Pumba Private Game Reserve Reviews

We had a 3 day stay booked in a water lodge. However when we arrived, it was after 2 days of unprecedented rainfall. Roads were flooding, neighbouring reserves shut. Pumba had to move us to a bush lodge. But a full explanation was given, communication excellent.

Our experience was nothing short of magical. Our guide Cleo, was a truly exceptional human being. Kind, knowledgeable, great sense of humour, unsurpassed passion for his role and he went the extra mile to make everything wonderful. The food is unbelievable; the quality is exceptional. The staff, each and every one of them, really were just a happy, smiling, professional, friendly group. Nothing was ever too much trouble. We had a massage between game drives. Fair price, wonderful experience.

Another key element, is the other travellers you have on your vehicles you keep the same group and guide. We were so fortunate. Four of the friendliest, happy, positive people we could have wished to meet. They really helped out the icing on our magical Pumba experience. I cannot recommend this resort enough. It’s left us wiser, full of appreciation, full of admiration. Thank you.

This place is so remarkable, we stayed two but should have done at least 3 nights. Food, room and the staff were so incredible. Would stay here again. The game drives are fantastic you really get to see the animals up close and you never know where they will be

We were treated to a fantastic stay in the reserve, where we spent 3 nights as part of our honeymoon back in November 2022 (had to include November 2023 as our stay date in review).

The food, staff, service and lodges were all second to none, while all of the reserve’s employees made us feel right at home. We did a total of 6 game drives, which we felt was the ideal amount to see a wide variety of animals, including a number of sightings of the reserve’s famous white lions.

Our ranger, Avela, was very informative. His light-hearted nature, storytelling and vast array of knowledge about the animals, all contributed to unforgettable drives, and overall an amazing stay.

How trip was amazing. Can't fault anything. The lodge was amazing and clean.everything we could have wished for. The food was absolutely amazing. The staff were so lovely and friendly and couldn't do enough for you.the safari was amazing our driver was brilliant mzi was amazing. We saw all what we wanted to see.and more. Thankyou for such a amazing trip.would love to return one day .thankyou .Happy memories xx

Memorable end to a great trip.
We were recommended this game reserve from a friend. Even then it exceeded all our expectations from arrival and seeing a lioness, giraffe and elephants on our way to the amazing bush lodge. Accommodation, food, staff and game drives were all 5 star and amazing.Rangers were so knowledgeable and it’s wonderful to see the animals in their natural habitat and obviously thriving.

We had the most incredible stay at the Water Lodge. The accommodation was stunning the staff were amazing and the game drives were just fantastic, especially our ranger Wesley!! We will definitely be returning to Pumba without a doubt!

Back in London and I guess I am going to have to get used to not seeing Zebras, Wildebeest and Elephants walking past my back door, but it's going to be hard!
What a magical place Pumba is and what an exceptional time we had there.
Having been on safari some 30 years before in Kenya, I was expecting a "safari-lite" experience at what is a private Game Reserve, but Pumba exceeeded our expectations by a distance.
First off the accomodation, which was truly spectacular. We stayed in Bush Lodge "K" at the very edge of that particualr part of the reserve and were blown-away. A huge room, and huge bathroom (plus a wonderful and often-used outdoor shower) plus our own terrace and plunge pool, with quite literally, the most wonderful views. The photos on TA really don't do them justice and the thrill of seeing two elephants feedng 20 yards from where you are sitting is quite unrivalled.
The reserve is all inclusive, which means all meals, snacks, drinks plus two "drives" each day, one at 6:30am and one at 4:30pm are included and there are some other activities offered too, some free some extra plus a spa, none of which in our two nights we experienced.
We were privileged to be paired with a wonderful and knowledgeable ranger called Mabhuti (I do hope I spelt that correctly!) who was one of THE reasons this part of the holiday was so special. His warmth, passion, and enthusiasm for what he does, shines through in every drive and he really cared about showing us the wildlife so that all 6 of us on his jeep had the best experience and saw all we could. He went above-and-beyond and we cannot praise him highly enough.
Outside of the drives and relaxing by the plunge pool, there are some minor issues. As some have reported, the food is a little average and as South Africa had treated us to two weeks of exceptional meals, the drop in standards was perhaps even more noticeable than it might have been had this been our first stop. Also, arriving at the reserve after a 3 and a half hour car journey and being asked to unload our cases from the car ourselves (we had 6 bags/cases!) was a little disappointing, but I highlight both these minor (overly-fussy!) moans not to be difficult, but as a nudge to management to up their game slightly and make this THE premier destination.
So to conclude, this is a two-night stay that we will remember and cherish all our lives and I would not hesitate in recommending Pumba to anyone.

We stayed at the Water Lodge and had a holiday which we will never forget. I would highly recommend staying at the Pumba Safari Reserve.
All staff made us feel very welcome throughout our stay, The lodge we stayed in was clean and comfy, just be careful of the monkeys! The bathroom is huge with a large bath and a separate shower. The mini bar is constantly restocked of soft and alcoholic drinks along with personal touches which make you feel right at home!
The food served at the lodge was of a high quality and there was always something on the menu which we all liked.
Whilst on Safari was lucky enough to be looked after Pumlani, whos knowledge of the animals was excellent. He was able to spot and locate whichever animals we requested and got us up close to capture some amazing views, whilst always feeling safe. We had encounters with elephants which were so close you have touched them. He made sure we kept warm with our own hot water bottles and stopping off for refreshments.
Whilst back at the lodge all the staff were friendly and very knowledgeable. Hannes was an excellent host and shared great stories with us regarding the monkeys.
This was a holiday of a lifetime and I would recommend the Pumba Reserve to anyone wishing to go on a Safari trip with their family.