Pumba Water Lodge

$440 - $780

per person sharing

Overview of Pumba Water Lodge

South Africa, Eastern Cape

Situated in the malaria-free Pumba Private Game Reserve, this relaxed, yet luxurious lodge offers unrivalled views over Lake Kariega. The lodge is made up of 12 thatched, water-front cottages with private deck areas and plunge pools. Ideal for romantics, Pumba Water lodge has a contemporary African feel and offers an authentic African safari experience.

Pumba Private Game Reserve boasts an abundance of wildlife, over 250 different bird species and you may even be lucky enough to spot the rare white lions. Enjoy thrilling game drives to search for these animals, taking the chance to see all the members of the legendary Big 5. Other exciting bush activities include birding safaris, complimentary archery and fishing, and guided bush walks. In the evening you can look forward to magnificent stargazing and night drives to see nocturnal animals like civets, genets, porcupines and bushpigs.

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences
Select your preferred currency to view rates by season
Date Board Price
01/10/2025 - 20/12/2025 Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) $650
21/12/2025 - 10/01/2026 Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) $705
11/01/2026 - 30/04/2026 Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) $650
01/05/2026 - 30/09/2026 Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) $465
01/10/2026 - 20/12/2026 Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) $725
21/12/2026 - 10/01/2027 Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) $780
11/01/2027 - 30/04/2027 Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) $725
01/05/2027 - 30/09/2027 Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages) $490

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Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
  • Situated in the Big 5 Pumba Private Game Reserve
  • Private, stone-walled chalets on the Kariega lakeshore
  • Great views over the lake and surrounding bush
  • Thrilling game drives and bush walks
  • Indulgent spa treatments and complimentary archery
  • Private plunge pools and outdoor showers
  • A rare sighting of white lions - if you are lucky enough!

Archery

Bird watching

Boat excursions

Cultural visits (additional cost)

Fishing

Game drives

Guided walks

Night drives

Private game-drives

Star gazing

Rooms at Pumba Water Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
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Impala Chalet

The lodge consists of spacious, stone walled chalets with thatched roofs and beautiful views over the surrounds. Each chalet boasts maximum privacy and overlooks the beautiful Lake Kariega. Chalets are comfortable and elegantly appointed, with private wooden decks, plunge pool and an outdoor shower.

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Kudu Suite

For those seeking extra space, the individually decorated Suites feature a cozy lounge area recessed from the bedroom, complete with a generous built-in daybed—perfect for curling up with a good book while soaking in the sounds of Africa. A fireplace adds warmth and charm, creating a truly inviting retreat.

General Facilities

Indulge in a range of massages, body wraps and treatments at the Soul Spa or watch the sun set as you sip a cool drink at the floating jetty boat on the lake.

During the warm afternoons, you can have fun in the swimming pool, relax on the deck, or read a book in the quiet library. You can also try your hand at archery or a spot of catch-and-release fishing.

Bar

Computer facilities

Gym

Spa

Swimming pool

Wi-Fi available

Dining

Because the lodge is intimate and small, meals can be served in a variety of scenic and private locations on the grounds.

Look forward to cordon bleu cuisine with an African twist and vintage wines from the director’s cellar. For a romantic occasion, you can request a bush dinner, lit by candle light and set out in a private location.

Expert Opinion

We know because we go
Mary Keet

Mary Keet

Africa Safari Expert

This unique lakeside Lodge in Pumba Private Game Reserve, is perfect if you are looking for a romantic Big 5 Experience with a few added touches including boat trips, bass fishing or perhaps just sundowners on a floating jetty

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Traveller Reviews

GD
Giovanni Donati
traveler

Our ranger Eddie, who drove us around for the whole time, was really the best ranger we could have had. We managed to spot all the big animals. We had a whole family of elephants crossing in front of us and we had a white lioness with 3 cubs at one meter from our vehicle. I have to say that was really really scary! more than sharks! We were lucky to be always only the two of us plus another couple on the car, that made the experience so unique and intense!

After Pumba, our amazing holiday came to an end as every holiday does, unfortunately.
I took so much with me, so much joy and happiness, that I smile so much when I think about all the memories I have about South Africa. Always with a little tear. South Africa really is something to experience. You really don’t know what South Africa can offer and how amazing that country is until you experience it yourself.

RH
Robert Head
traveler

You really out did yourself on this one. I told my wife you probably told the ranger to make sure we get to see the big five and believe it or not we did exactly that, including the Leopard. I got some great footage of all five. The service was above and beyond the call to duty. The room WOW!!! Every meal was outstanding and the game drives beautiful. We had great weather the entire stay.

VN
Valerie Naquin
traveler

Because of the beauty of the lodge and game viewing it was my favorite. The lodge was decorated by a designer and was amazing. We saw all the Big 5. The White Lions are amazing and we saw them multiple times. If a person wants to be assured of seeing the Big 5 Pumba would be my recommendation by far.

KR
Keith Robson
traveler

At Pumba the animals are more habituated to vehicles, and more concentrated in a smaller area. This meant I was able to get wonderful photographs especially of elephants and rhino. We took a ninety minute bush walk with a ranger which was the highlight of our visit there. The lodge was comfortable, meals were great, and the service was good.

GK
Gigi Koenig
traveler

Pumba is a great lodge, The rooms are huge and have nice big terraces too. The game drives they were brilliant (even with the rain). We saw their white lions and the 3 baby cubs , rhinos “fighting”, elephants. We also found the tawny lions.