Pumba Private Game Reserve
Highlands
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Why people book this hotel
“The staff were amazing, super helpful and friendly”
“Our ranger Wesley was friendly, funny and knowledgable”
“The property was amazing and the rooms were incredible both in the communal area…”
“The bathroom, plunge pool and swimming pool”
“Amazing rooms plunge pools and amazing views over the watering hole”
“Beautiful location , fabulous bedroom , great service and food”
“Totally worths it”
Overview
The 5-star Pumba Private Game Reserve lodge has views from a private wooden deck overlooking Lake Kariega or the African bush. Located 20 km from Grahamstown, some chalets include a private plunge pool. Pumba Game Reserve includes a swimming pool and a well-equipped gym facility. Guests can also relax at the exclusive spa and wellness centre with sauna. All of the air-conditioned chalets have natural wooden or stone features, luxury furnishings and a thatched roof. A fireplace, a four-poster bed and a private bathroom are common in all very spacious interiors. A hearty buffet breakfast is served daily on the terrace and light lunches are available in the afternoon. The à la carte restaurant has gourmet cuisine and a bar/lounge area has an extensive wine selection. The lodge provides many opportunities for viewing the Big 5 and you can also organize a 4WD Safari tour. Port Elizabeth Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.
Traveller reviews
john
couple
June 13, 2026
“Great stay and loved the animals . Amazing staff”
Great safari
Refiloe
solo_traveller
June 13, 2026
“the staff are friendly the place is beatiful it exceeded my expectation”
Everything especially the game drive wow I enjoyed the stay
Hughes
couple
May 7, 2026
“Superb from start to finish”
Everything was amazing ! The food as wonderful, the lodges were beautiful and luxurious!! We had everything we needed and more ! The safari was just the best ever - we saw so many animals and the Imza our guide was fab!!
Nico
couple
May 2, 2026
We had a lovely stay at Pumba Water Lodge. The staff were amazing, super helpful and friendly. Mzee, our ranger, made our stay unforgettable, he is well versed in the bush and has great knowledge regarding the animals. We learnt a lot from him and he delivered great sightings. My partner was treated on his birthday, with heartfelt singing by the lodge personnel and he even received a delicious freshly baked cake with candles. It was truly a special treat. The food was really great and there was more than enough! Limeze and Mzee at the lodge really stood out and made us feel at home. Thank you everyone at Pumba for our amazing experience! We cannot wait to come visit again.
Charikleia
family_with_children
April 27, 2026
Everything was excellent.
Scott
extended_group
April 25, 2026
“Super safari”
The property was amazing and the rooms were incredible both in the communal areas and the lodges. The game drives were fantastic and we managed to see the big 5. Our ranger Wesley was friendly, funny and knowledgable. The spa treatments were excellent and we highly recommend both the facial and massage treatments. The highlight of our stay was the game drives themselves.
JayBeeOnTour
solo_traveller
April 19, 2026
“Exceptional first safari experience”
Easiest 10/10 or 5 stars I've ever given. Our first safari experience at Pumba was unforgetable. From the welcome to the good bye it was all exceptionally good fun. The game drives were action-packed. The food superb. The staff couldnt have been more accomodaring for our honeymoon/birthday combo. The view from the Bush Lodge and our villa. The bathroom, plunge pool and swimming pool. I used the gym which was perfectly adequate. We stayed 4 nights but should have stayed more.
Siarhei
extended_group
April 1, 2026
Safari (evening and morning games) were excellent, the guide was professional and friendly, the room fantastic, the food great, hospitality at top level. Totally worths it
Kelly
extended_group
March 25, 2026
“Magical stat at Pumba”
Wonderful staff and ranger. Magical game drives. Delicious food. Amazing rooms plunge pools and amazing views over the watering hole.
Sue
couple
March 19, 2026
“Amazing safari experience”
Beautiful location , fabulous bedroom , great service and food
mabey
couple
March 9, 2026
“An amazing experience. Lots of memories created. Staff were excellent and facilities is good.”
Everything was as we expected from the photographs and it was a wonderful experience
Helen
couple
March 5, 2026
“Amazing game, stunning scenery with a beautiful room and tasty food!”
The room was beautifully appointed with a beautiful out over the water where we saw hippo, buffalo and other game from the private terrace. The food in the restaurant was delicious with a great menu to choose from. All of the staff were friendly, helpful, and welcoming, and the 2 game drives were fantastic!
Robert
couple
February 21, 2026
Our Ranger Nati was excellent. He was extremely knowledgable and found all game we wanted to see, all up close and personal. We could'nt have had a better experience.
Iana
couple
February 6, 2026
Everything!!! I was upset that we didn't stay longer
Rebecca
couple
January 20, 2026
“An exceptional stay.”
We loved the whole Pumba experience. The accommodation was exceptional and every detail has been considered. The game drives were fabulous, they just kept giving. Philip was the best guide, so knowledgeable and also funny. We would highly recommend Pumba. Do visit the local village if you have time, we really appreciated the arranged trip.
David
couple
January 17, 2026
“Outstanding”
Everything...truly an incredible experience Fantastic staff The game drives are out of this world... Mabhuti our guide was fantastic. The rooms are superb
Caroline
extended_group
January 11, 2026
“Fabulous all round!”
Fabulous all round!
Thembisa
couple
December 31, 2025
“Pumba Private Game Reserve you owe me nothing!”
Everything. I have yet to experience a holiday like this one. The game drives were phenomenal. They loveeee what they do. The lodge staff were super friendly and the accommodative itself it’s beautiful and comfortable. The spa experience was out of this world. I hate having the staff hounding you to buy the facial products used on you after but I wanted the balm used on my face after and they said they don’t sell the product. Imagine🤭
Paul
solo_traveller
December 15, 2025
“The older of the two lodges us a bit tired but the staff are great as is the food”
There are two lodges I recommend the water lodge although the rooms are older the view over the lake is amazing
Saahil
couple
December 14, 2025
“Perfect in every way”
Everything!! The lodges are outstanding, spacious and provide incredible views. It feels luxurious despite being on the reserve. The staff were super polite and provided a great service. Philip, our ranger, was fantastic and we had the best few days on our drives with him - memories that we will cherish forever. Honestly, can’t fault it.
Facilities
Activities
Fitness centre, Fishing, Spa and wellness centre, Massage, Beauty Services, Facial treatments, Manicure, Pedicure, Spa facilities, Steam room, Back massage, Neck massage, Foot massage, Couples massage, Head massage, Hand massage, Full body massage, Fitness, Archery
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles
Food & Drink
Special diet menus (on request), Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast options
General
Non-smoking rooms, Family rooms, Safety deposit box, Air conditioning, Designated smoking area
Internet
WiFi, Free WiFi, Internet services
Outdoors
Terrace, Outdoor pool, Outdoor pool (all year), Outdoor furniture
Parking
Parking on site, Parking, Free parking
Pool and wellness
Pool with view, Pool/beach towels, Sun loungers or beach chairs, Sun umbrellas, Swimming Pool, Swimming pool
Reception services
Invoice provided
Safety & security
Key access
Services
Airport shuttle (additional charge), Daily housekeeping, Concierge service, Private check-in/check-out, Ironing service, Business centre, Babysitting/child services, Laundry, Room service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Airport shuttle
Transport
Airport pick up, Airport drop off
Family Chalet - Msenge
This air-conditioned chalet features your own wooden deck overlooking the African bush. Very spacious, luxury interiors include high thatched-roof ceilings, large windows and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Chalet - Impala
This air-conditioned chalet features a private plunge pool from your own wooden deck overlooking the African bush. Spacious, luxury interiors include high thatched-roof ceilings, large windows and a private bathroom.
Chalet - Msenge
This air-conditioned chalet features a private plunge pool from your own wooden deck overlooking the African bush. Spacious, luxury interiors include a four-poster bed, high thatched-roof ceilings and large windows. The private bathroom has a free-standing bathtub and free toiletries.
Chalet - Impala Double/Twin
Guests will have a special experience as the twin/double room offers a fireplace. The spacious twin/double room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. There is a minibar, a coffee machine and outdoor furniture and complimentary wine/champagne is provided for guests. The unit offers 2 beds.
Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
This twin/double room's standout feature is the fireplace. The spacious twin/double room offers air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. There is a minibar, a coffee machine and outdoor furniture and complimentary wine/champagne is featured for guests. The unit offers 2 beds.
Hotel Policies
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