Discover wildest Africa in true luxury at Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa in the malaria free Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The exclusive reserve has achieved gold status for its environmental responsibility, through The Green Leaf Initiative, and a 5-star rating for its exquisite accommodation facilities.

Together with unrivaled beauty and an abundance of wildlife, Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa provides a premium game viewing experience not soon to be forgotten. View the famous Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants) or the vast array of more than 250 species of bird. Search for over 60 different species of mammals and have the rare opportunity of seeing the magnificent White Lion stalking prey or lazing around in its natural environment.

Connect with the majestic herds of the South African Bushveld and feel the heartbeat of nature in a landscape that boasts five of the seven biomes, namely savannah, grassland, thicket, fynbos and forest. And whilst you are doing so, ensure that you have that safari holiday you’ve always dreamed of by allowing us to offer you personalized activities such as game viewing, birding safaris, bush walks, night drives and star gazing, to mention but a few.

This South African retreat is equipped with two uniquely different lodges, Pumba Water Lodge and Msenge Bush Lodge. Each lodge boasts their own touch of opulence paired with a passion for cordon bleu cuisine with an African twist, exclusive vintage wines from the director’s cellar and a focus on providing the ultimate luxury experience.

Complimenting all is the Soul Spa where you can work off the last remnants of the stress of city life in the gym or by allowing our dedicated therapists to soothe your body, mind and soul.

Feel the essence of the authentic South African bushveld in style at Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa.

Pumba Water Lodge

Discover unrivaled views over Lake Kariega at our idyllic Pumba Water Lodge.

Stroll to your own stone walled, thatched chalet off our meandering timber footpaths after a day out, and relax in absolute comfort. A romantic moment on your private wooden deck, an outdoor shower, or sundowners on the floating jetty can all be enjoyed as the South African sun burns the sky before it sleeps and the hippo’s meander in the distance. Once the sun is down, enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with vintage wines under the African stars.

Pumba Private Game Reserve’s Water Lodge – the perfect balance between an idyllic African safari and true 5-star luxury.

Msenge Bush Lodge

Discover the serenity of the African bush at our magical Msenge Bush Lodge.

Feel one with nature in your own private glass enclosed chalet, as you watch the South African sun bid you goodnight over the distant hills and the elephants visit their favorite watering hole. Complete relaxation is yours as you gaze out from your wooden deck, cool down in your private plunge pool or take a refreshing evening shower surrounded by the African bushveld. Unrivalled cuisine or a traditional African braai in a bush boma under the starlit sky will provide a sumptuous close to each day.

Pumba Private Game Reserve’s Msenge Bush Lodge – experience true Africa in all its magnificence.

River Lodge is the soul of Lion Sands and has been built on the banks of the Sabie River, positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. Hosted by a family of staff that make it feel like home away from home, the lodge is about spirit, warmth and nature. Here you are invited to relax and experience African hospitality at its finest.

The public areas at River Lodge offers guests the following: a private lounge and bar with fireplace, an outdoor safari lounge, 2 swimming pools (heated in winter), wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, a magnificent River Deck built on the river, a conference room, Lalamuka Health Spa & gymnasium, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.

Accommodation

In 2010 they completed a multi-million rand refurbishment of River Lodge. This included a complete rebuilding of the rooms and tripling the size of the existing rooms. All the rooms at River Lodge offer respite and protection from the Lowveld heat. The interior is a tranquil cream, beige and sea green haven, cool in the summer, cosy in the winter. The new modern bathrooms, with romantic standalone bathtubs, complement the bushveld well. They now offer guests two room types; 12 luxury rooms and 8 superior luxury rooms. All 20 luxuriously thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom have private wooden viewing decks and the bedroom area is air-conditioned with an overhead fan. The rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways.

The Safari

The Lion Sands reserve, which has been owned and managed by the More Family for four generations, is a place of rarity and carries with it a passion which can only be instilled by a great family history.

The families passion to deliver a world class luxury safari experience is equaled by their complete commitment in ensuring a pure balance between the preservation of this pristine “bushveld” (wilderness area), allowing access for guests to observe some of Africa’s greatest mammals in their natural habitat and ensuring the benefits are shared with local communities.

Lion Sands is the only reserve in the Sabi Sand which employs a full time ecologist, who is responsible for ensuring the preservation of the land for another four generations to come.

The Lion Sands Game Reserve is private and exclusive to Lion Sands guests only, which ensures the safari experience is highly personalised, allowing guests the time and flexibility to savour the natural beauty which abounds. Come to Lion Sands, spend a little time with us, man and animal, and you will experience a feeling of belonging and at the same time a sense of freedom that comes from those who believe in sharing instead of possessing.

The Location

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is located in the finest territory of the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Forming part of the greater Kruger National Park, the reserve has no fences and the wildlife is able to traverse freely between Lion Sands and the Kruger National Park.

Get up close and personal with the elephants at Elephant Whispers, see the Cascades and Canyons by helicopter or visit Blyde River Canyon. For a more authentic Shangaan experience, visit the local villages surrounding the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. When not occupied on a walking safari or twice daily game drive, take a dip in the swimming pools or indulge in a spa treatment. For the more active, there are tennis courts and gyms available. Try a few South African wines from the wine cellar and after dinner enjoy a spot of stargazing at the bush observatory.

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve. We’re close to Kruger National Park which is in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.

Accommodation

Ulusaba has 21 rooms and suites spread over two lodges. Rock Lodge is ‘Heaven in Heaven’, perched high on the summit of a koppie with views over the South African bush below. Nearly 500 metres away is Safari Lodge, known as ‘Heaven on Earth’. Built along the banks of a dry riverbed, Safari Lodge guests cross swing bridges between the exquisite tree house style rooms. For the ultimate experience, guests can share their time between both lodges.

Safari

Nothing gets past our experienced Rangers and Trackers on the twice daily game drives (well, mostly!). Traversing over 13,500 hectares in open Land Rovers, they will share their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife as they track the Big 5 – lions, buffalos, leopards, elephants and rhinoceroses. Our Rangers and Trackers will also guide guests on daily safari walks to see flora, fauna and smaller creatures often missed when on the game vehicles.

Cubs Club

At Ulusaba, kids up to 11 years old can stay at Rock Lodge and are invited to join the Cub’s Club. We offer a range of activities tailored to each child or group together with Cub’s cuisine. Babysitting is complimentary and run by experienced staff members. All Cubs will be given a Cub’s Club Backpack full of little goodies to entertain and educate them about the African Bush.

Spa

The Aroma Boma Spas at Ulusaba’s Rock and Safari Lodges are the perfect antidote to all the excitement of game drives. A whole range of treatments is available, from facials and massages through to those essential grooming rituals. Away from the spa you can opt to enjoy a massage in the comfort of your own room or even on one of the outdoor decks.

Exclusivity, romance and Zulu culture in the heart of the untamed African bush. Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of the power of Zulu culture, wildlife, romance and exclusivity. Thanda Private Game Reserve is South Africa’s top award-winning safari destination and is situated in northern Zululand, in close proximity to the Indian Ocean.

The inimitable integration of South Africa’s best climate and rehabilitated and rich bush land has made Thanda home to amazing wildlife and over four hundred bird species. Ignite your imagination and open your mind to an extraordinary experience for your soul, mind and body. It’s the unique and sought after balance between energising and exclusive relaxation that we want to share with you and your dear ones.

Pulses quicken from above and below as a new heartbeat is heard…Thanda…Thanda…Thanda. Since the lodge’s inception, Thanda’s aim has been to restore natural balance to the area by bringing species which were endemic to the area back. Originally purchased as degraded cattle farms, rife with alien plant species, Thanda’s wildlife management has concentrated on an extensive rehabilitation project which included reintroducing the Big Five. Thanda was also the first private game reserve in Kwa Zulu-Natal to have successfully reintroduced a breeding pack of wild dog into its borders.

Established as a “living museum”, Vula Zulu discloses the sacred rites of passage and age-old traditions that define the descendants of King Shaka through one of Africa’s oldest forms of theatre: dance. Guests are invited to taste traditional beer, made privy to the intricacies of basket-weaving and observe the art of spear combat as the cry of the impi reverberates through the village. The traditions of the performers are preserved as they do not reside at the homestead but return to their homes in the tribal land after each public performance. Hand-crafted items are displayed in the on-site curio shop and guests can wander through the market at their leisure before enjoying a meal at the restaurant.

Vula Zulu is a celebration of Zulu culture at its most colourful; a revival of the ancient art of story telling through the pulsations of the human body.

Accommodation

As the world’s leading luxury game lodge, Thanda Private Game Reserve offers guests a choice between the opulence of the main lodge and the rugged refinement of the safari-style tented camp. Both options offer five-star accommodation and service in very private surroundings. Accommodation packages at both the main lodge and tented camp include all meals, game activities and local drinks served on game drives.

The main lodge encompasses nine bush villas which offer guests the epitome of self-contained privacy and sheer luxury. Circular in structure and reminiscent of a traditional homestead against a hill, each of the villas boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding game reserve. 220 m² in size, each villa has its own spacious lounge area and master bedroom with an inter-leading fireplace. A thatched outdoor game-viewing deck (sala) and infinity pool offer refreshing solace from the summer heat. Each of the villas has a full en-suite bathroom complete with an enormous oval shaped bath and indoor and outdoor showers. The villas are all equipped with private bomas for an intimate and romantic dining experience.

Should the urge arise to venture beyond your private retreat, the luxury lodge’s public areas include a library, business centre, finely-stocked wine cellar and cigar bar, as well as a choice between romantic dining venues in the heart of the African bush.

Dining

Thanda is proud to offer its guests a variety of dining venues to enhance the African experience. The drama of the boma, in front of the setting sun and behind the flames of a roaring fire is an image synonymous with the safari experience, but only one of the dining options afforded guests.

Thanda’s chefs pride their abilities to offer versatile, mouthwatering dishes that appeal to guests of all cultures and nationalities. South African cuisine is only one flavour in the potjie of tastes that guests will be served. Seasonal game meat is always on the menu for the more adventurous eaters, but partaking is entirely optional. The maintenance of a herb garden at the Royal Private Villa ensures a constant supply of fresh ingredients. Despite the mélange of tastes on offer, the chef’s are still very traditional when it comes to etiquette and value the art of fine dining. Intimate discussions with guests ensure that their dietary requirements are respected and maintain Thanda’s exceptional standards. Guests are highly recommended to advise of any dietary requirements and/or allergies at reservations stage.

Excellent wines are the perfect accompaniment to fine food and Thanda boasts a superbly stocked wine cellar and cigar bar for the discerning guest.

The luxury African safari: For the love of wildlife

Early morning and late afternoon game drives in search of the elusive Big Five are conducted in open Land Rovers under the supervision of knowledgeable rangers and trackers. Other wildlife on Thanda’s 14,000-ha property include the wild dog, endangered black rhino, cheetah, hyaena, warthog and plains game as well as an abundance of bird life.

Londolozi is one of the original pioneering Private Game Reserves of the ecotourism industry in South Africa and an unashamedly family run, stand alone operation.

The root of the word Londolozi is the Zulu word for protect and means “protector of all living things” – an ambitious conservation ethic that Londolozi embraces in its sensitivity to the natural world. The reserve is internationally recognised for its far-sighted and progressive management of land and wildlife rehabilitation as well as productive community involvement.

World renowned as one of Africa’s finest game lodges, Londolozi was the first game reserve in the world to be accorded Relais & Chateaux status, reinforcing its commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service.

It is situated on the Sand River in the very heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. This reserve in turn forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a vast and growing area, currently covering 6 million acres and incorporating the famous Kruger National Park. This rich, wild wonderland assures exceptional game drives and a true wilderness experience.

Breeding herds of elephant and buffalo roam throughout the Londolozi area, while white rhino and lion concentrations are amongst the highest recorded on the African continent.

However, it is the truly remarkable relationship which has developed over three decades between wild free ranging leopards and ranger & trackers which makes Londolozi world famous. There is no disputing that viewing the leopards of Londolozi is one of life’s truly treasured experiences.

A Londolozi safari is about engaging all the senses and participating in the journey, so that you come away charged, enlightened and ready for the next adventure.

Accommodation

At each of the five exquisite Londolozi Lodges, you will experience exceptional cuisine and the very best game viewing with some of Africa’s finest rangers. Wherever you stay, you’ll enjoy over 14,000 ha of exceptional traversing in the Sabi Sand private game reserve – home of the Big 5.

So why do the lodges vary in price? Well it’s simply down to the quality of the accommodation. The Private Granite Suites are the crème de la crème of the Londolozi portfolio, closely followed by Pioneer Camp and Tree Camp. These three properties are all part of the Relais & Chateaux group of elite hotels. Tree Camp and the Private Granite Suites do not allow children under the age of 16 unless they are taken for exclusive use. Pioneer Camp can be used for both families and couples alike.

Varty Camp and Founders Camp are slightly larger and perfect for families and small groups and accept children of four years and older.

 Safari

As the original South African Safari destination, Londolozi over its 82-year history has built up a formidable team of experienced rangers, trackers and naturalists.  This diverse team of experts boasts a combined guiding experience of over 350 years.

We have drawn on the considerable wisdom, talent and experience of our guiding teams, and returned to the original spirit of fun and wild adventure of a Safari to Africa. Our emphasis in 2011 and beyond is to redefine the essence of the ‘Photographic Safari Experience’ by creating still greater opportunities for engagement and experience.  Furthermore we aim to continually push the boundaries of fun, adventure, excitement and fulfilment throughout your safari adventure at Londolozi.

With over 16 000 hectares of traversing wilderness, no two game drives are ever the same. Trackers sit up at the front of the Land Rover looking for fresh animal tracks, while rangers drive with astonishing skill through ravines and thickets in pursuit of elusive animals. And all the while wowing guests with their outstanding knowledge and unforgettable stories.

Many of the rangers and trackers at Londolozi grew up living off the land and therefore have an incredible knowledge of the area and deep cultural connections to the fauna and flora. In addition Londolozi’s rangers specialise in photographic safaris and, where possible, will position the vehicle for the guest to get the best angle for photographic purposes.

In every excursion and adventure guests are held in the safe hands of experienced and personable rangers, the conduits through which the lasting Londolozi memories are delivered.