Pumba Private Game Reserve 

Awake to the sounds of the African bush veld as the sun makes its appearance on the horizon bringing with it the prospect of another perfect day. Eco friendly Pumba Private Game Reserve, a proud member of the Green Leaf Conservation Initiative, is set 19 km southwest of Makhanda (also known as Grahamstown) and an hour from Gqeberha, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, and provides an intimate African safari experience never to be forgotten.

The reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five as well as rare white lions, hippos, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, various antelopes and more than 300 bird species. Feel the heartbeat of nature as you explore the reserve in custom land rovers or on guided walking safaris. 

Our Accommodation 

We offer 5 star luxury accommodation. There are two lodges on the reserve, Bush Lodge and Water Lodge. Both are equally luxurious whilst being completely individual in look and feel. 

Msenge Bush Lodge offers 11, glassed enclosed, thatched chalets, which flow naturally into the African Bushveld, offering intimate and private accommodation. Dreamy bathrooms, warm fireplaces and luxury bedrooms opening onto private timber decks with plunge pools and outdoor showers combine to create a tranquil and romantic hideaway in the African bushveld. 

Set amongst dense bushveld overlooking Lake Cariega, Pumba Water Lodge offers 12 stone walled, thatched chalets, boasting expansive views over the lake.  Each chalet has its own private viewing deck, an outdoor shower and plunge pool, is individually designed and unique with spacious bathrooms and cosy fireplaces for those colder winter evenings.

Our Activities & Services 

There are two game drives per day included in a stay at Pumba, providing you the opportunity to see various different animals as well as participate in other exciting activities.

Experience the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat while exploring the reserve in an open Land Rover. Our passionate rangers are committed to providing guests with memorable wildlife encounters. 

Also enjoy bush walks, nocturnal game drives, birding or photographic safaris, star gazing, bass fishing, archery or our seven fountains tour to our local community. 

Unwind and relax afterwards at the Nature’s Health Spa, a sanctuary of serenity at Bush Lodge. There is nothing like a soothing treatment with aromatic products in an uplifting atmosphere to revitalize your body, mind and spirit. 

Whether dining indoors or under the starlit sky, meals at Pumba are simply sublime. Enjoy African fusion cuisine with an Eastern Cape flair complemented by a superb selection of local wines from our Director’s Cellar. 

Weddings & Conferences