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 (2387)
  • Very good (197)
  • Average (41)
  • Poor (17)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Honeymoon Safari

May 20, 2026 jessicajewelled Leicestershire, United Kingdom

We visited Pumba for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon and had an amazing experience overall. The little details, alongside the experienced and passionate staff, are what truly make this place so special. We stayed at the Water Lodge and our accommodation was even more beautiful in real life than the photos. Coming back to our room after dinner… Read more
We visited Pumba for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon and had an amazing experience overall. The little details, alongside the experienced and passionate staff, are what truly make this place so special. We stayed at the Water Lodge and our accommodation was even more beautiful in real life than the photos. Coming back to our room after dinner to find a lit fire and hot water bottles in the bed after evening game drives was such a thoughtful touch. We were also surprised with a handwritten card and a bottle of sparkling wine on our first night to celebrate our honeymoon, which made us feel incredibly welcomed. Unfortunately, there had been a huge amount of rain before we arrived, which seemed to have disrupted things slightly across the reserve. As a result, our check-in experience felt a little chaotic and communication could have been clearer on arrival. Our bags took quite a while to reach our room, meaning we didn’t have suitable clothing ready for our first drive after travelling, while also feeling a little rushed by staff due to timings. This was the only area where the service could perhaps be improved. A welcome drink on arrival would also be a lovely touch for a 5-star reserve. It’s also worth noting that it gets VERY cold on the drives and in the accommodation at this time of year. We definitely hadn’t prepared for quite how many layers we’d need! The restaurant could also become quite smoky in the evenings from the roaring open fires used to keep everyone warm. We really wished we’d packed differently, so just a little heads up for future guests — think lots of layers, a woolly hat and gloves for the game drives. Once we’d settled in, we truly had a magical stay. The animals on the reserve are so obviously well cared for, and the game drives were incredible. We saw every animal we’d hoped to see and more. We would also highly recommend the evening stargazing session, we’ve genuinely never seen anything quite like it thanks to the lack of light pollution. Thank you to the whole team for making our honeymoon so special and memorable. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing!!

May 19, 2026 moleywoley leicester

Absolutely fantastic! Beautiful lodges. Excellent Hospitality. Amazing views. Delicious food.Game drives were great. Saw loads of animals really close up. Went out twice a day. Rangers super knowledgeable. A big thank you to Mzi our Ranger who took us out and also Thomas who took us out despite the bad weather and still managed to find lots of… Read more
Absolutely fantastic! Beautiful lodges. Excellent Hospitality. Amazing views. Delicious food.Game drives were great. Saw loads of animals really close up. Went out twice a day. Rangers super knowledgeable. A big thank you to Mzi our Ranger who took us out and also Thomas who took us out despite the bad weather and still managed to find lots of animals. Would also like to thank Lameez in the restaurant who hadn't worked there long but was excellent at her job. Took good care of us. Very friendly and smiley! All the staff were excellent. Would definitely recommend Pumba 100 percent. Brilliant Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Just a wonderful experience

May 19, 2026 L2755QMmartinw

This is a stunning place to stay, eat and experience the animals. This was an experience of a lifetime.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A very special place

May 19, 2026 Lynn P

If you read all the reviews before they are all true. This place is amazing! I’ll try and help in practical ways- We were here in May There are 2 game drives per day 7 am and 3.30 pm They are for approximately 2 hours It’s cold in the morning and late afternoon so bring warm clothes, a woolly hat too They provide huge ponchos and hot water… Read more
If you read all the reviews before they are all true. This place is amazing! I’ll try and help in practical ways- We were here in May There are 2 game drives per day 7 am and 3.30 pm They are for approximately 2 hours It’s cold in the morning and late afternoon so bring warm clothes, a woolly hat too They provide huge ponchos and hot water bottles in the morning which is wonderful. They serve hot drinks and snacks at 6.40 and you get breakfast when you return The rooms are very spacious, a deck and a plunge pool ( not heated) There are plenty of electricity sockets, USB but it’s a good idea to buy the South African 3 pin round socket adapter. Hairdryer is powerfull You’ll see White Lions. Hippos, Rhinos giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and if you are extremely lucky cheetahs You must visit this magical place Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An excellent safari experience

May 14, 2026 Julian C Bristol, United Kingdom

An amazing place for our honeymoon, the Water Lodge rooms have fantastic views across the river - you don't have to leave your room to see hippo, giraffe, kudu, etc. Views from room 8 were stunning. Staff were always attentive, food was excellent & there were little extras that made it a wonderful experience (I won't spoil it for you - discover… Read more
An amazing place for our honeymoon, the Water Lodge rooms have fantastic views across the river - you don't have to leave your room to see hippo, giraffe, kudu, etc. Views from room 8 were stunning. Staff were always attentive, food was excellent & there were little extras that made it a wonderful experience (I won't spoil it for you - discover them for yourself)..... The game drives were 95% successful and we have 100's of amazing photos to remember our time at Pumba. May is wet (sometimes very wet) and coat is necessary, ponchos are provided on game drives. It was our first safari and we'd recommend Pumba as you get to see amazing animals - very - close up. Is it truly "wild"...well not entirely but if you saw nothing you'd be disappointed ! Take binoculars, a camera and a hat (for the rain or sun) and you can't fail to enjoy this South African adventure. Read less