Pumba Private Game Reserve

Situated in the heart of the South African province of the Eastern Cape, there are plenty of opportunities for guests of the stunning Pumba Private Game Reserve to explore the area on foot. Qualified rangers are on hand and will plan a specific route according to the fauna and flora in which each individual, couple or group is most interested. These walking safaris are conducted in the hills of the Yellowwoods Farm at the reserve. After indulging in the beauty of the Eastern Cape, enjoy a picnic under the towering Yellowwood trees, accompanied by a symphony of wildlife noises.

The area in which Pumba Private Game Reserve is situated is predominantly characterised by Sub Tropical Thicket, or thorny, succulent bushes. However, due to the year round sunshine and rainfall, this area is actually rich in many forms of vegetation. In fact, Pumba is home to five of the country’s seven Bioclimatic Communities or Biomes, which comprise thousands of plant species. These biomes are 1) Fynbos, 2) Savannah, 3) Grassland, 4) Forest and 5) Subtropical Thicket. Botanical tours will expose these biomes, introduce guests to rare and endangered species and cover conservation initiatives being undertaken by the reserve.

Africa is known for its high, open skies. These are even more magical when out in the South African bushveld, where the stars and moon are the only sources of light. Pumba’s field guides will interpret and reveal the wonders of the South Celestial Skies, navigation by night and the Southern Cross or Orion’s Belt. We use modern wireless astronomy technology to show guests the night sky as it is seen through cloud cover.

Be part of the South African wilderness as your trail guide leads you through the home of the local wildlife. Learn to find and interpret tracks, different plant species and a range of birdlife, all while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air of the Eastern Cape. While embarking on a walking safari, Pumba guests frequently have the coveted chance to spot an elephant, rhino, hippo, hyena, lion or eagle as it explores its natural habitat.

Archery is an ancient sport, and one that test one’s aim, fitness and skill. At the archery range, guests will be briefed and given a demonstration before they are allowed to test their abilities. Buttresses are placed at specific distances, making the sport challenging and interesting.

For the ultimate in serenity and relaxation, sit on the banks of the gorgeous Lake Kariega for a day of bass fishing. Pumba Private Game Reserve will provide fishing rods, lures and tackle to guests. This makes for an ideal family outing and picnic baskets or sundowners are always a popular favourite when visiting Lake Kariega

IAlthough midday meals are served at Pumba’s lodges, a picnic gives guests an opportunity to be right in the heart of South African nature. The bird hide that folds out over Lake Kariega is the perfect hideaway for couples to enjoy a romantic picnic or for families to indulge in some private seclusion. As hippos cool themselves in the water and birds soar above or perch in the boughs, picnicking guests will truly understand the lure of the bushveld.

Alternatively, the Tree Tops Boma provides breath-taking views over the canopy of trees and the animals to which this foliage is home; the perfect venue for a leisurely picnic.

Staff at the reserve and game lodges of Pumba will prepare a delicious array of gourmet sandwiches, complemented by cold sparkling wine. A guide may accompany you if you wish to make the picnic part of a hike or guided tour.

The irresistible beaches of Kenton-on-Sea are also fabulous picnic spots. Guests may travel to these alone, or may take a guided tour, perhaps on a horseback safari, if they wish to be accompanied by a qualified guide.

With the wide variety of avian species gracing the Eastern Cape skies, guests of Pumba Private Game Reserve and its safari lodges are assured of a very satisfying birding safari. Prearranged bird outings are conducted, using modern birding technology to ensure that guests do not miss out on any exciting species. This technology enables those safari-goers to learn about bird species, habitats and behaviours at the touch of a button.

The qualified and knowledgeable birding guides conduct tours through the exquisite Afromontane Forest, home to a dense collection of tall Yellowwoods, as well as along the river banks and valleys of Brookhuizenspoort. These safaris end at a bird hide within the reserve, where cool beverages and delicious snacks await the guest. While enjoying refreshments, the abundance of birdlife, including a breeding pair of African Fish Eagles, will again reinforce the beauty of this unique land.

Night safari drives give Pumba guests the chance to see an entirely different array of animals as they come out of their hiding places to hunt and forage in the cool darkness. These include the otherwise elusive Aardvark, hyena and Aardwolf. Lions also make use of the cooler conditions to make impressive kills, which some guests may be privy to witnessing. Spotlights on safari vehicles are unobtrusive, but allow guests to be a part of the after-dark action.

One of South Africa’s most powerful attractions is undeniably its array of wildlife. Pumba Private Game Reserve is home to the Big 5, which comprises lion, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinoceroses. Spotting these impressive species is an awe-inspiring experience and will always be remembered by the guests of Pumba. However, there are countless smaller species, which are just as fascinating and exciting to discover. Your qualified guide will point these out and reveal fascinating facts about the abundance of plant- and animal life within the Pumba Reserve.

Safari drives are conducted on open Land Rovers so that, while safe, guests have an uninterrupted view of the landscape and its wild residents around them. Your guide may uncover a termite nest or venture off the road in pursuit of a pride of lions. There are no holds barred to ensure that guests get the most out of their safari experience.

Each safari is unique and guests are encouraged to go on as many as they can so that they can fully appreciate the diversity of Africa.

After the game drive, drinks and snacks can be enjoyed with other guests amidst the plants and animals. Young animals play in the tall grass, while Hapoor (the local elephant) may even be inquisitive enough to make an appearance before the group of guests. The White Lions of Pumba are always a favourite sight. There are only four White Lion prides in South Africa, and ours is the only one in the Eastern Cape.