Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

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.

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Hotel Category

Luxury

TripAdvisor Review

2097 Reviews

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Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

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

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Approx. 2 hours drive from Port Elizabeth.

2097 Reviews

95% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 1863
Very Good 178
Average 35
Poor 16
Terrible 5

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Mar 29, 2020

Unbeatable holiday

Bristol, United Kingdom

My boyfriend and I stayed here for 3 nights at the end of a trip around south Africa and it was easily the BEST part of the holiday. The accomodation was incredible! We stayed in bush lodge and enjoyed spending the day at our private pool overlooking the animals grazing and playing. We also spent some time at the communal pool which noone else was at! The food was brilliant. Great cuts of local meat and amazing staff at the lodges. The best part for us however were the game drives. Some people seem to forget these are wild animals so for one there is a level of luck to what you might see, but having an amazing ranger like Denise increases your chances of being able to see as many of these incredible animals. Denise went over and above for us the whole time we were at pumba. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the animals and the flora, fauna etc. She managed to anticipate where the animals may be or go and was able to get us right up close to the white lion cubs! She went out of her way on the last day to try and find the leopard for us but the closest we got unfortunately was a print. We loved the morning and evening drive drinks stops. Take layers as even though it was summer I was cold some evenings! This is a trip of a lifetime. And we hope to be able to come back one day.

Mar 27, 2020

Fabulous place. Fabulous people,

Shirley, Croydon

Had a brilliant 3 days here. Room with plunge pool was fantastic. Service friendly & impeccable. Their attention to detail made us feel very special - much appreciated. Ranger (Dean) was top man. Extremely knowledgeable and always eager to go the extra mile to ensure you saw everything. Thank you Pumba for a faultless visit and thank you Stafford at DialiFlight for recommending and arranging.

Mar 13, 2020

Truly awesome

Leeds

Pumba really was 'truly awesome' in every way. This was our first safari, nestled in the middle of a 3 week holiday in SA. We absolutely loved every minute of our 4 night stay, including 7 safari drives, from the minute we arrived and were transferred to our lodge by one of the many excellent staff members. The Water Lodge was amazing - very spacious, incredibly clean, extremely comfortable, excellent facilities and service included. It was very private with our own decked area and plunge pool overlooking the water where we were delighted to see the family of Hippo's including the new baby addition. Dean was our ranger. He was extremely passionate and enthusiastic in sharing his vast knowledge of all the animals, birds, reptiles, insects and spiders, flora, the reserve and conservation activities. He was incredibly inspiring. The stops for morning coffee and evening drinks and snacks simply added to a wonderful experience. We were so lucky to see so many of the animals including lots of white and tawny lions including old Themba, his son, the lioness and her grand-daughter; the elusive leopards; cheetahs; elephants so close we could touch them; giraffe; white rhino including a mum and baby; zebra; wildebeest and impala etc; jackals in abundance. The lounges, dining and public areas were stylish and beautifully decorated in keeping with the reserve. The food was faultless, there was an excellent choice of drinks included and last but not least the staff were all super friendly, hospitable and conscientious. There was just one hiccough, when our taxi driver back to Port Elizabeth airport inadvertently left one of our pieces of luggage in the Pumba car park! But fear not, the manager himself hurtled the 100km drive to the airport with our case allowing us to catch our flight, in the nick of time. What a service!! A fantastic experience, we loved every minute of our stay at Pumba, would definitely recommend it and will hopefully return one day. Thank you very much from a happy and very grateful couple

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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

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

Chalet Land View

Chalet Lake View

Chalet Single-Lake View

CHALET LAKE VIEW

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Food & Drink

Restaurant

Meals can be served at a variety of locations and Candlelit dinners can also be arranged on request at Pumba Water Lodge.

Bush Bar

Enjoy sipping on a cocktail while Game viewing at the Bush Bar which is located at the Msenge Bush Lodge.

Board Basis Options

All meals are included, two game drives per day and selected local beverages.

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

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

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

TripAdvisor Review

Hotel highlights

Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

General Information

Main Facilities

Accommodation Type

Board Basis Options

For Families

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Traveller ratings

What to Expect

Reviews

Unbeatable holiday

Fabulous place. Fabulous people,

Safari at its Best

S & L in Pumba

Truly awesome

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Facilities

Safari Game Drives

Guided Bush Walks

Fitness Centre

Soul Spa

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Room Types

Pumba Bush Lodge

Pumba Water Lodge

Chalet Land View

Chalet Lake View

Chalet Single-Lake View

CHALET LAKE VIEW

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa

Food & Drink

Restaurant

Bush Bar

Board Basis Options

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