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Pumba Water Lodge
Overlooking Lake Cariega, Pumba Water Lodge consists of 12 stone-walled, thatch chalets interlinked by winding wooden footpaths through the bushveld. Pumba Water Lodge boasts organic materials of timber, stone, and thatch present a seamless integration into the natural surrounds with luxury chalets offering private viewing decks and plunge pools. At Pumba Water Lodge the spectacular views are complemented by extraordinary hospitality. At the end of each day, savour a 5-course dinner under a canopy of stars and share your wildlife adventures over a glass of wine before retreating to your luxurious haven of comfort.
Pumba Private Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is a 5-star wildlife sanctuary known as one of the top safari destinations in Africa. Easily accessible with just a 75-minute drive from Port Elizabeth Airport, the reserve is malaria-free and is a perfect addition to a Garden Route holiday itinerary. Pumba houses two luxury lodges on the reserve and in addition to the Pumba Water Lodge, the Msegne Bush Lodge offers luxury accommodation in the bushveld. A high population of wildlife makes for outstanding game drives at this private game reserve. Lake Cariega attracts a variety of birds, making the location a birdwatcher’s paradise. Accompanied by expert game rangers you will track and see an abundance of wildlife including the magnificent Big 5. Pumba Private Game Reserve is also home to the rare white lion as well as hippo, hyena, cheetah, giraffe, and a large variety of antelope. Twice-daily game drives are complimented with a cozy coffee stop at sunrise and a spectacular sundowner stop in the wild as you witness skies turning crimson above expansive African plains.
Bushwalks allow one to experience the wild up close as you traverse the savannah. Whether taking photographic drives, swimming or being pampered at the spa, Pumba Water Lodge promises to give you an exclusive and serene experience and will leave a footprint of Africa in your heart.
Wildlife:
- Pumba Game Reserve is a Big-5 reserve and is home to the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
- Rare White Lion as well as Tawny Lion.
- A variety of other wildlife, including cheetah, hippo, hyena, aardwolf, Vervet monkey, eland, hartebeest, giraffe, black wildebeest, gemsbok, a variety of antelope species and more.
- Over 300 species of bird.
- Leopard sighting are rare in any eastern cape game reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted.
- 10-seater vehicles.
Activities & Facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Bass fishing
- Archery
- Bird safari’s
- Photographic drives
- Nights game drives
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounge
- Curio shop
Highlights:
- 5-star luxury safari lodge overlooking the scenic Lake Cariega.
- Lake Cariega attracts an array of wildlife and birdlife that can be viewed from the lodge.
- Beautiful viewing deck offering sweeping views over the reserve.
- 12 twelve stone-walled, thatched chalets including 3 spacious Gemsbok chalets and 1 two-bedroom unit.
- Each chalet has private viewing decks and plunge pools with views over the lake.
- Outstanding cuisine and dinning at the main lodge.
- Home to the rare White lion.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with close up sightings.
Location:
Located in the Eastern Cape, along South Africa’s east coast.
Getting there:
- The closest commercial airport is Port Elizabeth (PLZ).
- Pumba Game Reserve is a 1.15 hour drive from Port Elizabeth.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 35 minutes
Child Policy:
- Pumba welcomes children of all ages.
- Children under 6 years are not permitted on the game drives unless a private vehicle is hired.
- Children 4-11 years pay approximately 30% of the adult sharing rate
- Children 12-17 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate
- Children under the age of 3 years stay free of charge.
- For bushwalks, children must be 16 years and above.
Special offers:
Summer promotions
- Valid 11 Jan – 30 Apr & 01 Oct – 20 Dec.
- Stay 3 nights and receive 10% off.
- Stay 4 nights and receive 20% off.
Winter promotions
- Valid 01 May – 31 Jul.
- Stay 2 nights and receive 10% off.
- Stay 3 nights and receive 20% off.
- Stay 4 nights and receive 25% off.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bushwalks, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement applicable.
- Rates displayed are valid until 30 April 2025.
Seasons:
- Festive season: 21 December – 10 January
- Peak season: 01 October – 20 December
- High season: 11 January – 30 April
- Low season: 01 May – 30 September
Accommodation Options
Impala chalets
Sleeps 2 Adults
Impala chalets boast viewing decks for game viewing with private plunge pools and alfresco showers. Bathrooms offer free-standing bathtubs whilst fireplaces add warmth to the rooms on chilly nights.
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Festive season R 12,425 per person, per night
Peak Season R 11,425 per person, per night
High Season R 10,385 per person, per night
Low Season R 7,725 per person, per night
Gemsbok Chalets
Sleeps 2 Adults
The Gemsbok chalets additionally come with a lounge area recessed from the bedroom with a daybed for the utmost relaxation and feature private plunge pools and viewing decks.
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Festive season R 13,425 per person, per night
Peak Season R 12,425 per person, per night
High Season R 11,385 per person, per night
Low Season R 8,725 per person, per night
Kudu Suite
Sleeps 4 Adults
The Kudu suite is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom chalet with a lounge area and wraparound deck boasting breath taking views over the reserve. The suite features a steam room, private plunge pool and alfresco shower.
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Festive season R 14,175 per person, per night
Peak Season R 13,175 per person, per night
High Season R 9,475 per person, per night
Low Season R 6,760 per person, per night
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