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Pumba Private Game Reserve Lodges

Alicedale Eastern Cape - South Africa

Email Pumba Private Game Reserve Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com

Discover wildest Africa in true luxury at the Pumba Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
This Eastern Cape safari lodge has achieved a 5-star rating for its unrivalled beauty, world-class service and the abundance of wild animals on its doorstep.

In addition to the famous Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants), guests of the game reserve have the rare opportunity of seeing the magnificent White Lion, stalking prey and lazing under the trees in its natural environment.

This South African retreat is equipped with two intimate lodges:
the Water Lodge and Msenge Bush Lodge, each boasting their own touch of opulence. In addition to this inviting accommodation, complete with outdoor showers and private pools, guests are invited to savour the flavours created by the qualified 5-star chefs.

To complete the Pumba experience, the Msenge Bush Lodge’s Soul Spa is guaranteed to work off the last remnants of the stress of city living. Feel the essence of the authentic South African bushveld in style at Pumba Private Game Reserve.

Pumba Private Game Reserve Accommodation

Water Lodge
Pumba Private Game Reserve’s very own Water Lodge provides the perfect balance between an idyllic African safari and true 5-star luxury.
Guests of the Water Lodge will be privy to unrivalled views over Lake Kariega, complemented by inviting hospitality and a warm atmosphere.

All nestled within the malaria-free province of the Eastern Cape, guests can look forward to spotting the Big 5 (leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses) as well as the free-roaming pride of magnificent White Lions, wild dogs, hyenas and cheetahs.

In addition to the ultimate safari experience, this lodge also offers romance, intimacy and convenience, making it the ideal retreat for honeymooners, families or corporate guests. Conference and wedding venues complete the world-class experience within the Eastern Cape beauty.

Bush Lodge
The Bush Lodge, also known as Msenge, is all about the relaxation that can only be experienced within the serenity of the African bush.
This Eastern Cape safari lodge guarantees a unique experience as it displays breath-taking views over the watering hole, flood plains and mountain ranges.
This means that, while basking in all of the luxury and warmth for which Pumba is so well known, guests enjoy spectacular views of some of Africa’s wildest and most beautiful animals as they drink, play and interact within their natural habitat.

Msenge Bush Lodge comprises 11 thatched chalets, each characterised by the extensive use of glass that gives visitors the sense of being a part of the Eastern Cape bushveld. These private bush chalets, set within the heart of any safari-lover’s dream landscape, boast dreamy bathrooms with stunning views and opulent bedrooms with private wooden decks.

For an authentic experience of the African bushveld, the outdoor shower and private plunge pool invite weary guests to relax and revitalise themselves in complete privacy.
Guests are urged to embark on driving and walking safaris, accompanied by Pumba’s expert rangers and guides. The animals on the reserve guarantee delightful sightings and memorable photographs.
Take advantage of the 5-star cuisine in the cosy restaurant, or under the star-littered night skies.
The main deck has stunning views of the animals grazing and is best enjoyed while sipping on a cold beer or a glass of wine. Alternatively, there is a log fire inside for the chilly winter nights.

Directions from Port Elizabeth:
Follow the N2 highway towards Grahamstown for 100 kilometres. The Day Safari Arrivals is situated on the left-hand side of the N2.
To reach the safari lodges, continue for a further 5 kilometres and take the Alicedale turnoff to your left. Drive along the gravel road until you see the Pumba sign telling you to turn right. Continue along the road until you reach the Main Gate of the reserve on your left.

Directions from Grahamstown:
Follow the N2 highway towards Port Elizabeth for 20 kilometres. To reach the safari lodges, take the Alicedale turnoff to your right.
Drive along the gravel road until you see the Pumba sign telling you to turn right. Continue along the road until you reach the Main Gate of the Reserve on your left. The Day Safari Arrivals are situated a further 5 kilometres on the N2 to your right.

Helipad: 26o 24’ 38.64”E 33o 23’ 15.90”S
Airstrip: 26o 20’ 50.70”E 33o 23’ 31.98” S
Msenge Bush Lodge S 33’ 22.345’ E026o 22.683’
Pumba Water Lodge S 33’ 22.601’ E026o 23.685’

Pumba Private Game Reserve is the third largest privately owned game reserve in the South African province of the Eastern Cape.

It covers an area of 6790 hectares and includes five of South Africa’s seven biomes.
This means that there is an undeniable wealth of plant- and animal species to enjoy.

The vegetation consists of a mixture of the unique Eastern Cape Valley Bushveld, a dense type of plant cover that is especially popular amongst elephants and antelope.
Extensive open plains give guests the coveted opportunity of watching antelope and the endangered White Rhinoceros graze in peace and serenity.

In addition to the famous Big 5 (leopards, lions, rhinos, buffaloes and elephants), Pumba is home to approximately 40 other species of mammals and hundreds of bird species.
These animals range from commonly seen species (such as the graceful giraffe) to more elusive animals, like the White Lion and the leopard.

History
As with much of the Eastern Cape, this area was once occupied by the Khoi people. These were a nomadic people that lived off the produce of the land.
Later, it became Zuurveld farm. In 1813, the farm was surveyed and was handed over to Piet Retief, who would go on to become a prominent political leader for the Dutch farmers. These farmers had moved away from the coastal areas to escape British rule in the 18th and 19th centuries.

However, as the farmers moved into the area, major conflicts arose between them and the existing Xhosa tribes, who felt that their homelands were being invaded by foreigners.
This led to the Frontier Wars, which characterised most of the first half of the 1800’s. In response, the South African government of the time stationed troops in the area.
Thus was born Grahamstown, as it was the chosen site for the Military Headquarters. In 1820, the British Government encouraged the English to immigrate to South Africa to alleviate the resulting unemployment and crippling poverty being experienced in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars.

This led to the arrival of over 4000 English Settlers in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. These ones were given farms in the Albany region. Today, this area is the home of Pumba Private Game Reserve.
Over time, Kariega was subdivided into a number of smaller properties so that farmers’ sons could have their own farms. The remaining pieces of land were incorporated into the reserve.
However, Pumba is working hard to reverse this process by re-incorporating the surrounding smaller farms. This initiative is being executed with the aim of restoring the indigenous plant- and animal species that were found in this area hundreds of years ago.

Activities:

Hiking
Situated in the heart of the South African province of the Eastern Cape, there are plenty of opportunities for guests of the stunning Pumba Private Game Reserve to explore the area on foot.
Qualified rangers are on hand and will plan a specific route according to the fauna and flora in which each individual, couple or group is most interested.
These walking safaris are conducted in the hills of the Yellowwoods Farm at the reserve. After indulging in the beauty of the Eastern Cape, enjoy a picnic under the towering Yellowwood trees, accompanied by a symphony of wildlife noises.

Botanicals
The area in which Pumba Private Game Reserve is situated is predominantly characterised by Sub Tropical Thicket, or thorny, succulent bushes.
However, due to the year round sunshine and rainfall, this area is actually rich in many forms of vegetation. In fact, Pumba is home to five of the country’s seven Bioclimatic Communities or Biomes, which comprise thousands of plant species.
These biomes are 1) Fynbos, 2) Savannah, 3) Grassland, 4) Forest and 5) Subtropical Thicket. Botanical tours will expose these biomes, introduce guests to rare and endangered species and cover conservation initiatives being undertaken by the reserve.

Stargazing
Africa is known for its high, open skies. These are even more magical when out in the South African bushveld, where the stars and moon are the only sources of light.
Pumba’s field guides will interpret and reveal the wonders of the South Celestial Skies, navigation by night and the Southern Cross or Orion’s Belt. We use modern wireless astronomy technology to show guests the night sky as it is seen through cloud cover.

Walking Safaris…on the wild side!
Be part of the South African wilderness as your trail guide leads you through the home of the local wildlife. Learn to find and interpret tracks, different plant species and a range of birdlife, all while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air of the Eastern Cape.
While embarking on a walking safari, Pumba guests frequently have the coveted chance to spot an elephant, rhino, hippo, hyena, lion or eagle as it explores its natural habitat.

Archery
Archery is an ancient sport, and one that test one’s aim, fitness and skill. At the archery range, guests will be briefed and given a demonstration before they are allowed to test their abilities. Buttresses are placed at specific distances, making the sport challenging and interesting.

Bass Fishing
For the ultimate in serenity and relaxation, sit on the banks of the gorgeous Lake Kariega for a day of bass fishing. Pumba Private Game Reserve will provide fishing rods, lures and tackle to guests.
This makes for an ideal family outing and picnic baskets or sundowners are always a popular favourite when visiting Lake Kariega.

Picnics
Although midday meals are served at Pumba’s lodges, a picnic gives guests an opportunity to be right in the heart of South African nature.
The bird hide that folds out over Lake Kariega is the perfect hideaway for couples to enjoy a romantic picnic or for families to indulge in some private seclusion.
As hippos cool themselves in the water and birds soar above or perch in the boughs, picnicking guests will truly understand the lure of the bushveld.

Alternatively, the Tree Tops Boma provides breath-taking views over the canopy of trees and the animals to which this foliage is home; the perfect venue for a leisurely picnic.
Staff at the reserve and game lodges of Pumba will prepare a delicious array of gourmet sandwiches, complemented by cold sparkling wine.
A guide may accompany you if you wish to make the picnic part of a hike or guided tour. The irresistible beaches of Kenton-on-Sea are also fabulous picnic spots.
Guests may travel to these alone, or may take a guided tour, perhaps on a horseback safari, if they wish to be accompanied by a qualified guide.

Birding Safari
With the wide variety of avian species gracing the Eastern Cape skies, guests of Pumba Private Game Reserve and its safari lodges are assured of a very satisfying birding safari.
Prearranged bird outings are conducted, using modern birding technology to ensure that guests do not miss out on any exciting species. This technology enables those safari-goers to learn about bird species, habitats and behaviors at the touch of a button.

The qualified and knowledgeable birding guides conduct tours through the exquisite Afromontane Forest, home to a dense collection of tall Yellowwoods, as well as along the river banks and valleys of Brookhuizenspoort.
These safaris end at a bird hide within the reserve, where cool beverages and delicious snacks await the guest. While enjoying refreshments, the abundance of birdlife, including a breeding pair of African Fish Eagles, will again reinforce the beauty of this unique land.

Night Safari Drives
Night safari drives give Pumba guests the chance to see an entirely different array of animals as they come out of their hiding places to hunt and forage in the cool darkness.
These include the otherwise elusive Aardvark, hyena and Aardwolf. Lions also make use of the cooler conditions to make impressive kills, which some guests may be privy to witnessing. Spotlights on safari vehicles are unobtrusive, but allow guests to be a part of the after-dark action.

Big 5 Safari Drives
One of South Africa’s most powerful attractions is undeniably its array of wildlife. Pumba Private Game Reserve is home to the Big 5, which comprises lion, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinoceroses.
Spotting these impressive species is an awe-inspiring experience and will always be remembered by the guests of Pumba. However, there are countless smaller species, which are just as fascinating and exciting to discover.

Your qualified guide will point these out and reveal fascinating facts about the abundance of plant- and animal life within the Pumba Reserve.
Safari drives are conducted on open Land Rovers so that, while safe, guests have an uninterrupted view of the landscape and its wild residents around them.
Your guide may uncover a termite nest or venture off the road in pursuit of a pride of lions. There are no holds barred to ensure that guests get the most out of their safari experience.
Each safari is unique and guests are encouraged to go on as many as they can so that they can fully appreciate the diversity of Africa.

Soul Spa

After the game drive, drinks and snacks can be enjoyed with other guests amidst the plants and animals. Young animals play in the tall grass, while Hapoor (the local elephant) may even be inquisitive enough to make an appearance before the group of guests.
The White Lions of Pumba are always a favourite sight. There are only four White Lion prides in South Africa, and ours is the only one in the Eastern Cape.

Pumba Private Game Reserve’s Soul Spa is committed to the rejuvenation and soothing of body, mind and spirit. Inspirations for the scents and remedies used on guests are taken from fynbos, the desert and the ocean.
Expert therapists are qualified to pamper Pumba guests with a host of therapies, including various massages, full body wraps, hot stone therapy, manicures, pedicures, facials and hydrotherapy.

However, none of these is done in isolation, but therapists are cognizant of a holistic approach in all spheres. For this reason too, each package is tailored to suit the needs and symptoms of each person.
Guests that prefer complete intimacy and privacy can enjoy all of these soothing treats within the comfort of their own suite. All therapies need to be booked in advance.
The steam room and plunge pool are also available to guests of this esteemed safari lodge, providing the perfect end to a busy day spent exploring the Eastern Cape bushveld.

Gym
Guests of Pumba Private Game Reserve that do not want to neglect their fitness regime or that want to release some stress are welcome to make use of the well-equipped gymnasium.
This gym is beautifully designed, boasting spectacular mosaics and 180 degrees of glass, allowing those inside to look out onto the bush, skies and trees for a modern, non-intrusive approach. Equipment includes various weights, bicycles, treadmills, a mini circuit, rowing machines and so on.

Gift Shops
Both of the lodges at Pumba, the Bush Lodge and the Water Lodge, are equipped with gift and curio shops. These stores are brimming with fascinating keepsakes and meaningful mementoes, which make fantastic gifts for friends and family. These include postcards, cuddly toys, handmade luxury goods and children’s clothing.

Landry
Laundry should not appear on your holiday itinerary. Pumba offers all guests a same-day laundry service at no extra charge.

Email Pumba Private Game Reserve Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com