About

Awaken your soul and escape to the wild and magical African Safari destination, that is…Pumba Private Game Reserve.  Nestled in the heart of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, this hidden gem offers the ultimate in African Safari luxury – combined with luscious awe inspiring bush, grasslands, and of course, the formidable Big Five.  Just when you think you have seen them all…there is one more beautiful species for you to see at Pumba Private Game Reserve.  The endangered and majestic White Lion…they will take your breath away.

Pumba Private Game Reserve offers luxurious Five Star accommodation at one of two intimate and enchanting lodges.  Each idyllic chalet is totally private and complete with their own pools framed by timber decks and outdoor showers…only the monkeys and the hippos will be watching you here.  Every chalet is designed and decorated using individual and natural fabrics – picking up on a different aspects of African nature and wild life, and immersing you into feeling at one with the unspoilt beauty which surrounds you.  When dining you’ll be treated to an array of gourmet safari cuisine, all prepared by our passionate Five Star chefs, who will cater to all your individual needs.

We have additional pampering for the mind, body, and soul, at the Msenge Bush Lodge’s Soul Spa – as well as our fully equipped gym surrounded by glass, and extending out beneath a cathedral of trees.

Pumba Private Game Reserve is the third largest privately owned Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, covering 5 of the 7 South African Vegetation Biomes, resulting in amazing diversity of Flora and Fauna waiting to be discovered by you.

Home to Africa’s Big 5, Pumba Private Game Reserve is Malaria-free and offers visitors the chance to experience the wonders of Africa – from the graceful giraffe to the seldom seen leopard, and the very rare White Lions – 45 species of mammals and other small game.  For the bird lovers and twitches the nearly 317 species occurring in our geographical region will never fail to delight you.

This is the heart and soul of wildest Africa…this is Pumba Private Game Reserve

Location

Pumba Private Game Reserve, in the heart of the Eastern Cape's Malaria-free game viewing region, is only 105 km from Port Elizabeth and just 20 km from Grahamstown.

• GPS Co-ordinates:
• S 33º 23' 24"; E 26º 24' 68"

Distances

1. Airport - Port Elizabeth: 110 km
2. Station - Port Elizabeth:103 km
3. Port Elizabeth: 105 km
4. Grahamstown: 20 km
5. Alicedale Golf Course (Gary Player design): 30 km

Directions

From the Port Elizabeth Airport

1. As you exit the airport building, turn left into Allistair Millar Drive.
2. At the traffic light intersection, turn right into Heugh Road. Continue down Heugh Road until you see the harbour and the sea directly in front of you.
3. At the main traffic light intersection at the bottom of Walmer Boulevard (Heugh Road) turn left, taking the highway which is on the seaward side. Continue along the highway, which will take you onto the N2 in the direction of Grahamstown.
4. Travel along the N2 in the direction of Grahamstown for 105 km. Take the Alicedale turnoff towards the left and follow the signs to Pumba Private Game Reserve.

From Port Elizabeth

1. Travel along the N2 in the direction of Grahamstown for 105 km.
2. Take the Alicedale turnoff towards the left and follow the signs to Pumba Private Game Reserve.

From Grahamstown (N2 Sunshine Coast / Durban)

1. Travel along the N2 in the direction of Port Elizabeth for 20 km.
2. Take the Alicedale turnoff towards the right and follow the signs to Pumba Private Game Reserve.

Rooms

Pumba Water Lodge 

The luxurious lodge at Pumba Water Lodge comprises 12 stone-walled, thatched, waterfront cottages. comprising

1. 2 suites - 1 x 1-bedroom and 1 x 2-bedroom
2. 2 cottages have a 4-poster kingsize bed and double sleeper couch
3. 1 honeymoon cottage, with a 4-poster kingsize bed and bath in bedroom
4. 1 honeymoon cottage, with a kingsize bed and bath in bedroom
5. 6 cottages have a kingsize/twin zipper-bed (can be made into either)
6. 1 x 2-bedroom suite with a kingsize/twin zipper-bed (can be made into either

Leading off meandering timber footpaths, the cottages open up onto private timber game-viewing decks with outside showers and plunge pools. The bedrooms and bathrooms offer underfloor heating, dreamy, free-standing bathtubs, double basins, terry-towel bathrobes and splendid appointments to create an ambience of luxurious indulgence. Air-conditioning, earthenware fireplaces and fine linen ensure your absolute comfort.

In-room facilities include

1. air-conditioning and heating
2. fireplace
3. tea/coffee making facilities
4. mini-bar fridge
5. binoculars, bird and animal books
6. telephone
7. alarm clock
8. mini electronic safe
9. separate bath and shower, with heated towel rails and twin vanities
10. private game-viewing deck
11. outdoor shower and plunge pool

Msenge Bush Lodge

The Msenge Bush Lodge at Pumba offers 11 luxurious, glass enclosed thatched chalets, each in its own private bush setting, offering

1. Private Game viewing deck with plunge pool and outdoor shower
2. En-suite bathroom with separate shower and bath, separate W/C, twin vanities and heated towel rails
3. Private dressing room, with bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
4. Bedrooms offer twin or king-size beds, with percale cotton linen, seating area and roman blinds for additional privacy

In-room facilities include

1. Mini-bar and hospitality trays
2. Air-conditioning and heating
3. Fireplace
4. Ceiling fan
5. Mosquito net
6. Electronic Safe
7. Direct-dial telephone

Each cottage overlooking the small watering hole and flood plain, against a backdrop of mountains.

Facilities

Facilities at Pumba Water Lodge include:

1. A thatched restaurant, from where meals can be served in a variety of locations - central dining room or main decks. Private candlelit dinners can be arranged on request
2. GUEST Lounge, with satellite TV
3. Sheltered outdoor restaurant and lounge
4. Pool and sun deck
5. Game Viewing deck
6. Waterfront floating pier and sundeck
7. Curio Shop, for locally produced curios, artworks and clothing.
8. GUEST Library
9. Free Wireless Internet

A conference room, seating 20 delegates, is also available.

Facilities at Msenge Bush Lodge include:

1. 11 thatched, glass-enclosed chalets offering 5-star luxury
2. Restaurant
3. Boma
4. Game viewing deck, to watch animals interacting on the plain below the lodge
5. Function room seating 60 delegates
6. Bush Bar, to enjoy a refreshing cocktail whilst game viewing
7. GUEST Lounge, with fireplace in winter/cooler weather
8. Reading Room with satellite television
9. Internet office with 2 computers
10. Free Wireless Internet
11. Soul Spa and Fully equipped Gym
12. Pool Deck
13. Curio Shop

Facilities on the reserve include:

1. Helipad
2. Airstrip
3. Bird Hide
4. Bush Boma

Health

The Soul Spa at Msenge Bush Lodge offers GUESTS the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing treatment in luxury and peaceful surroundings, with stunning views.

The Soul Spa offers the following treatments:

1. Two double treatment rooms for his-and-her treatments, if required
2. Steam room
3. Hydro therapy bath
4. Private pool
5. Gym with treadmill, rowing, cycling and weight-training equipment

If you are interested in indulging in a few treatments during your stay, then we recommend you book your treatments prior to arrival.

Fine Dining

The Restaurant at Pumba Water Lodge and Msenge Bush Lodge

The magnificent African A La Carte menu offers a wide variety of dishes to suit everyone's palate. African fusion cuisine with an Eastern Cape flair can be enjoyed in the Restaurant, or on the open deck overlooking the watering hole.

After dinner, enjoy a night cap around the central fire, recalling the day's adventures.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily and included in the package price.

Activities

Activities on the Reserve include:

1. Big 5 Game Drives
2. Hiking at Yellowwoods
3. Star Gazing
4. Guided bushwalks with experienced rangers
5. Archery
6. Bass Fishing
7. Birding Safaris
8. Nocturnal Game Drives
9. Spa Treatments

Activities off the reserve include:

1. Shopping
2. Township Tours
3. Historical Tours
4. Beaches
5. Sky Diving
6. Horse Riding
7. Golf

Additional information

1. The Lodge is situated on Cariega Lake, offering stunning views over the lake from every cottage
2. Malaria-free Big Five Game Viewing
3. Day Safaris, including 3-hour game drive, meals and drinks
4. Designated Day Safari Arrivals Centre, just off the national road, with ample secure parking
5. Luxury game-viewing vehicles with individual bucket seats and overhead canvas covers
6. Blankets, scarves and beanies are provided on game drives, as well as light snacks, beverages and binoculars
7. Qualified game rangers
8. 6 000+ hectare game reserve comprising valley bushveld, grassland and mountains, as well as natural watering holes
9. Big Five and 22 other species of game
10. Over 270 species of birds
11. 5 natural biomes

Executive Retreat

Pumba Water Lodge

Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Eastern Bushveld, overlooking Cariega Lake, this conference venue is the ideal setting for your conference, be it either a board meeting, strategy planning session or workshop. Your delegates will be inspired and motivated in this awesome setting, as well Wedding GUESTS attending receptions at Pumba.

The venue is equipped with a hand crafted boardroom table, the latest audio visual equipment, refreshment station, cloack room and verandah overlooking Cariega Lake and the surrounding plains. The conference room can accommodate up to 18 delegates boardroom style.

Msenge Bush Lodge

Msenge Bush Lodge is surrounded by typical Eastern Cape Bushveld, on the edge of a flood plain and overlooking a watering hole.  The Bush Lodge is the perfect venue for conferencing and team building with the conference venue accommodating up to 60 delegates.  In addition, one can also enjoy private dinners in the Boma or some relaxing time off at the Health Spa.

GUESTS can choose to have their conferences at either lodge, should you require accommodation for all your delegates, you can reserve all chalets at both lodges.  Please note all programmes can be tailor-made to suit your requirements.