African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve - 1 min walk
Lalibela Game Reserve - 25 min drive
1820 Settlers National Monument - 26 min drive
Settlers Garden 1820 - 27 min drive
Rhodes University - 28 min drive
Getting around
Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 79 min drive
About this property
Pumba Private Game Reserve
When visiting Makhanda, Pumba Private Game Reserve is a great choice to consider. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant and visit the spa to be pampered with hot stone massages, body wraps or aromatherapy. Other highlights at this luxurious lodge include an outdoor pool, a bar/lounge and a fitness centre.
All-inclusive
All-inclusive room rates at Pumba Private Game Reserve are available. These rates are higher because they include on-site food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).
Gratuities and taxes
Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.
Food and beverages
À la carte meals and snacks included
Entertainment
On-site entertainment and activities
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
At a glance
Hotel size
13 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 1:30 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 21
Check-out time is 11 AM
Restrictions related to your trip
Check COVID-19 restrictions
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
Children
No cots (infant beds)
Babysitting*
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
Free secured on-site self-parking
Other information
Designated smoking areas
No stag or hen parties
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free English breakfast each morning 8:00 AM–11:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Room service
Travelling with children
Babysitting (surcharge)
What to do
Archery
Hiking/biking trails
Skydiving
Working away
Business centre
Meeting room
Computer station
Conference centre
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Multilingual staff
Pool loungers
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Terrace
Library
Fireplace in reception
Fitness centre
An outdoor pool
Full-service spa
Massage/treatment rooms
Banquet hall
Accessibility
No lift (single-level property)
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Stocked minibar (select free items)
Coffee/tea maker
Slippers
Sleep well
Turndown service
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Private plunge pool
Balcony or patio
Fireplace
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Electrical adapters/chargers
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Access via exterior corridors
Special features
Spa
Soul Spa has massage/treatment rooms and couples treatment room(s). Services include hot stone massages, facials, body wraps and manicures and pedicures. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a hot tub and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and hydrotherapy.
Fees & policies
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Policies
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag and hen parties.
This property does not have lifts.
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on-site.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Also known as
Pumba
Pumba Private GameReserve
Pumba Private GameReserve
Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve
Pumba Private Game Reserve Lodge Grahamstown
Pumba Private Game Reserve Lodge
Pumba Private Game Reserve Grahamstown
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Pumba Private Game Reserve Hotel Port Elizabeth
Pumba Private Game Reserve Lodge
Pumba Private Game Reserve Makhanda
Pumba Private Game Reserve Lodge Makhanda
Frequently asked questions
Does Pumba Private Game Reserve offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Pumba Private Game Reserve does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Pumba Private Game Reserve?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Are pets allowed at Pumba Private Game Reserve?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Pumba Private Game Reserve?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Pumba Private Game Reserve?
Check-in start time: 1:30 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.
What is there to do at Pumba Private Game Reserve and nearby?
Have fun with on-site activities such as skydiving, archery and hiking. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Pumba Private Game Reserve also has private plunge pools and a fitness centre, as well as spa services.
Are there restaurants at or near Pumba Private Game Reserve?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant that offers al fresco dining.
Does Pumba Private Game Reserve have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a private plunge pool and a balcony or patio.
What's the area around Pumba Private Game Reserve like?
Pumba Private Game Reserve is located a short 1-minute walk from African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve.
Pumba Private Game Reserve Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
10/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
9.8/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
2 May 2024
Tina
Tina, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
30 Mar 2024
Graham
Graham, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 Jan 2024
10 y/o and 60 y/o daddy-daughter trip = great trip
What I like about this safari is so much that the animals are so cool. Everything was amazing. I like seeing the animals. I like having a truck at the service was amazing. Food was amazing. Everything about the fire was amazing and especially how the animals can come up to your room and like they can just like wait what you eating the food and so this safari was so amazing I love driving the service was amazing the bed felt comfortable and, I just really like the Safari - written by my 10 y/o daughter and I agree 100%
Verified traveller
1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
26 Nov 2023
A special place on this earth! We recently stayed at Pumba lodge it was beyond words. The first thing is the feeling of being remote is authentic the suites were very extravagant and large we had a family suite with a plunge pool, outdoor shower and beautiful bathroom with large tub for relaxing! Every time we left the room and returned it was tidied up cleaning staff was phenomenal! The all inclusive was more than worth it 2 game drives per day and plenty of food if anything too much! So many little surprises from drinks by the fireplace to even came back to a little birthday gift. Everyone at the reserve is so nice and helpful. But the best part was the roaring of the lion at night and our close elephant encounter, although at times terrifying those are amazing moments we have seared in our memories, truly felt like we were among so many animals saw 4 of the big 5! Cleo our ranger was incredible he made this trip unique his passion and dedication to the animals was impressive he is professional, highly skilled and trained in his craft he was without a doubt what really made this experience and we feel privileged to have him. The whole staff was great Kia as well was so nice and helpful. I also had a wonderful massage and no worries on the drives plenty of warmth with ponchos and rain coverage but be prepared because there’s temperature changes throughout the drives. Everything is thoughtful. Safety is also a priority. We appreciate all of you and what you do thank you 🙏
Gessica
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
26 Feb 2022
Sarah
Sarah, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 Feb 2022
Great hotel, great safari
So good, the ecosystem that they’ve setup is fantastic. So much to see and do and the amenities are fantastic also. The game drives were spectacular.
Ashley
Ashley, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Jul 2021
Chilenye
Chilenye, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
30 Jun 2021
Everything was magical. Every single staff member was an ambassador of this beautiful establishment.
Chilenye
Chilenye, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
29 Dec 2019
Exceptional resort.
The most wonderful stay and game drive experience.
Huge thanks to Brindon, our ranger for the informative chats and beautiful sightings of the cheetahs, while lions, rhino and numerous other animals on the reserve.
Wonderful staff in the lodges and exceptional treatments in the spa too. Thank you all.
Mrs S
Mrs S, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 Oct 2019
Excellent experience.
Well paced, informative safari's great game drive Brendon, game stock a bit limited, but contains the big five.
Marston
Marston, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Sep 2019
We stayed at Pumba for 3 nights. We had such a brilliant time there! We stayed in lodge 9 & it was so beautiful! The housekeeping staff do a truely wonderful job. Wonderful game drives with Brendin, who clearly has a lot of knowledge & passion for his job. Brendin was very accommodating & took his time with the sightings, which we really appreciated. All the staff at Pumba are welcoming, friendly & professional. From being welcomed & farewelled by Olga, to the wonderful service staff, amazing chefs & brilliant game drives with Brendin (who has such a beautiful & kind manner). We’ve both travelled in South Africa before & this is has been a standout experience for us.
Verified traveller
3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 Sep 2019
very good experience
Wonderful accommodation and facilities.
Staff very caring.
Would reccommend.
s
s, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
14 May 2019
Verified traveller
3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
30 Apr 2019
Pumba Water Lodge is beautiful and the Kudu 2 bedroom suite is Devine.
Verified traveller
2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Mar 2019
Amazing place. Our lodge was superb and the game drives with Dean were simply unforgettable. We were with another lovely couple and we had so much fun. A special place that we will always remember.
Verified traveller
2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
12 Feb 2019
Exceptional staff and location ...well worth a visit
Verified traveller
2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
11 Jan 2019
Beautiful location with chalets over the lake to watch the animals as well as excellent game drives. A very special place with a great staff.
Verified traveller
3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Jan 2019
We stayed in a gemsbok chalet and coildnt have been happier with the size, comfort and location. However, its the wildlife and the rangers that take this to an exceptional level. We showered outside whilst watching hippo in the lake.The rangers work hard to make each drive great- huge diversity in flora and fauna as well as birdlife. This is a very ethical reserve when a huge emphasis on how wildlife viewings are managed. Truly superb experience from start to finish.
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
1 Jan 2019
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Feb 2018
First rate Private game reserve
From the time you arrive to the time you leave services is first rate. The food, the staff, the rooms are all exceptional. The Rangers ensure the maximum viewing on the game drives.
Trevor
Trevor, 3-night trip
Verified Ebookers guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Sep 2016
Best private game lodge
Had an amazing stay at Pumba - impeccable service, good food, luxurious accommodation at the Gembok Water lodge and excellent game drives. Highly recommended!
Yek Wan
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Sep 2016
Gorgeous hotel with animals included!
We stayed in the Kudu Suite at the Waterfront lodge part of Pumba. Room was massive with two bedrooms with stunning views over the water, a lounge area and two bathrooms. Each with its own bath, one being a jacuzzi bath and open glass showers capturing the magnificent views. Even got to shower with the monkeys looking on!
With two safaris each day, we also got to see many animals including rhino, elephant, giraffe, lion and buffalo. We even got to see the hippo in the water from our room. Our ranger on the safaris was very knowledgable and helpful.
Food was all inclusive and lovely and all staff were friendly and helpful.
Would definitely recommend this experience to anyone and would stay again in an instance. We were sad to leave but it will hold many memories for us.
Sarah
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
12 Jul 2016
Wonderful experience
Was perfect in every way, could not have asked for anything more or better. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Hazel M
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 Mar 2015
Perfect Pumba
From arrival to departure it was a magical experience at Pumba Water Lodge. Our accommodation had the real "wow" factor with our own private plunge pool and the attention to detail was second to none, even down to nice little touches such as fresh milk in your fridge every day and sherry and nibbles in your room along with homemade cookies. The game safari rides were excellent even had a stop half way for a drink and small snacks to eat. Quality of food in restaurant was really good and the service friendly and efficient. Had our laundry sorted which was all in with the price we paid. Pumba was the highlight of our holiday, amazing !!
j
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
28 Feb 2015
Secluded game lodge
Pumba Game Lodge is a beautiful place about 110 kms from Port Elizabeth. The lodge was gorgeous, the rooms in the Bush Lodge were mini suites with small private plunge pools. The attention to detail was superb. The restaurant was good - all food & wine included. The ranger who took us on our game drives was very knowledgeable and went out of her way to find wildlife for us to view & what a treat it was - lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, elephants, impala, blesbuck etc. It's not cheap but certainly worth it.