was informed after the first incident and it happened the following day as well. The amount taken was not huge to us but…
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The reserve and the drives were fabulous. The staff were mainly superb however the cleaning staff left a very sour taste to our stay. Not once but twice stole cash from our room and the room for our sister in law. The manager was informed after the first incident and it happened the following day as well. The amount taken was not huge to us but was a lot to the staff. Managerment were not very interested in sorting this out
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Pumba is Paradise
Nov 10, 2025SteDon7Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Everything about this a dream. The staff are warm, welcoming, lovely and helpful. The rooms are gorgeous, the food is wonderful and the game drives were out of this world. Our ranger Cleo was so informative and knowledgeable and made sure we got the very best experience in our 3 nights at Pumba. We were lucky enough to see a lion chase whilst…
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Everything about this a dream. The staff are warm, welcoming, lovely and helpful. The rooms are gorgeous, the food is wonderful and the game drives were out of this world. Our ranger Cleo was so informative and knowledgeable and made sure we got the very best experience in our 3 nights at Pumba. We were lucky enough to see a lion chase whilst eating breakfast on the decking one morning, which was extra special. Thanks to everyone at Pumba for our stay - a honeymoon that we’ll never forget.
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Wow!
Nov 9, 2025Chloe RWales, United Kingdom
Wow! What a beautiful place! Words can not describe how magical it is to go on a safari and see the different amazing animals! It was truly a wonderful experience. 100% recommend.
Amazing place!
Nov 7, 2025Za HArlon
It wasn't our first experience but we're still amazed. Everything was perfect, from accomodation to food quality and drives with as always a very skilled guide. So it wasn't our last visit either :)
If I could give more than 5 stars I would
Oct 31, 2025W1127TDkimmDun Laoghaire, Ireland
The Pumba Bush lodge was the highlight of our trip to South Africa. The lodges are stunning and we had one with a great view of the watering hole. You can shower and look at the animals there. Out of this world. The staff couldn't be nicer and go out of their way to do anything for you. There is so much to do when not on game drives I would…
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The Pumba Bush lodge was the highlight of our trip to South Africa. The lodges are stunning and we had one with a great view of the watering hole. You can shower and look at the animals there. Out of this world. The staff couldn't be nicer and go out of their way to do anything for you. There is so much to do when not on game drives I would advice you to take advantage of everything the lodge has to offer from the SPA to night games drives and the very special trip to Seven Fountains where the local children in the school and creche stole our heart putting on special performances for us. Mabhuse our game driver was exceptional he was so much fun and greeted us with a beaming smile and hot water bottles every morning. We saw so much with him over our 3 days. I was in awe of how close we were able to get to the animals. A life changing experience for an animal lover like myself. The food and wine were really good quality, even with me not eating meat there was always something tasty to have, even on the game drives with the yummy snacks. You definitely won't go hungry and staff will put what you want in the bar in your room. Lovely touch lighting the fire for us in the evening. It was such a special trip and I will definitely return. Well done Pumba. Kim and Ali x
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Pumba water fabulous but watch the clwaners they steal from your room when your not there
