Highlands, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa
#1 of 8 hotels in Grahamstown
Guests' ChoiceBased on 217 hotel reviews
9.4Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.6
Location
9.7
Facilities
9.4
Staff
9.5
Value for money
9.0
Free Wifi
9.4
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End of dialog contentReviewed: October 11, 2023
Melissa
United StatesThis was a phenomenal location from start to finish. The accommodations, food and safari were all exceptional!
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: October 1, 2023
Anthony
United KingdomThis was the highlight of our tour of South Africa. It was a small piece of heaven placed on earth. The staff were EXCELLENT, the food was DELICIOUS, the rooms were GORGEOUS, the animals were ABUNDANT, and the whole experience was PERFECT. We watched an elephant drinking at lunch, toured with the AMAZING Mze gamekeeper in the Range Rover safari vehicle. It was fun, exciting and exhilarating. Don't hesitate with this place; it's truly worth it. TIP: Take strong binoculars!
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: September 20, 2023
Mark
United KingdomLooked after us from start to finish. Promised and delivered a wonderful safari experience. Our guide/driver Matthew was excellent on the drives-great knowledge and made sure we saw everything. Great food breakfast, dinner and lunch. Log fire lit in our room ready for our return. Lovely views over the plain from our room. Fabulous large room and bathroom with well stocked fridge. Catered for our every need
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: September 11, 2023
Maxim
Russia1. Staff on first reception is very bad 2. Staff on the restaurant (only 1 lady - was really bad) 3. Quite old cars on safari
Great safari and nice food, stunning views, great rangers
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: August 25, 2023
Shlomit
IsraelAmazing place, unbelievable experiences with the most heart warning staff.
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: August 22, 2023
Rebecca
United KingdomWe perhaps should have been informed to take everything from our car, as we didnt realise we wouldnt be coming back to our car at all and we left our coats behind! Although a lovely member of staff went and got them for us! My only suggestion would be to have perhaps a few more "themed" souvenirs to take home - a Pumba baseball cap, t-shirt or sweatshirt. I loved the idea of supporting their charity and have the opportunity to buy some things which would help the charity - just an idea...
We liked everything! Not very sure where to begin! From the minute we arrived, everything was taken care of. Nothing was an issue - it was all inclusive, so food and drinks were readily provided. Our bush lodge room was incredible - a dream! With a wooden balcony and plunge pool (athough it was a bit too cold to use it!) Each evening after dinner, we had hot water bottles put in the bed and our wood burning stove had been lit - the small touches were just so lovely! After each safari excursion we were welcomed with hot towels and a refreshing drink. The staff were all so friendly and we loved our guide Phumlani who was so helpful.
Stayed in July 2023
Reviewed: August 6, 2023
Olwethu
South AfricaRoom didn’t look like it was mopped before our arrival and during our stay. Bathroom floor was a little sticky and dirty.
Loooooooved the staff and the food. The game drive was my first experience and I absolutely loved it too. Our guide was amazing.
Stayed in July 2023
Reviewed: July 18, 2023
Ernst
South AfricaClose proximity to Port Elizabeth less than an hour
Stayed in July 2023
Reviewed: July 3, 2023
Tomer
IsraelNothing. Everything was perfect
Everything was perfect. Headman was the most professional safari guide. Very indulging lodge, great food. Amazing rooms and view. Staff are very nice.
Stayed in June 2023
Reviewed: June 28, 2023
Rachel
United KingdomWatch out for the cheeky monkeys in the Lodge and chalet areas - some can scratch or bite.
Comfortable chalets with very welcoming and attentive staff who took care of extra details Iike turndown service. Water Lodge has the added benefit of bathrooms overlooking the waterhole and the lovely view of hippos bathing ! Early morning and evening game drives were fabulous with our very knowledgeable guide - Mzi- who took great care of us as well as teaching us so much about animal behavior. On the cold winter days, the warm blankets and hot water bottles were a lovely touch. Food was hearty and generous - with vegetarian options always available.
Stayed in June 2023
Reviewed: June 27, 2023
Rose
South AfricaThe food was really good, but some things were a bit of a miss for us.
Peaceful. Spacious. Beautiful rooms. Lovely views. A game farm that is active ecologically. Cheetahs almost ready for release!! Nice game drives. Great ranger Matthew. Our vehicle broke down one day but we were quickly rescued and enjoyed our evening drinks while we waited.
Stayed in June 2023
Reviewed: June 26, 2023
Julie
South AfricaBeautiful setting
Stayed in June 2023
Reviewed: May 18, 2023
Zoe
United KingdomThat I had to leave :(
The staff and rangers here were beyond amazing! So friendly knowledgeable and nothing at all was to much to ask. The rooms were huge comfortable, clean with incredible views. The food was so tasty and there was no chance of ever going hungry. The game drives often had me completely over whelmed, the proximity we got to most of the animals was out of this world and the amount of information we got about them from our amazing Ranger Denise was as fascinating. Her passion for what she does was infectious and was clear to see how much she cared for the wildlife. We stayed for 3 nights but wish we had 3 more. Having to leave was very emotional but I will certainly be back and can not wait!
Stayed in May 2023
Reviewed: May 10, 2023
Rohvi
United Kingdomnothing
it was fantastic
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: May 1, 2023
Helouise
South AfricaLow water pressure resulted in cold showers unfortunately.
What a treat!!
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: April 15, 2023
Martin
Switzerlandall was fine! we enjoyed everything.
Great tours! great animals! Staff very friendly.
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: April 13, 2023
Plhr
United Kingdomwe had a few issues with our running water, service at the bar was very slow and they messed up our spa booking but they did give me my spa free and was very apologetic.
the Game Drives are absolutely amazing! Out guide Cleo was excellent and made our holiday! the Rooms were stunning, we had a water lodge and well worth the extra to see the hippos every morning. The lounges are beautiful and we had one nights dinner at the bush lodge which was great having a nice G&T by the outdoor bonfire. we had an amazing stay
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: April 9, 2023
Sharon
IsraelThe food wasn’t spectacular, basic but good
Wow! the safari trips were absolutely incredible. you can see animals from your room. The room is amazing and the staff are super nice and they will do everything to make sure you are satisfied. Highly recommended!
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: March 31, 2023
Frank
United KingdomNothing.
Excellent location and accommodation. The ranger was very professional and knowledgeable. Excellent drives into the bush with sightings of all the animals. The staff were happy to help in every way, nothing was too much trouble. Strongly recommend this Game Reserve.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: March 25, 2023
Gary
United KingdomNothing not to like.
Unique location and personal experience. Our ranger Brendon was very informative and enthusiastic. Accommodation first class. An amazing experience , highly recommended
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: March 21, 2023
Bianca
United KingdomExcellent stay. We went for our honeymoon and I couldn’t recommend enough! The staff were very friendly, the food was lovely, the room was absolutely stunning and very clean, and the rangers were very knowledgable and friendly. A phenomenal stay and the memories will last a lifetime!
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: March 6, 2023
Benyamin
United Statesnot much. maybe AC wasn’t as strong but it was fine with the fan
rooms
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: March 4, 2023
Pam
United Kingdomgreeted by a group of 24 with 13 children who stayed 2 days. so meals were disrupted! Meat tough but food excellent otherwise
having been lucky enough to visit many game lodges in SA, Pumba is the best in our opinion. the balance of land v animals v guests is perfect. it was a joy to spend quality time with so many lions, elephants, hippos etc. the lodge dining room has a beautiful view of a large lake, as do the comfortable rooms. food good and Ryan made great cocktails. Best of all was our safari guide Denise, thank you Pumba
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: March 1, 2023
Kathleen
United KingdomLuxurious accommodation in beautiful setting. Everything was very well organised. The rangers are all so knowledgeable and very clever at finding the animals. We got really close to elephants, giraffe, white lions, tawny lions, rhinos and other animals.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: February 27, 2023
Lauren
Canadaunfortunately for us (but fortunately for the animals and fauna) we had a huge amount of rain during our stay. This meant we had a number of leaks in our room through the thatched roof. The level of rain was unusual, so I’m sure the leaks will get sorted! The fitness room could do with some updates.
Beautiful property, we overlooked the watering hole and the first thing was saw were hippos wallowing! The food and beverage options were plentiful and delicious. our room was huge, beautifully decorated and very comfortable. Of course, the highlight of the stay were the twice daily game drives. We were lucky enough to see the big 5 amongst other beautiful animals. we had the sane ranger throughout, Cam, who was very passionate about his work and the wildlife. It was an unforgettable experience.
Stayed in February 2023
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