Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa, Eastern Cape

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

TripAdvisor Review

1891 Reviews

Set in 6500 hectares of wilderness, home to the white lion

Pumba Private Game Reserve is malaria free and home to the Big Five including a pride of rare white lion, as well as over 250 species of birds. Choose between luxurious thatched chalets at the Water Lodge with stunning views over Lake Kariega or the Bush Lodge which flows naturally into the African Bushveld. The reserve covers 6500 hectares of privately owned property offering stunning views of the wilderness and water from every point. Ideal for couples and families, this safari oasis features a kids club and fitness centre. After a day out in the African wilderness, enjoy a treatment at the spa, to round off your holiday experience.

Hotel Features

Hotel Category

Luxury

General Information

Check-in Time:
14:00
Check-out Time:
11:00
23 rooms
Transfer duration: Approx. 2 hours drive from Port Elizabeth.
Floors have lift access: No

Main Facilities

Fitness facilities
Free parking
Outdoor pool
Spa facilities
Wifi

Accommodation Type

Lodge

Board Basis Options

All Inclusive

For Families

Babysitting

General Information

Check-in Time:
14:00
Check-out Time:
11:00
23 rooms
Transfer duration: Approx. 2 hours drive from Port Elizabeth.
Floors have lift access: No

Main Facilities

Fitness facilities
Free parking
Outdoor pool
Spa facilities
Wifi

Accommodation Type

Lodge

Board Basis Options

All Inclusive

For Families

Babysitting

Location Highlights

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Approx. 2 hours drive from Port Elizabeth.

1891 Reviews

95% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 1672
Very Good 168
Average 33
Poor 15
Terrible 5

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Jun 26, 2019

Pumba - the highlight of our SA holiday

Wiltshire, United Kingdom

My husband and I checked in for a 3 night visit at the Water Lodge in celebration of my 40th and a belated honeymoon. Both of us had never been on safari before so didn’t know what to expect but were both blown away. It was a truly magical and we would both love to return one day. Every single member of the team were welcoming from the moment we arrived till when we sadly had to leave. The food was delicious and plenty of it (seriously you’ll leave several pounds heavier). The lodge we had was overlooking a lake which when we visited was frequented by hippos. Waking up to their snorting serenade was definitely different and comical. The food at Pumba is amazing and you have tea, coffee, juice and toasted sandwiches first thing in the morning before your game drive. Then when you return from your morning drive a full breakfast. The hot food is cooked to order and the cereals, bread, pastry’s and fruit is buffet style. Lunch and dinner is a 3 course meal where you have a choice of 2-3 dishes. The highlight of our stay were the game drives. You get one in the morning and one in the late afternoon, both for several hours. We were extremely lucky and our ranger Dean was not only passionate and highly knowledgeable but very easy to talk to and he made our experience of Pumba unforgettable. He asked what animals we were interested in and tried his best to find those first. My favourites are lions and elephants and was lucky to see both on the first drive. Over our stay, we saw 5 lion cubs then their Mum and Grandmother in a different location, then their Dad then all together which was wonderful to watch the family all together. We also saw 2 separate male lions (father and son) with a kill. You’ll notice from the photos Pumba have a mixture of white and tawny lions. Some of them being white definitely made it easier to spot them! As it was quiet when we stayed we were lucky as it was just Dean, my husband and I in the Land Rover which made it extra special. The vehicle was very comfy and handled the terrain well. As we visited during their winter it was on cold side side at times and were provided warm fleece lined ponchos as well as hot water bottles. What we weren’t expecting whilst on the drive, was to get a nice hot drink in the morning and in the evening a choice of alcohol (both with snacks). This was a nice touch and you feel very brave at first when you’re out the vehicle knowing an animal could sneak up on you!! Joking aside, you are safe and we always stopped in an open area. We weren’t fortunate to see the elusive leopard or cheetah but this wasn’t through lack of trying from Dean. It’s just sheer luck as to whether the animals make themselves visible. For my birthday they made it extra special and when we were having breakfast bought out a bottle of champagne where the rest of the guests started singing me happy birthday. Then in the evening with our dinner they brought me out a chocolate cake. Very highly recommended.

Jun 26, 2019

Fantastic Experience!

Singapore, Singapore

First visit to a game reserve and loved every minute of it! The room is huge and well appointed, the food is fantastic and the staff are super friendly and efficient! Josh the ranger deserves a special mention for his eagle vision and thanks to him, we were able to see so many animals up close, not to mention he is extremely knowledgeable and friendly too. Can't wait to return! : )

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Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Facilities

Safari Game Drives

From Big Five Safari Drives to Night Safari Drives there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Safari drives are conducted by qualified guides in luxury open top Land Rovers. View the free-roaming, White Lion pride in their natural habitat and drive deep into Africa as you search for leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and many more species as they roam the plains. Night Safari drives will give you the chance to see an entirely different species of animals. These include aardvark, hyena and aardwolf. Lions also can also be seen in the cooler nighttime temperatures and you may even get the chance to see an impressive kill take place. Birding safaris are also available for guests to enjoy. Modern birding technology is used to enable you to learn about different bird species and their habitats.

Guided Bush Walks

If you would like to explore the beautiful landscape on foot, qualified rangers will plan a specific route according to the fauna and flora you or your group are most interested in.

Fitness Centre

The fitness centre has a well-equipped gym. It is fully enclosed and has air conditioning. The steam room will provide you with the perfect end to a workout. Restrictions: Available at Msenge Bush Lodge only.

Soul Spa

The perfect end to a busy day of game viewing. The Soul Spa is committed to rejuvenating and soothing the mind,body and soul. A wide range of massages and treatments such as full body wraps, hot stone therapy, manicures, pedicures and facials are available. A steam room, gym and plunge pool are also all available to guests to enjoy. Restrictions: Available at Msenge Bush Lodge only.

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Room Types

** Please note: balcony standards in South Africa differ to those in the UK, please be advised that the balconies may be of a low height and could feature large gaps, therefore children should never be left unattended.**

Pumba Bush Lodge

The Pumba Bush Lodge offers 11 luxurious, glass enclosed thatched chalets overlooking the magically African bush. With either twin or king-sized beds, private game viewing deck, private plunge pool and refreshing outdoor shower surrounded by the African bushveld.

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Bath
Hairdryer
Minibar
Private Pool
Safe
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

Pumba Water Lodge

Each Pumba Water Lodge features its own unique character and is luxuriously appointed. Enjoy unrivalled views over Lake Cariega from your private timber game-viewing area which is fitted with an outside showers and plunge pool and relax in your spacious accommodation complete with a king-sized bed or twin beds, as well as a double sleeper couch, ideal for families. Each cottage is fitted with underfloor heating, free-standing bathtubs and earthenware fireplaces.

Show room facilities