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 2484 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (2231)
Very good (194)
Average (37)
Poor (16)
Terrible (6)
The most magical experience you could hope for!
Dec 18, 2024amywebster1991Tamworth, United Kingdom
The most magical experience you will ever have! From the moment you arrive you are greeted to exceptional service and views! The small touches during the turn down service and on the game drives, the game drives themselves, the rangers and the resort staff. Everything is faultless! The rooms are beautiful and in keeping with the setting of the…
Read more
The most magical experience you will ever have! From the moment you arrive you are greeted to exceptional service and views! The small touches during the turn down service and on the game drives, the game drives themselves, the rangers and the resort staff. Everything is faultless! The rooms are beautiful and in keeping with the setting of the bush! Could not have asked for more from this experience and our stay. Our ranger Headman was fantastic- informative, brilliant and friendly. We will never forget it! The most magical way to celebrate our honeymoon! Thank you Team Pumba!
Read less
Fabulous Luxury and Privacy in the midst of great game viewing!
Dec 18, 2024susan_fl_and_HunBudapest, Hungary
We traveled as two couples here and had a wonderful stay in the Msenge Chalets. The large room and bath are fabulous, with every item you need - and the private plunge pool and outdoor shower really enhanced the experience. Our ranger, Cameron, was incredible and so knowledgeable! the food was delicious, and the lovely little extras like being…
Read more
We traveled as two couples here and had a wonderful stay in the Msenge Chalets. The large room and bath are fabulous, with every item you need - and the private plunge pool and outdoor shower really enhanced the experience. Our ranger, Cameron, was incredible and so knowledgeable! the food was delicious, and the lovely little extras like being greated with warm towels when we arrived back from game drives was so welcome and appreciated. We had great massages and treatements at the spa. Our first morning we were greated by 20+ monkeys on our roof and deck- certainly not your usual wake up call! we highly recommend Pumba and hope to visit again! Thank you!
Read less
Perfection
Dec 13, 2024davewr2024
Absolutely spot on . I would recommend till the cows come home . I cannot fault anyone or anything. First class throughout.
Pumba fulfilled my wife’s ambition and more!
Dec 8, 2024Michael CFleet, United Kingdom
Pumba fulfilled my wife’s ambition and more!
The staff couldn’t do enough to make the stay relaxing and rewarding. We stayed for four nights and even with 8 safari’s they all generated differing results whether it was a stroppy elephant, the elegance of the giraffes, seeking out and finding Lions, the playful Vervet moneys plus the many other…
Read more
Pumba fulfilled my wife’s ambition and more!
The staff couldn’t do enough to make the stay relaxing and rewarding. We stayed for four nights and even with 8 safari’s they all generated differing results whether it was a stroppy elephant, the elegance of the giraffes, seeking out and finding Lions, the playful Vervet moneys plus the many other species in the park: Zebra, Impala, Warthogs, Hippopotamus’, Rhinoceros, many birds and more. Msi our safari guide proved to very informative and interested in both the Fauna and Flora much to our liking.
The accommodation was excellent offering a view over the lake and able to see elephants taking a mud bath and playful monkeys on the far bank.
Read less
Fabulous 3 days on safari
Dec 7, 2024susansZ3674FH
Everything about this place has been amazing. We have able to see so many animals very close up as the rangers are so good at spotting them. Of course it's much smaller than the national parks, but that means you do get more chance to see everything. The lodge is really lovely with everything you could want. If it's not there, just ask. Really…
Read more
Everything about this place has been amazing. We have able to see so many animals very close up as the rangers are so good at spotting them. Of course it's much smaller than the national parks, but that means you do get more chance to see everything. The lodge is really lovely with everything you could want. If it's not there, just ask. Really recommend this trip.
Read less
The most magical experience you could hope for!