Pumba Water Lodge

$510 - $860

per person sharing

At A Glance

R8,185 - R13,795

Per Person Sharing

Destinations
Nearest Airport

Port Elizabeth International Airport

Children Under 12 Welcome

Accommodation Highlights

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!

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.

Bookings & Pricing

Competitive Rates For Unforgettable Experiences

1 May 2026 - 30 Sep 2026

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

1 Oct 2026 - 20 Dec 2026

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

21 Dec 2026 - 10 Jan 2027

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

11 Jan 2027 - 30 Apr 2027

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

1 May 2027 - 30 Sep 2027

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

Enquire Now

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

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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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As part of the B Corp-certified Nawiri Group, every journey helps strengthen landscapes, support local livelihoods and protect the people, wildlife and wild places that make Africa extraordinary through long-term partnerships across the continent.​

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Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Go2Africa’s Big 5 Guarantee

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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.

  • JK
    Jennifer Keenlyside
    traveler

    We stayed at this Private Game Reserve and what an experience that was!! The accommodation was unbelievable. We had our own Plunge pool on our balcony overlooking a breathtaking view of the reserve. We could see elephants roaming, Giraffes poking their heads out from the thicket. It was almost surreal. There were also monkeys that were very friendly, that seemed to populate the Lodge as much as the guests.
    The game drives were some experience too. We saw White lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Rhino and a seldom seen Leopard to name a few. We agreed our favourite animal was the Warthog though – It was actually quite hilarious watching them in action he he. We have also found a friend for life, in Harry our tour guide! We have kept in touch since we returned to the UK. He explained things in a manner which just kept you gripped throughout. This was all-expenses paid, so the food and drink was part of the deal!! Even when we went out on the game drives we would get coffees / teas in the morning and a Sundowner (beer/wine/spirit) on the game reserve as the sun was setting(bliss)

  • ND
    Nolene Dobson
    traveler

    Pumba Water Lodge Safaris included majestic views, exciting “Big 5 Sightings” and the guidance of informed, competent and attentive Rangers.

  • SM
    Stefania McCallion
    traveler

    The Safari at Pumba was really really good. The staff, the location, the food, the service, the rangers, the accommodation were excellent, in fact is the thing that I appreciate mostly during the vacation. I would definetely reccomend to other people to stay there and mostly to go and visit South Africa.

  • JP
    Jill Poyser
    traveler

    Pumba – another winner! What luxury! Again lots of nice little touches like the underfloor heating in the well presented bathroom. It was lovely to have our very own plunge pool but we didn’t get chance to use it due to it being freezing. Never mind. The staff again were friendly and lovely. Game drives – wowzer! We had superb rangers at both Tuningi and Pumba and feel priviledged to have witnessed some of the animal behaviour we saw as a result of their expertise. Rangers were Christo (Tuningi) and Jean (Pumba).

  • MK
    Mary Keet
    employee

    This unique lake side 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

  • CL
    Cheryl Lott
    traveler

    Our experience at Pumba was phenomenal. The staff, the food, our ranger were all top notch. We didn’t only see the white lioness and cub hunting, but they walked right next to the vehicle… twice!

  • NP
    Nisa Petrilli
    traveler

    We had the most incredible time! Pumba Water Lodge was such a magical place and we had an amazing experience, the staff was wonderful, the food and accommodations were fantastic, and the game drives were awesome. We got to watch the white lioness and her cub feeding on a warthog.

  • DD
    Deborah Duncan
    traveler

    Our stay at Pumba Water Lodge was quite an adventure. Again we were delighted with the luxurious accomodations and delicious meals. Our Safaris with Ranger Dean afforded us great views of lions, elephants, gifarres, zebras and many other animals. Ranger Dean was extremely knowledgeable and we learned a great deal about not only the animals themselves but also about the biomes, plant life and birds and insects. Thankfully not one encounter with a snake!!

  • JM
    Jahan Moghadam
    traveler

    The Pumba Water Lodge is where we stayed, and it was so beautiful. We were in awe, how amazing the lodge was and well setup. The staff at Pumba was excellent and beyond friendly. We took several pictures with our dining staff, rangers, and more so we never forget our experience with them. The safari drives were perfect.

  • GC
    Gavin Craig
    traveler

    Pumba Game Reserve was a definite highlight and we were very sad to leave… The safari was wonderful and the staff at Pumba made us feel so welcome.

  • DB
    Debbie Barnes
    traveler

    Everything, and I mean everything was amazing. The staff, in particular Alison, was so helpful and could not have made our stay any better. Steve and I loved this special place. We had a massage at the Spa in Bush Lodge and had lunch there, it was wonderful. We saw every animal except the Cheetahs but on our final game drive the white lion cubs came out to play no more than 10 metres from our jeep, a fantastic sight. On a very, very, very sad note we had to leave.

  • IE
    Ivonn Ellis-Wiggan
    traveler

    Pumba – Loved it!!! I initially thought that Kaila (our teen daughter) would be bored, but she hated leaving. She still speaks of Pumba and how much she misses it. The game drives were led by Justin. He was wonderful. He demonstrated such passion and knowledge. Even though he sees these animals everyday, he still spoke with excitement about all the animals. He made the drives spectacular. All the staff at Pumba were wonderful. Especially in engaging with Kaila. Many places will engage adults but not the teens/children. The staff at Pumba were intent on engaging us all.

  • VG
    Vanessa Gibson
    traveler

    Pumba Game Reserve – lives up to its high reputation. We had a marvellous time, can’t praise it too highly, every aspect was superb.

  • DB
    Debra Bursinger
    traveler

    Definitely Pumba Game Reserve was the best part of the trip and would highly recommend it to anyone!

  • AM
    Alan McCheyne
    traveler

    I don’t think we could have had a better time. For the first night we were the only guests at the Water Lodge. It was like it was our own house! (but with lots of staff to care for our every need). As there were no other guests for the 1st 2 game drives they permitted Poppy to go as well and she loved it. They looked after Poppy whilst we went on subsequent drives and she was looked after superbly. We are very impressed with the quality of the hotels you chose and they were all excellent with our 2 year old.

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.