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 (2337)
  • Very good (196)
  • Average (40)
  • Poor (17)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An amazing experience

Oct 18, 2025 Rob B Peterborough, United Kingdom

An absolutely amazing experience The accommodation definitely exceeded our expectations and the food and drinks package was very good The safaris were brilliant, such an unique experience seeing the animals out in the wild and Mabuti (excuse the spelling) was great company as our ranger for 3 days If anyone is thinking of going, my advice… Read more
An absolutely amazing experience The accommodation definitely exceeded our expectations and the food and drinks package was very good The safaris were brilliant, such an unique experience seeing the animals out in the wild and Mabuti (excuse the spelling) was great company as our ranger for 3 days If anyone is thinking of going, my advice would be “Just do it” Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Safari

Oct 18, 2025 Happy_Traveller757 Ilmington, United Kingdom

We have just returned from a fantastic three nights day at the Pumba, staying in a Bush Lodge. Which overlooked a watering hole allowing us to see numerous animal from our room. The lodge was beautifully decorated. We enjoyed the game drives each day and managed to see all the big five animals except for that leopard, however being close up to… Read more
We have just returned from a fantastic three nights day at the Pumba, staying in a Bush Lodge. Which overlooked a watering hole allowing us to see numerous animal from our room. The lodge was beautifully decorated. We enjoyed the game drives each day and managed to see all the big five animals except for that leopard, however being close up to the lions made up for that. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing stay at Pumba!

Oct 16, 2025 hannahd1512911 Norwich, United Kingdom

We had the most amazing stay at Pumba. We were staying at the Water Lodge in an Impala Chalet and it was absolutely stunning. The service was amazing, from check in to check out nothing could be faulted. All of our game drives were filled with as many animals as possible and an unbelievable amount of knowledge from our guide, Hernan. He was… Read more
We had the most amazing stay at Pumba. We were staying at the Water Lodge in an Impala Chalet and it was absolutely stunning. The service was amazing, from check in to check out nothing could be faulted. All of our game drives were filled with as many animals as possible and an unbelievable amount of knowledge from our guide, Hernan. He was amazing!!! This stay was part of our honeymoon, and was definitely a highlight and something we will always look back on fondly. We would definitely return to Pumba. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing experience, surpassed all expectations!

Oct 10, 2025 Mancstevens Gibraltar

What a experience and location, I doubt you can beat Pumba as from the moment you arrive to you leave you are blown away by the views and customer service - highly recommend this safari
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise

Oct 6, 2025 kdeighan2025

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, the Safari was brilliant we didn’t see leopards but we did see all other big 5 and cheetahs were a good substitute. The rooms were absolutely beautiful, sat in the roll top bath looking over the reserve landscapes was amazing, very comfortable beds and bedding, food very goodand plenty of it.