Pumba Private Game Reserve

With your picnic basket packed, and your Ranger in tow – set off on a leisurely hike in the foothills of Yellowwoods Farm at Pumba.  Here you will be safe from predators and allowed to walk or hike around freely – taking in all the beauty and splendour on foot.  The time and type of hike you would like to enjoy, depends entirely upon you, – and your Ranger will plan your route accordingly.  Settle under the shade of one of many old and ancient Yellowwood Trees which line the Brookhuizenspoort, and enjoy your picnic with nature.

Pumba is dominated by thorny, spinescent, often succulent bush known as Sub Tropical Thicket, of which only 5% of it is protected in our country, and specifically restricted to growing in the Eastern Cape.  With Pumba experiencing a Maritime summer, winter, and all year round rainfall season, it has allowed for an amazing melting pot of Botanical wonders to merge into one region.  Along with a broad spectrum of thousands of botanical species, Pumba is also home to 5 of South Africas 7 vegetation Bioclimatic Communities – more commonly referred to as Biomes.  The Biomes found on Pumba’s vast land include;  Fynbos, Savanna, Grassland, Forest and Subtropical Thicket, all of which are subdivided accordingly by unique vegetation types typical of the area.  This not only allows for an amazing diversity of plant and tree species to be observed, but it is within these biomes, where very rare and threatened, or even endangered species, can be observed – not to mention all the many wonders of wildlife that are drawn into specific habitats in search for food and survival.  Embark on an experience where the true wonders of the floral kingdom are exposed as well as some rare and threatened species can be seen.  Aquire knowledge of the conservation work which is taking place in order of sustaining these unique biomes within the boundaries of Pumba.

Sit under dark crisp skies without interruption from hustle and bustle of night lights.  Have the universe transcend upon you, as your field guide interprets the South Celestial Skies where mythology of constellations is shared.  Learn the art of navigation by night, with the interpretation of the South Cross or Orions Belt.  With the aid of wireless technology the night sky can be unfolded infront of you.  With the aid of google astronomy, you’ll be shown the universe as it is being seen through cloud cover.  If one is lucky enough while engaging in this activity, you might be alerted to the roaring of lion while on the move.

Under the guidance of your well trained trails guide, you will be able experience the wonders of the reserves wilderness areas where the finer aspects of the bush will be the main focus of your walking safari.  Your trail guide will focus on the interpretation of signs and tracks left behind by the animal species roaming freely on the reserve, as well as the plant and bird species which are so well represented in a unique  and unspoilt environment in the Eastern Cape.  Opportunity will hopefully allow for some of the high profile species to be observed on foot.  For example the elephant, rhinoceros, lion and even the majestic large eagles.

Under the guidance of a trained field guide, guests will be transferred to the archery range, where they will be briefed and given a demonstration on the sport of archery after which they may test their own abilities at the sport. Buttresses are placed at varying distances to make it a challenging activity to partake in.

Meander down the threads of Pumba lodge’s wooden stairways to sit back and relax into a world of peaceful bass fishing on the banks of Lake Cariega.  Fishing rods, lures and tackle are all provided for by the lodge and will be all you need to make your catch.  If your fishing time happens to coincide with breakfast, lunch, or the sunset – then a delightful and sumptuous picnic or sundowners basket can always be arranged for you to enjoy at your fishing spot.

In addition to the midday meal at the lodges, guests can indulge in a picnic lunch alongside Cariega Lake within the confines of our specially structured Birdhide which folds out over the lake.  A very serene and tranquil setting where your only onlookers will be hippo’s and a vast array of water birds on a web of many old tree branches..and their reflection in the water.

Sip on Champagne, soak up the sun, and nibble on our gourmet sandwiches while partaking in some Bass fishing off the jetty extending into the Cariega Lake.

With your picnic basket packed, and your Ranger in tow – set off on a leisurely hike in the foothills of Yellowwoods Farm at Pumba.  Here you will be safe from predators and allowed to walk or hike around freely – taking in all the beauty and splendour on foot. Settle under the shade of one of many Old and Ancient Oak Trees which line the Brookhuizenspoort, and enjoy your picnic.

Should you prefer to sit back overlooking a canopy of luscious tree greenery and all the wildlife found in it, then relax and enjoy your picnic basket in our Tree Tops boma.  Awaken your soul and breathe in the joys of the scenery, and the sounds of nature around you.

Be accompanied by a staff member of Pumba as you make your way to Kenton-on-Sea.  Here you can indulge in a light picnic on one of the beautiful sandy beaches.

Avid birding enthusiasts wishing to go on a birding safari, may choose to embark on a prearranged birding outing, with the latest in birding technology.  Call up Knysna Turaco’s and Narina Trogons with an iPod, or merely review bird behaviour and habits at the touch of your finger tips with the aid of Roberts Multi-Media.  Specialist birding guides will guide you through Afromontane Forest under the canopies of Old Yellowwoods and along a river course and valley thickets of the Brookhuizenspoort.  Pumba Water Lodge in front of Cariega Lake will bear itself unto onlookers as you enter the grasslands of the reserve, to eventually end at a unique bird hide on the lakes waters edge, where your thirst shall be quenched with ice cold beverages and delightful snacks.  Here a bounty of water birds can be observed as well as a breeding pair of African Fish-eagles.

As night approaches, so the curiosity of nocturnals animals gets the better of them and an entire new and mystical world of nature comes to life.  Guests can indugle in seeing Aardvark foraging for termites, while being watched by the ever opportunisic Aardwolf who awaits the leftovers.  Follow the porcupine, Africa’s largest rodent, as it digs for bulbs and feeds off the toxic Euphorbia plants found on Pumba.  There may also be brief glimpses of our spotted hyena, to be had.  On a very lucky night one may even be able to witness a lion kill, or see the hippo’s on the move.  This is all done with the aid of a spotlight, though field guides are always cautious of shining on the numerous antelope species who do not favour lights at night.  Enjoy the cool crisp nights, absorb the sounds of nature.

Visitors to Pumba have the great opportunity to see a world of wonder and mystique unfolding before their eyes, under the watchful guidance of professional field guides.  Your personal guide will go to great lengths to find and emphasise the smaller aspects of the bush, while going out in search of the larger Magnificent 9.  Aboard your open Land Rover, tailor made for maximum viewing and safety, you’ll find yourself captivated by the world of termites as your field guide forages through their mounds, or go off the beaten track, while following a pride of lion as they search for prey.  As the dust subsides in the late afternoon, settle down to a refreshing sundowner and snacks while listening to stories of the bush.  Bear witness to our abundance of new born game and shiny coated youngsters running and playing on the plains.  You may even have a close encounter with Hapoor the elephant.  The first prize is finding and viewing our majestic, rare, and strikingly beautiful white lions.  Our white lions are one of only 3 other prides of naturally roaming and breeding white lion prides in South Africa, and the only ones in the Eastern Cape.