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  5. Reviews of Pumba Private Game Reserve

Reviews of Pumba Private Game Reserve This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Highlands, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa

#1 of 8 hotels in Grahamstown

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 217 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

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 76 - 100

  • Reviewed: October 11, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights

    This was a phenomenal location from start to finish. The accommodations, food and safari were all exceptional!

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: October 1, 2023

    10
    Gasp. This is as good as it gets. FANTASTIC.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights

    This 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

    10
    Fabulous
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Looked 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

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    1. 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

    10
    Highly recommended!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Amazing place, unbelievable experiences with the most heart warning staff.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 22, 2023

    10
    Our first safari - could not fault it!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights

    We 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

    8.0
    Good food, amazing staff and a beautiful place overall.’
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Room 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

    8.0
    Fantastic venue very close to PE
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Close proximity to Port Elizabeth less than an hour

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: July 3, 2023

    10
    Dont think twice, just book it!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing. 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

    9.0
    An amazing experience full of memorable animal encounters. Highly recommend the guided ranger walk as an added extra !
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet - Impala Double/Twin
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Watch 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

    8.0
    Lovely spoily family game weekend.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The 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

    10
    Friendly staff Great food Excellent game drives Comfortable room
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Beautiful setting

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: May 18, 2023

    10
    The best experience of my life!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    That 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

    10
    absolutely brilliant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    nothing

    it was fantastic

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: May 1, 2023

    10
    Stunning game reserve. Friendly and competent staff. Beautiful setting.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Low water pressure resulted in cold showers unfortunately.

    What a treat!!

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: April 15, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
    • Stayed 2 nights

    all was fine! we enjoyed everything.

    Great tours! great animals! Staff very friendly.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: April 13, 2023

    9.0
    Most Amazing place!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    we 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

    10
    A once in a lifetime experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The 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

    10
    If you have never been on a Game Reserve in South Africa, this is the place near Western Cape.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Nothing.

    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

    10
    A very memorable experience.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing 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

    10
    Incredible experience!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Excellent 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

    10
    great value. would go there again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge Double/Twin
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    not much. maybe AC wasn’t as strong but it was fine with the fan

    rooms

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: March 4, 2023

    9.0
    a wonderful experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    greeted 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

    10
    Fantastic experience. Great game drives. Everything perfect.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Impala
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Luxurious 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

    9.0
    A stay I’ll remember for a lifetime
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet - Msenge
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    unfortunately 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

Showing 76 - 100

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