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
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2283)
  • Very good (195)
  • Average (38)
  • Poor (17)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating We wanted to stay longer

Apr 28, 2025 hainackerman

The accommodation was superb and very relaxing. We wished we could have stayed longer. We were very fortunate to have seen the white lions up close.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beyond Words - Your Own Eyes have to see it!

Apr 23, 2025 macman157 Cambridge, United Kingdom

Mind-blowingly superb from start to finish - stunning and awesome, everything from the accommodation, rangers, lodge staff and breadth of safaris. Felt really special and privileged to have such a fantastic experience. Would recommend Bush Lodge over Water Lodge because has the safari lawn in front (rather than lake) and also the spa is there.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Just perfect

Apr 21, 2025 kingfan Bourne, Lincolnshire

We are not the sort of couple to return somewhere a) there’s a big world out there and b) if you’ve had a great time would you be disappointed a second time round? We took the chance and came back here almost 11 years after the first visit. We stayed at the water lodge and weirdly I was surprised to find our lodge this time was a different… Read more
We are not the sort of couple to return somewhere a) there’s a big world out there and b) if you’ve had a great time would you be disappointed a second time round? We took the chance and came back here almost 11 years after the first visit. We stayed at the water lodge and weirdly I was surprised to find our lodge this time was a different layout to the first, I had assumed they were all the same! The set up of the room is to make the most of the view. The room was spotless and extremely comfortable. We were allocated Phillip as our ranger and he was fabulous. We had some good laughs and he made sure we saw all the reserve had to offer whilst being incredibly knowledgeable about the animals - even the ones we only had a glimpse of that we weren’t expecting to see (bat eared fox and an owl). There was a great choice for breakfast and we were so full we never actually ventured to the restaurant for lunch. Food in the evening was also fantastic and the staff were brilliant. Was it worth going back? Yes Were we disappointed? Absolutely not Would we come again? Yes - every game drive is so different I don’t think you’d ever feel it was the too samey! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pumba Game Reserve

Apr 15, 2025 FionaR9876 Wrexham, Wrexham County, North Wales, Wales

WOW, what an experience. From start to finish we were on a high. The accommodation was amazing with views over the reserve, our suite was huge and catered for our every comfort. The food was good and the staff were wonderful, nothing was too much trouble. We were waved off and greeted every time we went out on a drive with the ranger. Our ranger… Read more
WOW, what an experience. From start to finish we were on a high. The accommodation was amazing with views over the reserve, our suite was huge and catered for our every comfort. The food was good and the staff were wonderful, nothing was too much trouble. We were waved off and greeted every time we went out on a drive with the ranger. Our ranger was more than we could have wished for. She did all she could to ensure we had the experience we were looking for...and more. Her knowledge of the animals and the bush was incredible and made such a difference to our experience. I would recommend Pumba to anyone. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Outstanding

Apr 11, 2025 Idontlikeclowns Rayleigh, United Kingdom

Apart from, wonderful location/views, great food/drink and staff that could not do enough for you (willingly and with a smile), They seemed to anticipate our every need and provided it without us needing to ask. Fantastic