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Pumba Private Game Reserve

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A luxurious resort with a pool, wooden deck, and thatched-roof structures.
A spacious bathroom with a large bathtub, wooden flooring, and large windows offering a view of the surrounding trees.
A lakeside resort with thatched-roof cottages, a dock, and a staircase leading to the buildings.
A room with a bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.
A covered outdoor seating area with a view of a lake and hills.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All inclusive
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
Highlands, Makana Municipality, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, 6065
  • Place, African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Settlers Garden 1820
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Rhodes University
    ‪31 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Msenge Chalet

A four-poster bed with a canopy, wooden flooring, a small table, and a view of the outdoors.

Msenge Chalet

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 603 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Impala Chalet

A four-poster bed with white linens and multiple pillows, a sofa with a patterned cushion, and a view of a river and greenery through a glass door.

Impala Chalet

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Lake view
  • 603 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Msenge Family Chalet

A bedroom with a large bed, a view of the outdoors, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

Msenge Family Chalet

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 1292 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Msenge Chalet

A wooden deck with a table and chairs, a bottle of champagne, and a view of a natural landscape.

Msenge Chalet

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Impala Chalet

A wooden deck with a hot tub, a white umbrella, and a view of a lake and mountains.

Impala Chalet

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

CHALET TWO BEDS

  • Sleeps 10

View all photos for WATERLODGE GEMSBOK SINGLE

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a wooden ceiling, a sitting area with a chair, and a bathroom visible through a doorway.

WATERLODGE GEMSBOK SINGLE

  • 602 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for BUSH LODGE MSENGE ONE PERSON

A bedroom with a canopy bed, a wooden headboard, and a view of the outdoors.

BUSH LODGE MSENGE ONE PERSON

  • 602 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Makhanda

In provincial park.At this Makhanda lodge, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve and 12 miles (20 km) of 1820 Settlers National Monument. Settlers Garden 1820 and Rhodes University are within 16 miles (25 km).
View more Lodges in MakhandaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Settlers Garden 1820 - 29 min drive - 14.8 miles
  • 1820 Settlers National Monument - 29 min drive - 14.8 miles
  • Rhodes University - 31 min drive - 15.7 miles
  • South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity - 31 min drive - 15.7 miles

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 102 min drive

About this property

Pumba Private Game Reserve

Luxurious 5-star lodge with private plunge pools
Pumba Private Game Reserve is an all-inclusive lodge. Room rates include meals and beverages at onsite restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. 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 center. 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 center 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 center
  • Business facilities
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff is 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 separate bathtubs and showers and slippers. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

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.

Similar properties

African Safari Main Lodge | Terrace/patio
African Safari Lodge
Makhanda
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 3 reviews
$103 nightly
The price is $120
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Total with taxes and fees
African Safari Lodge

Property amenities

Family friendly

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

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Internet access
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 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

Accessibility

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Private plunge pool

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

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

Property 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in each 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.

Property class

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

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

How close is Pumba Private Game Reserve to the airport?

Pumba Private Game Reserve is 72.1 mi (102-min drive) away from the Port Elizabeth (PLZ) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pumba Private Game Reserve on Aug 17, 2026 start from $574, 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.

Does Pumba Private Game Reserve have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Pumba Private Game Reserve.

Does Pumba Private Game Reserve offer free breakfast?

Pumba Private Game Reserve offers free English breakfast every day from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

Check-in start time: 1:30 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Pumba Private Game Reserve?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Pumba Private Game Reserve have a pool?

Pumba Private Game Reserve features an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Does Pumba Private Game Reserve have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Pumba Private Game Reserve have a spa?

Pamper yourself with a day at Soul Spa, where you can enjoy mani/pedis, massages, and facials.

How close is Pumba Private Game Reserve to downtown Makhanda?

Pumba Private Game Reserve is 8.8 mi away from Makhanda.

Pumba Private Game Reserve Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Manuel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic Stay

Excellent stay with great staff always ready to provide an excellent service
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hazel M

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.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This was our first safari which was absolutely amazing. We got to see 4 of the big 5. We had one of the bush lodges. The lodges themselves are beautiful and huge. Our only disappointment was that we were given one of the lodges without a view onto the plain and waterhole. I did request a lodge with a view but they cannot guarantee it. The bath is huge and the outdoor shower was fabulous. The food was really good too. The service and friendliness of the staff was impeccable. Our game driver was really knowledgeable and we got to see the white lions before anyone else showed up. The area is huge. You just never know what to expect. My only criticism was that in the book in your lodge they recommend that you tip the driver at least R300 per person per drive. Apart from this, it was a very memorable and delightful trip
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marijo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful resort, exciting game drives with competent, funny and friendly Expert (Philip), good- partly exzellent food, very nice and private SPA Beds are too short, some things are broken (like the water pipes) Anyhow, if you manage to fix this minor issues, it is a 5* experience No doubt, that we would return only to this lodge
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gessica

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 🙏
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Silke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastisch
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mia Wiid

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

5-star experience

We loved it. Ultimate luxury stay.
View to the wild animals from our private pool.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chilenye

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mrs S

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Trevor

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Klaus

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

Nicht zu toppen!!!

Wir haben viele Hotels weltweit gesehen. Doch Pumpa private game Reserve ist der Hammer. Schon bei dem herzlichen persönliche Empfang und die Führung durch die Lodge fühlte man sich sehr wohl und umsorgt. Und die Lodge selbst ist unbeschreiblich toll. Die sehr geschmackvolle Einrichtung, die Liebe zum Detail, der bereitgestellte Sherry, die snacks, die riesige Terrasse mit dem Pool und Aussendusche und der weite Blick ins Grüne und die Tiere liessen einen Traum zur Wirklichkeit werden. Die entdpannte Atmosphäre im Restaurant und das Essen selbst lies keine Wünsche offen Auch Siwi unser Guide lies jede Pirschfahrt zu einem Highlight werden. Falls wir noch mal Südafrika bereise, werden wir Pumpa wieder besuchen. Ohne Frage. Mann muss es erlebt haben.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Verified review

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!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

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.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

j

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 !!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eliza

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.