Pumba Private Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Star rating

Impala chalet at Water Lodge
Gemsbok Chalet at Water Lodge
Kudu Suite at Water Lodge
Water Lodge
Lodge Deck
Bush Lodge
Pool at Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge Chalet
Bush Lodge Chalet
A video preview image
Impala chalet at Water Lodge
Gemsbok Chalet at Water Lodge
Kudu Suite at Water Lodge
Water Lodge
Lodge Deck
Bush Lodge
Pool at Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge Chalet
Bush Lodge Chalet

The hotel

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.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2374)
  • Very good (196)
  • Average (41)
  • Poor (17)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unbelievable experience

Mar 5, 2026 CherylB442 Cardiff, United Kingdom

Wow what can I say apart from absolutely amazing, from the time we arrived to the time we left we were treated like royalty. Nothing was too much trouble and the staff bent over backwards to accommodate, oh and we saw the BIG 5 its a 5☆ but to be honest thats an understatement if it was 10/10 I would say 20/10
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pumba Bush Lodge you lived up to my expectations and so much more! Fabulous trip, cannot recommend it highly enough

Mar 4, 2026 Gill M

We visited in February 2026 and absolutely everything about our stay was fantastic. We arrived around lunch time and after checking in we were shown to our lodge - what an amazing place, a totally private view onto the game reserve with our own sun bathing deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower. We joined the afternoon game drive with the head… Read more
We visited in February 2026 and absolutely everything about our stay was fantastic. We arrived around lunch time and after checking in we were shown to our lodge - what an amazing place, a totally private view onto the game reserve with our own sun bathing deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower. We joined the afternoon game drive with the head ranger, Cameron, and another two couples. Seeing the animals in their natural habitat was just awesome. You get two game drives a day, one leaving at 06:30 and one at 16:30, the rangers have incredible knowledge and can easily spot things that you might miss - we have so many photos and videos of all the different animals up close and personal. We did the star gazing and the ranger was able to point out lots that we may have missed. You keep the same ranger for your whole visit so by our last afternoon it was just us and Cameron, and what a fantastic day we had. The morning was the lions and white lions and more lions who were all happy to show up for their photo shoot. But in the afternoon we managed to see lots that we had seen before including hippopotamuses, rhinos, lions, elephants, zebra, impalas, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, but also buffalo and cheetahs just after they had made a kill! What a totally fantastic place to do safari. A massage in the spa is a must - I had two they were so good! The restaurant had a relatively limited choice but all the dishes were fantastic. The staff couldn’t do enough for you - in summary - stunning location, amazing experience and the best team to look after you on safari and in the lodges! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pumba game reserve

Mar 3, 2026 P1811JUmichellew

Wow wow wow . Thats all I can say we saw 4 of the big 5 and lots more, and our guide 'Wez' was so good made the experince even more excting . Highly recomened. PUMBA is the game reserve to go. A must . The West family
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Trip of a lifetime!

Mar 2, 2026 JosHowell Northwood, United Kingdom

Wow what a place! This was such a special trip. We saw so many amazing animals and our guide was fantastic. The people, the place, the animals. I didn’t want to leave
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Absolutely amazing

Feb 27, 2026 Kim C

Absolutely amazing experience with exceptional service and wonderful staff. Accommodation is absolutely first class with amazing food and hospitality . Feels very personalised . Games drives are twice a day and our ranger Mbouti was brilliant, his knowledge was first class and he made us feel very relaxed. It really was a first class experience… Read more
Absolutely amazing experience with exceptional service and wonderful staff. Accommodation is absolutely first class with amazing food and hospitality . Feels very personalised . Games drives are twice a day and our ranger Mbouti was brilliant, his knowledge was first class and he made us feel very relaxed. It really was a first class experience and one we will never forget. Read less