Skip to main content
  1. Hotel reviews homepage
  2. South Africa hotel reviews
  3. Eastern Cape hotel reviews
  4. Grahamstown hotel reviews
  5. Reviews of Pumba Private Game Reserve

Reviews of Pumba Private Game Reserve 5 stars

Highlands, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa

#1 of 8 hotels in Grahamstown

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 218 hotel reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.6

  • Comfort

    9.6

  • Location

    9.7

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    9.5

  • Value for money

    9.0

  • Free WiFi

    9.4

100% verified reviews

Real guests. Real stays. Real opinions.

Read more- opens a dialog box
Write a review

Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 14 April 2025

    10
    Safari made easy!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great facilities and excellent rangers. We got to see all the animals we wanted to and would definitely go back

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 April 2025

    10
    Amazing , wonderful experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala Double/Twin
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing to fault

    Amazing location , amazing staff , amazing food & service.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 March 2025

    10
    Unforgettable - watching a cheetah hunt in front of your eyes!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Zero

    Second time - the most fantastic setting, staff and animals

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 February 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Large and clean room with a great view of the pond! We enjoyed our stay very much and were quite happy. We saw white lions and got some great photos. The landscape is heavily covered in brush and does not have as many open savannahs as some other resorts. So the animals are sometimes harder to see and to track.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 February 2025

    10
    Five star all the way!! Beautiful lodge with exceptional staff!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Nothing, everything was wonderful!!

    Pumba is five star all the way! We were truly delighted with our four night stay there . Our room (Impala Chalet #1), is exquisite with high end yet comfortable furnishings and a fantastic view over the lake. It was a thrill to sit on our private balcony, watching the animals coming to drink from the lake. And we were happy to dip in our little plunge pool ! The staff were exceptional - Chantal and Vuyo in reception; our wonderful waiters in the dining room; and Mabhuti, our guide were all second to none. We thoroughly enjoyed two game drives per day in Mabhuti's care. We learned so much about the animals and the reserve from him and really appreciated his humour and knowledge. We feel very fortunate that he was our guide! The food was tasty and the menu changed every day. Everything is included so we could get iced coffees, snacks and other treats in between the set meal times. There is a generous hospitality bar in each room - loaded with wine, beer , soft drinks, water, snacks, coffee (a REAL coffee maker - not instant coffee!) and a jar of homemade cookies which was restocked daily, There was nothing lacking. We met Roland, the manager, who was friendly and helpful and he clearly cares deeply about his guests. Overall, we can't say enough about our time at Pumba other than we wish we could have stayed longer!! Do yourself a favour and treat yourself to a stay at this wonderful , magical place! Thank you to everyone at Pumba!!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2025

    10
    An exceptional safari experience.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This is an exceptional property. The accommodation is outstanding, as are the staff and service. All food was amazing. Our ranger Wesley was excellent; knowledgeable, informative and great fun.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 2 February 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great sraffAmazing sightings.Beautiful accommodation

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 25 January 2025

    10
    Fantastic location with friendly staff and informative game drive driver
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala Double/Twin
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing yo dislike

    Stunning location and original

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 January 2025

    10
    Amazing experience and memories
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Some of the room furnishings need updating as getting tired

    Amazing experience from start to finish, do not hesitate to book, staff , rooms, food and Game Drives all first class

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 January 2025

    10
    The perfect Lodge with amazing hospitality and game drives
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala Double/Twin
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely nothing!

    Everything!! It really was as advertised (food and hospitality were the very best) and the game drives were amazing. Thank you Clio for your expert guidance throughout our stay, you were so knowledgable!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2025

    8.0
    Lovely peaceful place with fantastic game.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The cost of pumba is advertised as all inclusive and but you are also expected to subsidise the wages of the rangers through gratuities which they rely on to lift their basic salary. To remove the pressure and obligation from the clients many other places we have visited have a central box where all tips are gathered and distributed to staff equally. This seems a much more equitable arrangement all round.

    The location was stunning and the game we saw was amazing!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2025

    10
    Amazing Experience - Even Better the Second Time !
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    This was my second visit to Pumba, and it was just as incredible as the first! The staff's warm hospitalitv and attention to detail made us feel so welcome. The lodges offer stunning views and a true connection to nature. The game drives were unforgettable, with expert guides and amazing wildlife encounters! The food was exceptional, with every meal perfectly prepared. Pumba is a paradise for anyone seeking a luxurious, immersive safari. I can't wait to return for a third visit!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2024

    10
    An amazing life experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was nothing I didn’t like

    Absolutely loved the vibe. Perfect for a true South African safari experience.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2024

    10
    What an absolute gem!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    What an amazing place! Absolutely beautiful location and exceptional service from the staff. The drives were great and rangers try their best to locate the animals, food is excellent, I can’t fault this place, we had a fantastic time.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 December 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Amazing service, great food and wine. Safari was brilliant and the Msenge Lodge was very special.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 December 2024

    10
    Luxury relaxation - a wonderful place to enjoy wildlife and spoil oneself
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
    • Stayed 2 nights

    possibly having a bit of a wider wine selection.

    Service of staff was great , as was the knowledge of our game ranger Mzi. Suite facilities and comfort were definitely worthy of being called a 5 star resort.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 December 2024

    10
    Beyond our expectations and we were treated so well.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala Double/Twin
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely fantastic, no complaints at all

    Beyond expectations, truly amazing. Thembane was our driver and was very knowledgeable and kind person, a credit to Pumba.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 November 2024

    10
    Pumba was a treat to ourselves after retiring and it lived up to and surpassed our expectations
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location was great, staff were attentive and friendly and food was super. Our safari guide Thomas was very good and has exceptional eyesight

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 September 2024

    9.0
    Staff and Guides are more warm and more „you“ orientated in Water Lodge than in Bush Lodge. Bush Lodge has more charme.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Na

    Good food, nice welcome

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 September 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Family Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The lodge itself was beautiful. The rooms were amazing. We were in the family room in the Msenge Lodge. Great for two couples as it had a shared entry, then two totally separate rooms, complete with lounge area, large bedroom and huge bathroom. Shared deck and plunge pool were also great. Level of service was excellent with inclusive drinks, game drives etc. Loved it.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2024

    10
    Great stay. Good animal sightings
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Excellent facilities, large rooms and great staff. Nothing too much trouble.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 September 2024

    9.0
    Absolutely first class
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Gravel roads getting to pumba

    Everything, excellent attention to detail, hot water bottles in bed and warm, aromatherapy oiled face cloths to wipe face after game drives

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 September 2024

    10
    Brilliant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had such an amazing time at Pumba. The staff were so lovely and friendly. The room was perfect, so big and spotless. The little touches the staff did were so great such as lighting the fire in our room and leaving hot water bottles in the bed at night. The food was really good with lots of options at each meal. Our ranger Mabhuti was just the best. He was so knowledgeable and made our drives so enjoyable. He went the extra mile on each drive doing his best to make sure we saw as many animals as possible. I would highly recommend Pumba.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 August 2024

    10
    Breathtaking experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The place is exceptional, staff are super friendly and go an extra mile and wild animals are breathtaking.

    Stayed in August 2024

Showing 1 – 25

We Price Match
We Price Match
Low rates • No booking fees • Find cheaper? We'll refund the difference!

Guests also reviewed these properties: