Grahamstown Tours
Day Safari at Pumba Private Game Reserve
4.5

Day Safari at Pumba Private Game Reserve

By Pumba Private Game Reserve Day Safari
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About
Lowest price guarantee

Ages 8-99, max of 40 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Welcome Drink on Arrival
  • Bottled water
  • A two and a half hour (2.5hour) game drive safari.
  • Lunch and Refreshments
  • Lunch
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Entry/Admission - Pumba Private Game Reserve Day Safari
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off


Start:
  • Pumba Private Game Reserve, Highlands, Makana Municipality, 6140, South Africa
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 85290P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Minimum age is 8 years
    • What to bring: Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses, Warm Jacket (weather dependent) and of course your camera
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Wear comfortable clothing
    • No shows will be charged in full.
    • Airport transfers are available at an additional cost.
    • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travellers

    • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 85290P1

    From
    £71.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Highlands, Makana Municipality, 6140, South Africa
    • 1
      • 09h30: Welcome drink on arrival at Main Gate • 10h00: Depart on game drive 2 - 2.5 hours long on an open luxury Land Rover with one of our trained and knowledgeable rangers. Your ranger will answer any questions you may have as well as provide many interesting facts about the vegetation and animals, you encounter.  • +-12h30: Your day will be complemented with a delectable meal and refreshments • +-13h30: And finally, when you are ready to leave, we will drive you back to your point of transfer. • The Day Safari is suitable for ages 8 years and older • Voted one of CNN's Top 10 'Best Safari Experiences' in the world! 
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Pumba Private Game Reserve Day Safari
      29
      Grahamstown, South Africa
      Joined in March 2017
    • Voyage51472768420
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unforgettable
      From beginning until the end this day was unforgettable with incredible impressions. The full day safari has been on a very high quality level, real 5 stars!
      Written 6 March 2020
    • jesseo586
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Speechless
      The drive was a very long one but hey it was worth it, arriving there we met a good and very lovely lady siwe and I must tell you she knows how to welcome a guest, the view here is something that I can’t describe here you just have to experience it firsthand. The landscapes, the interior details, the rangers, the staffs, the food omg are awesome. I am just grateful we did this even though we have visited other reserves but this right here will make you wanna come back again and again. Thanks to Denise our ranger.
      Written 9 February 2020
    • 272shelleyn
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Absolutely Outstanding
      What a wonderful way to start our New Year with 5 nights and 6 days @PumbaPrivateGameReserve with our very talented game ranger Phumlani, unbelievable food, fantastic service, comfortable accommodation- our new home away from home. Thank you ALL for the best start to our New Year 2019 xxx mwah
      Written 3 January 2019
    • Neitzfamily
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sleeping in a classhouse surrounded by bush
      This place......Pumba bush lodge is absolute amazing. The staff cant stop to do more and more for you and they all are so friendly. Our room K was an delight for the eyes. A big stretch of veld with a waterhole and animals visiting. You can just sit on your veranda with a glass of bubbly and enjoy the view. The hot bottle i pur bed was a warm surprise. We slept with open doors to listen to the lions roaring. The food was exceptional and the bonfire felt like home. So we did 2 nights at waterlodge and 2 nights at bushlodge and I kept on wondering which one is the best. The answer is no one. They both are extremely fantastic. They are so different and special in their own way. This place will most definitely see us again and again and again. Thank you for the anniversary note and bottle of bubbly. Thank you for the good quality of soap, shampoo and body lotion.
      Written 15 September 2018
    • ak2910
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A definite for lions
      We visited on a day trip that included lunch and were blown away, excellent service from booking to reception staff anf our lovely guide who took the time to not only find the animals but discuss so much more about them. Being able to see a Lioness and her young cubs so close was amazing and guide clearly knew them well .
      Written 20 June 2018
    • Pravika B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A fantastic day out
      The day safari at Pumba is absolutely breath taking. All the staff are warm and friendly and the rangers are very knowledgeable and entertaining. The highlight for me was seeing hippopotamus up close , which are not very common at surrounding reserves. The Boma area with the fire pit and where food is served is absolutely divine. It is a fantastic place to just relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere. The whole experience is definitely worth it.
      Written 1 September 2017
    • Yuval B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Aammaazziinngg!!!
      This was our second time at this reserve. First the day safari is an amazing solution for people who can't afford to stay at the safari for a night or a few. The experience is 5 stars starting with the friendly hospitality the amazing ranger and the amount of game we saw. The tour ended at a pastoral location with an African lunch around the fire. Definitely recomended
      Written 22 August 2017
    • Uber-resort
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wildlife at its best
      We stayed in the water lodge as well as the Bush lodge to get an experience of both worlds. Our sightings were something out of this world entirely. We saw 6 white lions in our second drive itself. In the following drives we saw rhinos, hippos, elephants and not to mention countless other herbivores. We saw lions in every drive. The food was delicious and catered to our specific needs by the chef himself. Our ranger Cameron was absolutely spectacular in his search n he certainly is a very talented and enthusiastic ranger. We stayed in the family chalet in the Bush lodge and in the Gems Bok chalet in the water lodge. Both were wonderful in their own way. The view of the Gems Bok chalet was better than the family suite, however the water hole of the Bush lodge gave us some great views during breakfast and lunch.
      Written 29 May 2017
    • wg t
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome experience
      An experience not to be missed. At Pumba aided by knowledgeable guides you are able get up close to the Reserve's white lion pride, its elephants and giraffes plus numerous other animal and bird species is an opportunity not to be missed. The lodges appear well sighted and equipped and our day safari was finished off by a pleasant and plentiful lunchl in the Reserve's restaurant.
      Written 30 April 2017
    See all 29 reviews
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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles17 reviews
    Excellent
    14
    Very good
    0
    Average
    2
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    1

    Katie Gilfillan
    4 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2021 • Friends
    I was very disappointed in the experience at the Pumba private game reserve. I really expect better.
    We went for my fathers 70th birthday with a few of his friends.
    On arrival we were offered an extremely sweet glass of lemonade and poor quality coffee.
    The game drive was fantastic and very enjoyable with Dean.
    The lunch was in a very secluded Boma with no atmosphere. The food was quite appalling. Definitely not 5 star food that was served and the cake they made for my father was rather terrible.
    Why was lunch not served at the main lodge with a proper chef in a classier environment?
    Written 16 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for bringing this to our attention, we appreciate your feedback. Our sincerest apologies that you did not have the excellent Pumba experience that we enjoy being complimented on. Rest assure that we will investigate the points raised and rectify as best we can. Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 13 July 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Rachel23
    San Diego, CA318 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a wonderful time at Pumba! It is massive, so it was more difficult to find all of the animals, plus it was a windy day, so many were hiding, but we still saw lots of beauties! We saw 2 male lions, but they hid before we could get pictures. Our guide was nice, and the lunch was delicious, as well as entertaining with the monkeys all around!
    Written 22 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your positive feedback! We're thrilled you enjoyed your time at Pumba despite the windy weather and elusive lions. Delighted to hear you had a wonderful experience with our guide and enjoyed the delicious lunch surrounded by entertaining monkeys. We appreciate your visit and hope to welcome you back for more memorable moments! Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 18 January 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    JackInTheBox2
    57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2018 • Couples
    We did a day Safari at Pumba and were more than happy with it.

    From the first phone call to saying goodbye, the staff was extremely friendly, helpful and professional. At all times they were 100% service oriented.

    The food was excellent (we had a four course meal while watching elephants playing at a watering hole).

    Our guide Brian was very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. When we saw a leopard, he was over the moon with excitement, and you could really see how this is not just a job for him.

    The game ride was great, we probably saw over 30 different animals.

    One word of advice: Please don't judge a park by the number of big 5 animals you get to see. If that is what you're after, you should visit a zoo. We were lucky enough to see a rare leopard twice, but we did not get to see a lion. I get why people are disappointed, and of course we would have loved to see a lion as well, but this is the animals' territory you're visiting and sometimes they'll show, sometimes they won't. This competition of "which park gives you more of the big five on a day trip" leads to some parks putting out meat in certain spaces, and that is really not what a safari should be about. Instead, I think people should judge a park by its ability to create a close to natural habitat for the animals (which is extremely difficult) and the way these creatures can live there, unbothered by visitors and unharmed by poachers.
    Written 12 March 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    alex h
    Glasgow, UK48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2019
    This two week break to South Africa was more than a holiday it was an experience never to forget.
    The highlight was a two night stay at the Pumba Game Reserve which included two early morning Safari`s and two early evening Safari`s. Seeing the wild animals in their natural surroundings in this 17000 acre reserve was unforgettable. Elephants Giraffes, Lions, Rhinos. Impalas, Wilderbeasts,Monkeys and so much more. The staff were very professional and our Ranger Wayne who had a vast experience of the animals and the Reserve really made all the Safari`s very interesting and the last one in paricular when we saw a Lion kill was amazing. The animals are left to fend for themselves in natural surroundings. Hoping to experience this amazing Pumba Reserve again.
    Written 5 June 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are absolutely delighted that you worked in a 2 night stay at Pumba during your 2 week South African holiday. WOW! Seeing a lion kill is a once in a lifetime opportunity that not many people can say they've experienced! It is great to hear that you loved your stay so much. Thank you for the review and support! Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 14 October 2019
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Archibald
    Swartruggens, South Africa1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very friendly and professional staff i.e. from reception, game drive rangers and catering. Great experience, loved and enjoyed every moment of the game drive.
    Written 6 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are absolutely thrilled that you had an amazing safari experience at Pumba! Thank you for the review and support and we look forward to welcoming you back one day! Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 8 August 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Voyage51472768420
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020
    From beginning until the end of this excursion it has been a wonderful and unforgettable day for us with a lot of incredible impressions! The full visit has been on a high level quality, real 5 stars!
    Written 6 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We look forward to your next visit! Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 17 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    RobynLJ
    Byron Bay, Australia203 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2019 • Couples
    What an amazing experience. The tour guide - Denise- was a fountain of information, very informative and found us many sightings. A troupe of elephants frolicking in the waterhole and mud had to be the highlight of the day. We saw so many animals, had a very delicious lunch and had the best day. Thanks Denise and Pumba reserve. We will be back - again!
    Written 17 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are absolutely thrilled that you had an amazing safari experience at Pumba! Thank you for the review and support and we look forward to welcoming you back one day! Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 14 October 2019
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Sharlene D
    Innisfil, Canada430 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2019 • Solo
    Large group of us from a cruise and it was a really rainy day but the driver/guide - Hi Mikey - was excellent at trying his best to find us animals. He gave us lots of info about the region and the species and despite being drenched even with the ponchos I think everyone had an enjoyable day.

    Lunch was included and it was wonderful - an outdoor picnic complete with wine in covered shelters.

    The roads are rough especially in the rain and it's tricky to climb into the vehicles but bonus points for providing a stool to assist.
    Written 20 April 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are absolutely delighted that you enjoyed your day safari with us despite the rainy weather. Thank you for your review and support! Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 25 April 2019
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Mash1985
    Lewes, UK13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I never left a review of our first visit which was in 2014.
    When we came back to South Africa, we had to come back to Pumba. We enjoyed it that much the first time round! And it didn’t disappoint, it was just as good 2nd time round.
    We were so lucky and saw most of the big 5 in the first hour.
    We had a 2 and half drive around, with a very knowledgeable driver. Then sat down to a delicious 3 course meal with an amazing view.
    We are already planning another visit back in a few years time when our boy is old enough to join us.

    Written 27 December 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are absolutely thrilled that you thoroughly enjoyed your second Day Safari at Pumba! It is so great that you got to see so many animals in that short time span and that you enjoyed your 3 course meal. Thank you so much for the recommendation and support! We can't wait to welcome your son to Pumba one day! Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 9 January 2019
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    bernicew490
    Port Elizabeth, South Africa10 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2018 • Family
    Granted our trip was on a very cold, partly rainy day. The ponchos were of plastic only, no lining. Inadequate to keep out the cold. Blankets were added some way into the drive. The tracks throughout this reserve are in shocking condition and in some cases the vehicle was leaning dangerously. The greeting area was not large, only two toilets exist. The driver/ranger was excellent and well informed. We saw plenty of game with close ups of elephant which was impressive, but no lion, for the first hour or so. The rest of the drive was pretty thin, game-wise. The cold was biting. It made the experience horrible. I felt at the end that WE should be paid for this safari not the other way around. The lunch at the Boma at the end was only fair. The Bobotie, South African mince dish, was appalling. The bay leaves which in the recipe are scattered on TOP of the custard topping of the curried mince were chopped and thrown into the meat mix and had us picking them out and piling them on the side of our plates. Yes, our photos were good, especially of the elephant and their babies. The giraffe in the distance were magnificent. Lots of buck, almost too tame! I would say that the Addo experience which preceded our Pumba visit was preferable. More naturally wild, MUCH better roads and much bigger area. And a lot cheaper!
    Written 6 September 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We apologise for the bad experience you had on your Day Safari at Pumba. Thank you so much for taking the time to give us feedback. Rest assured the matters raised have been investigated and dealt with by management. Warm Regards, The Pumba Team
    Written 19 September 2018
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    Day Safari at Pumba Private Game Reserve provided by Pumba Private Game Reserve Day Safari

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