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Pumba Private Game Reserve

5.0 star property
Luxury lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast

Photo gallery for Pumba Private Game Reserve

Exterior
Water view
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; al fresco dining
Exterior
Separate bathtub and shower, slippers, towels

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • All-inclusive
The current price is NZ$1,413
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar

Explore the area

Map
Highlands, Makana Municipality, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, 6065
  • African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Settlers Garden 1820
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Rhodes University
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Msenge Chalet

Free minibar items, in-room safe, desk, bed sheets

Msenge Chalet

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fireplace
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Minibar
  • 56 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Impala Chalet

Free minibar items, in-room safe, desk, bed sheets

Impala Chalet

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fireplace
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Minibar
  • 56 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Msenge Family Chalet

Suite

Msenge Family Chalet

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fireplace
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Minibar
  • 120 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Msenge Chalet

Free minibar items, in-room safe, desk, bed sheets

Msenge Chalet

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fireplace
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Minibar
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Impala Chalet

Free minibar items, in-room safe, desk, bed sheets

Impala Chalet

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fireplace
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Minibar (some free items)
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Minibar
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Similar properties

BBQ/picnic area

African Safari Lodge

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, (1)
The price is NZ$210
for 1 cabin
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
African Safari Lodge

About the area

Makhanda

A luxury stay in Makhanda awaits you at Pumba Private Game Reserve. You'll be 0.1 km (0.1 mi) from African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve and 22.4 km (13.9 mi) from Lalibela Game Reserve. Highlights at this boutique lodge include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .A day of pampering at Soul Spa can include hot stone massages, body wraps and facials along with aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. The lodge's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy the gym and pool loungers as well as access to hiking/biking trails and archery. Business travelers can take advantage of a meeting room, a conference centre, and a business centre. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Free English breakfast is available daily between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Places within a 30-minute drive of this 5-property class Makhanda lodge include Egazini Park and 1820 Settlers National Monument.
View more Lodges in MakhandaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Lalibela Game Reserve - 25 min drive - 22.5 km
  • Settlers Garden 1820 - 27 min drive - 23.8 km
  • Rhodes University - 28 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - 72 min drive - 64.0 km

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 79 min drive

About this property

Pumba Private Game Reserve

Luxury lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast
Some rates at Pumba Private Game Reserve are all-inclusive. These rates include on-site meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Pumba Private Game Reserve offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces.

Business amenities include a business centre and a meeting room. Spa services, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the luxury Pumba Private Game Reserve. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Makhanda lodge.

  • 1 floor
  • 13 guestrooms or units
  • English breakfast (free)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Conference centre
  • Business facilities
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Pumba Private Game Reserve offers 13 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature private plunge pools and fireplaces. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars (stocked with some free items).

Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower and slippers. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

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.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, Xhosa

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free secured self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free English breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Archery
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Skydiving

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private plunge pool

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • In a provincial park
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Sauna
  • Spa treatment rooms
  • Spa tub
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Private plunge pool

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free minibar (limited items)
  • Room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Fireplace
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

National rating

Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.

Property is 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

What is the cancellation policy at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

Pumba Private Game Reserve offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

As of 4 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pumba Private Game Reserve on 15 Mar 2025 start from NZ$1,412.81, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

Yep, Pumba Private Game Reserve has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Pumba Private Game Reserve?

The closest beach to Pumba Private Game Reserve is Kenton on Sea Beach (43.4 km).

Is there a spa on site at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

Yep, Soul Spa is available for guests. It has a hot tub, a steam room and a sauna. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps and facials, as well as hot stone massages.

Does Pumba Private Game Reserve have a pool?

Pumba Private Game Reserve has a pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The pool is open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

What makes Pumba Private Game Reserve a romantic place to stay?

A hot tub and couples spa treatments, as well as private plunge pools and fireplaces in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Pumba Private Game Reserve.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

No, but there are private plunge pools in the guestrooms.

Does Pumba Private Game Reserve serve breakfast?

You bet, complimentary English brekkie is served daily between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

No, Pumba Private Game Reserve does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

Check-in begins at 1:30 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

No, pets are not allowed.

Pumba Private Game Reserve Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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%
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gessica

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 🙏

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chilenye

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chilenye

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was magical. Every single staff member was an ambassador of this beautiful establishment.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mrs S

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Marston

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent experience.
Well paced, informative safari's great game drive Brendon, game stock a bit limited, but contains the big five.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

s

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
very good experience
Wonderful accommodation and facilities. Staff very caring. Would reccommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pumba Water Lodge is beautiful and the Kudu 2 bedroom suite is Devine.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exceptional staff and location ...well worth a visit
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Trevor, Wales

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Yek Wan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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!

10/10 Excellent

Sarah , Kent, Uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.

10/10 Excellent

Hazel M, Perth, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful experience
Was perfect in every way, could not have asked for anything more or better. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

10/10 Excellent

j, Cyprus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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 !!

10/10 Excellent

Eliza, Perth, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.