Pumba Private Game Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa,

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Pumba Private Game Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 6 hours

Pumba Private Game Reserve, located just over 100 km from Port Elizabeth in South Africa's malaria‑free Eastern Cape, covers around 6,500 hectares along Lake Kariega and dense valley bushveld. The family‑operated reserve brings together five of the country's seven biomes, creating a habitat mosaic that supports the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard), a self‑sustaining pride of rare white lions, hippos, cheetahs, giraffes, antelope, and more than 300 bird species. Conservation and community engagement underpin Pumba's appeal: the reserve runs a white lion breeding programme, rhino anti‑poaching initiatives, alien vegetation removal, and local upliftment through the Pumba Foundation . Travelers can join twice‑daily safari drives, guided bush walks, nocturnal game viewing, bass fishing, archery, stargazing, spa treatments, and canoe trips—many experiences offering direct views from private lodge decks over hippo pods at the water's edge. A CNN‑recognised Top‑10 safari destination, Pumba combines wildlife diversity, immersive activities, and eco‑luxury accommodation across two five‑star lodges.

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Reviews of Pumba Private Game Reserve

Chloe Harrigan

5
Reviewed: 2025-05-27

A magical honeymoon in the Bush Lodge - we loved our stay at Pumba and have recommended to lots of other couples. The hospitality staff were wonderful and the accommodation luxurious, but of course the natural surroundings are the star of the show. We were lucky to be with Zuks, who expertly tracked lions, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, as well as a variety of smaller mammals and lots of birds. He taught us a lot and is an asset to the reserve. Pumba exceeded our expectations - thank you.
Laverne Gadiah

5
Reviewed: 2025-05-07

Pumba is a beautiful, private game reserve. Just off the N2. It's like another world, one worth experiencing. Not only amazing animals and vegetation, there is something worthwhile for bird lovers too. The staff are the best in hospitality.
Shawn McClafferty

5
Reviewed: 2024-12-25

Pumba Private Game Reserve in South Africa is nothing short of magical! My wife, friends, and I stayed here, and it was an experience we will cherish forever. The staff was incredibly attentive, the food was exquisite, and the morning and evening excursions into the reserve were unforgettable. One of the highlights was enjoying coffee in the morning while surrounded by a group of giraffes—it felt like something out of a dream. And seeing the famous white lions up close? Absolutely breathtaking! If you're looking for an extraordinary getaway that combines adventure, luxury, and the beauty of nature, I cannot recommend Pumba Private Game Reserve enough. It's truly a bucket-list experience!
Andrew Brown

5
Reviewed: 2024-12-04

My partner and I have just returned from the most fantastic and memorable 3 night stay at Pumba. We stayed in a water front lodge which was luxurious and it was amazing to see all the animals from our decking - including a hippo one morning which was an amazing way to wake up! The staff throughout the reserve are so, so friendly and attentive and it was nice to spend time with them and every meal was delicious. We did 6 game drives whilst we were there and a special shout out to Thomas who was extremely knowledgeable, an excellent ranger and an all round great guy. We will definitely be coming back as soon as we can. Thanks for having us.
Katherine Etherington

5
Reviewed: 2024-11-26

Pumba is the dreamiest honeymoon venue. The daily game drives are outstanding, with a ranger who gets to know you and what you are most excited to see. The rooms are incredible, super luxury, extremely comfortable bed and perfect for a romantic evening looking over the savannah. The food and drink service is fantastic and the team are so attentive. We had two treatments each at the spa, which were all phenomenal and the additional activities make this the perfect get away. Pumba is small enough to feel very luxury but big enough to see every animal you can think of, multiple times, in a three or four day trip.