Taking time out on the wild side at Pumba
MY HUSBAND, Michael, and I spent a night at one of Pumba's luxury chalets and were treated to a professional game drive and mouth-watering gourmet meals.
Within minutes of arriving at the exclusive game park we felt at ease, as if all the stresses of every day life had started to dissipate. The game rangers provide guests with a premium game-viewing experience of the famous big five (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants). Our ranger, Wayne, was friendly and eager to share his extensive knowledge with us. We arrived at the game park at noon on the Friday and were immediately treated to a warm towel and sparkling juice before being escorted to our room.
We stayed in the Gemsbok chalet at the main water lodge.
The room had a warm, ethnic feel to it with a traditional fire place, heated wooden floors and a view of the river where hippos could be spotted bathing along the banks.
Our wooden deck sported a dipping pool and outside shower. Pumba offers 23 rooms, of different grades, at either the water or bush lodge.
Welcome snacks – biltong, nuts, dried fruit and chocolates – and sherry, perfect for the chilly weather, awaited our arrival. Earning every one of their five stars, from arrival to departure, meticulous detail is put into ensuring guests enjoy their stay at Pumba.
On entering the main reserve gate, we received a parchment informing us that we would now be Pumba'ed. The rules are readily explained; you may not walk outside alone without a game ranger after dark. While we did not actually see the lion on one of our walkabouts, his roar reminded us that we were on his territory. For lunch I enjoyed fresh fish and salad, while Michael devoured tender mini beef kebabs and baby potatoes. We both enjoyed traditional bread and butter pudding with ice-cream for dessert.
Due to the icy air, we were given thick blankets to wrap ourselves in on our game drive.
After trying in vain to track down the three-day-old baby elephant, Wayne retreated to a picnic spot where we enjoyed drinks and snacks before heading back to the lodge in time for dinner. Next to the burning fire we enjoyed a three-course meal among other excitable international guests in the main dining room.
Starters consisted of a choice of cauliflower soup served with homemade bread rolls, smoked salmon carpaccio or caramelised apple and toasted almond salad. Mains consisted of a choice of rack of lamb with creamy potato, carrot and port jus, pan seared yellowtail fish or char-grilled venison.
Dessert was a colourful – and difficult – choice between granadilla cheesecake, chocolate crepes or a cheese platter. The restaurant also has an incredible wine list to pair with your meals.
Turning in with full tummies we first enjoyed our romantic turndown service before hitting our very comfortable and warm bed. The bath was lined with floating candles and topped with aromatic oils. On the side was an ice cold bottle of champagne. Meanwhile, on our bed, along with the delicious Turkish delight, was a bedtime story of how a porcupine acquired its quills. - Kathryn Kimberley
