We stayed at Pumba for 4 nights and had an amazing time. We stayed at the Water Lodge and it was only half full which made it even more special. Alison and the staff looked after us extremely well. On the day we arrived our plunge pool was not working. Within an hour it was fixed and cleaned up. Any problems were addressed quickly and efficiently.
The games drives were excellent, our guide Peter was incredibly knowledgeable and had a special relationship with the animals. All drives were over two hours and the sundowners were a welcome surprise on the evening drives. Whilst we were there we experienced alot of rain, this didn't spoil the game drives at all, although if you sit at the front of the landrover you will get wet and we couldn't go along some of the tracks.
It is an extremely relaxing place to be, the staff are very attentive, nothing is too much trouble. Having the fires going in the evening was lovely, especially after a game drive in the rain, it was a treat to go back to our room and find the fire had been lit. The food is excellent, you will not go hungry at Pumba!
The only thing I would say is, it is a smaller game reserve so there weren't so many animals about, especially the lions. Equally there weren't so many holidaymakers either so we only came across 1 other vehicle when we were out.
Would we go back - definitely!
Also, if you send washing out, check you get your own back - it can be very interesting if more than one room has sent washing out on the same day!!

Pumba is the most amazing place we have ever been. We spent 3 nights here as part of our honeymoon this year and it was just not long enough. The place is absoloutely beautiful. The staff, accommodation, food, animals, rangers, everything is just amazing. We did not want to leave!! We would definately go back and would reccommend anyone to go here as well. We will definately go back one day soon hopefully. The animals are amazing and we saw absoloutley everything. Game drives are made the most of, Pete the ranger was fantastic. Every detail was thought of and applied to our stay including a lovely honeymoon presentin our room on the last night. I just cant say enough good things about this place, it is intimate, stunning, special and i would recommend it to anyone!!!

My husband and I stayed at Pumba for our honeymoon for 3 nights this month. We felt very welcome when we arrived and the staff were very helpful and friendly throughout our stay. Its a great place to start the garden route especially if you were thinking of going on a safari in SA, you are saving a lot of time in travelling. The food was fantastic and the breakfast selection was very good too, lots of choice and very good quality and presented really well. We stayed in the water lodge which we highly recommend- very big and clean. On our first day we saw elephants playing in the water just 10 metres from our balcony and then on our third day we saw hippos also very close to our lodge - just amazing! The rangers really go all out for us to see the big five, especially Peter who was very informative and made the drives so much fun and exciting. We also went on a bush walk which you pay slightly extra for which is worth doing because you learn so much about the ecosystem, flora and fauna.

We were only able to stay at Pumba for one night due to a limited budget, but the 24 hours there made for an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for many years to come.
From the moment you arrive the staff go the extra mile starting with a warm welcome, drinks and refreshments before showing you to your accommodation.
The rooms are spacious and clean while outside we had a large impressive veranda overlooking the lake. The outdoor shower was a favourite to use in the warm sunshine and gave you a feeling of truly living in the wild. We were allocated a time for our game drive which gave us a few hours to relax and enjoy our surroundings, spotting gifaffe and other game across the lake.
We were given a personal guide on our game drive who went out of his way to ensure we saw as much wildlife as possible. Starting as 5.30pm, the drive lasted way past 8pm meaning we could experience the park at dusk including seeing a family of white lions waking up for the night ahead!
Also given a second drive at the break of dawn that lasted another two hours which enabled us to see a family of elephants, two male lions and the giraffe, all up close.
The food was exceptional, with a mouthwatering choice of meals on the menu that didn't disappoint.
Our sheets hadn't been changed so had to phone the reception though credit to them they did come straight away and change them. There was also a dead spider which hadn't been removed which shows the place wasn't cleaned thoroughly enough. The outdoor private dipping pool was also dirty despite the best efforts of the management to say otherwise...put it this way you wouldn't go in it.
I just feel that Pumba is still in its early days but charging Shamwari prices given they still have a way to go before the game levels are up there with the best of game reserves in South Africa. There is a slight tinge of being amateur at this kind of experience.
I like the idea of a night in the wilderness and the fact that a ranger has to take you to your room as the animals can and do come up to the lodges.
It is great and worth a visit though I can't help thinking it doesn't justify the high prices just yet.