Pumba Private Game Reserve

Overview

Pumba is an eco-friendly Private Game Reserve, located in the heart of the Yarrow region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It's an hour drive from Port Elizabeth, and 15 minutes from Grahamstown. The Water Lodge overlooks Lake Cariega while the Bush Lodge is set on a floodplain offering spectacular mountain views. The Reserve is home to the Big 5 and more the 300 bird species.

Why Go:

  • Set in the malaria-free Eastern Cape
  • Intimate African safari experience
  • Home to Africa’s Big Five
  • Delicious African fusion cuisine
  • Luxury accommodation
  • Relaxing spa treatments

Wildlife

Pumba Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five, more than 300 bird species, and other bush animals like the rare white lion, hyena, cheetah and giraffes. All chalets have private viewing decks, and the resort offers game drives and day safaris.

More About the Wildlife

Scenery

Pumba Private Game Reserve is set against the backdrop of the Eastern Cape's beautiful landscape. Water Lodge offers waterfront chalets overlooking Lake Cariega while Bush Lodge is set on a floodplain with scenic mountain views offering luxury thatch and glass chalets.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pumba Private Game Reserve is from March – May and October – December. Game viewing is excellent all year round.

More About the Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The Pumba Private Game Reserve has an average daily maximum that varies from 20°C in July to 28°C and above in February. The region is coldest during July with average night temperatures of 5.6°C. The average rainfall is about 466mm per year.

More About the Weather and Climate

Wildlife & Animals

The reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five as well as rare white lion, hippo, hyena, cheetah, giraffes, various antelope and more than 300 bird species. The unique vegetation of the Eastern Cape is favoured by elephants in the dense bushveld environment. Feel the heartbeat of nature as you explore the reserve in custom Landrovers or on guided walking safaris.
Abundant Common Occasional Rare None
  • Elephant

    Elephant

    Common
  • Giraffe

    Giraffe

    Common
  • Hippo

    Hippo

    Common
  • Buffalo

    Buffalo

    Common
  • Zebra

    Zebra

    Common
  • Wildbeest

    Wildbeest

    Common
  • White Rhino

    White Rhino

    Common
  • Black Rhino

    Black Rhino

    Occasional
  • Lion

    Lion

    Common
  • Leopard

    Leopard

    Rare
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah

    Rare
  • Hyena

    Hyena

    Common
  • Wild Dog

    Wild Dog

    Rare

Best Time to Visit

Since the climate is semi-arid, animals are always attracted to water sources – so the best time is during the driest months of June through September. Nights become very cold at this time, making it essential to bring warm clothing for game drives in open vehicles.
  • Best Time to GoMay to September
    (Dry season)
  • High SeasonOctober to March
    (It can get a bit busy)
  • June to September

    Little rain

  • October to March

    High season rates

  • April to September

    Excellent time for wildlife viewing

  • September to April

    Warmer nights and mornings

  • June to August

    Very cold nights and mornings

May to September
- Dry Season – Winter
October to April
- Wet Season – Summer

Weather & Climate

The weather during summer seasons can increase to uncomfortable levels. The rainy season can hinder activities and due to thick vegetation, game viewing can be difficult. During the winter dry season, the vegetation shrinks, making it easier to spot animals.
Climate Chart
- 370-441M / 1213-1446Ft
Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
- May to September – Winter

The dry winter season is from May to September, which is also the best time to visit Pumba Game Reserve.

Wet season
- October to April – Summer

October to March is the wet summer season and temperatures can increase to uncomfortable levels.

Getting There

Pumba Private Game Reserve is about 110km from Port Elizabeth and 19km from Grahamstown. It’s situated in the beautiful Eastern Cape province of South Africa and you can easily access it from the N2 highway.

Getting to Pumba Game Reserve by air

Most visitors to Pumba Game Reserve arrive via O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. You may start your tour from either of these destinations by organized safari or by driving yourself.

You could also take a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) and rent a car there. The distance to the park is just over 110km/69mi on a paved road.

Getting to Pumba Game Reserve by road

From Port Elizabeth:
Travel along the N2 in the direction of Grahamstown for 105 km. Take the Alicedale turn off towards the left and follow the signs to Pumba Private Game Reserve.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.

Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.

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