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 2644 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (2384)
Very good (196)
Average (41)
Poor (17)
Terrible (6)
An excellent safari experience
May 14, 2026Julian CBristol, 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…
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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.
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Absolutely fantastic
May 13, 2026JomerchWhittington, United Kingdom
Can’t fault anything other than the bushes slightly too high outside the room. Everyone and everything was excellent. Just wish we had longer.
Most amazing place
Apr 28, 2026Sharon H
Wow Wow Wow. What a absolutely fantastic place. We had the most amazing time, we stayed for 3 nights (wished it was longer lol). Our ranger Mabuti was fantastic and had the most amazing knowledge, wicked sense of humour and always got us closer to the animals than we ever thought possible. He even managed to get us to see the cheetahs on our first…
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Wow Wow Wow. What a absolutely fantastic place. We had the most amazing time, we stayed for 3 nights (wished it was longer lol). Our ranger Mabuti was fantastic and had the most amazing knowledge, wicked sense of humour and always got us closer to the animals than we ever thought possible. He even managed to get us to see the cheetahs on our first day, my husbands top wish The attention to detail in rooms are unbelievable. We were in a water lodge so could sit and watch the hippos in the lake. All the staff are so friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them. The food is lovely as well. Thank you to everyone at the Pumba for making my husband's 70th birthday the most memorable holiday ever. we will definitely come back! Big shout out to Mabuti thank you. Sharon & Martin (your side kick)
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Unbelievable Reserve
Apr 8, 2026ihuckleEpsom, United Kingdom
This place is amazing, game drives were superb, made all the more interesting by our guide, Cam, he was top drawer.
Eastern Cape Safari
Apr 8, 2026Lance B
Spectacular setting in a very comfortable lodge
Very spacious rooms
Knowledgeable ranger to guide and explain all the animals
This was a great finish to our South African holiday
An excellent safari experience