Experience The Magic Of Kwazulu-Natal
Welcome to Pumusa Bushcamp
Nestled amongst tall, beautiful evergreen trees in a unique lush-vegetated sand forest, Pumusa Bushcamp offers a tranquil and unforgettable getaway experience.
Our camp is situated along the extraordinary and untamed Elephant Coast, bordering the False Bay section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Our Story
Pumusa Bushcamp has been recently refurbished with exciting new upgrades, including municipal water, upgraded electric connections, and rebuilt septic tank systems.
Our camp offers various types of rustic accommodation immersed in a tropical garden under large trees and lush flowering gardens that attract a great variety of birds.
Experience Rustic Accommodation in a Tropical Paradise
The camp provides a variety of rustic lodging options nestled within a tropical garden, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant flowering plants that attract an array of bird species.
You may spot Crested Guineafowl, Crowned and Trumpeter Hornbills, Green Pigeons, Paradise Flycatchers, Narina Trogons, Purple-Crested Turacos, and many more.
Amenities
- A spacious lagoon-style pool, bordered by palm shrubs, is conveniently located next to our popular bar, which features a large TV for live sports matches.
- An outdoor dining area offers breakfast and dinner daily.
- The bar opens onto a communal Boma, complete with a sizable fire pit, perfect for unwinding after an adventurous day.
- Guests can gather around the fire, sharing exciting stories of their day while enjoying cold beers against the backdrop of our pristine night skies.
Pumusa offers a peaceful retreat away from city lights, featuring a serene atmosphere accentuated by a crackling fire, distant hyenas, and the calls of bushbabies.
Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Milky Way and Southern Hemisphere constellations.
The en suite units are decorated in rustic Mozambican style with wooden interiors and mosquito nets.
While municipal and backup borehole water are available, guests are encouraged to use water sparingly due to local shortages.
Pumusa Bushcamp offers competitive rates for dinner, bed, and breakfast, serving delicious dinners at 19:00 and breakfasts at 06:30, with packed breakfasts available for early outings.
The camp features two self-catering units for guests who prefer to cook.
Located near the Kwa-Zulu Natal Elephant coastline, the area offers numerous adventures, including wildlife viewing, birding, paddling, hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and mountain biking, as well as
opportunities for whale and dolphin watching, deep-sea fishing, and beach picnics.
Discover the Wonders of iSimangaliso Wetland Area
The iSimangaliso Wetland Area is truly a birdwatcher's haven, boasting over 530 species of birds. This stunning location is home to 20,000 greater flamingos, 40,000 lesser flamingos, and countless ducks along
with other aquatic birds. With 36 species of amphibians, it holds the title for the highest diversity in South Africa. Remarkably, here, you can find hippos, Nile crocodiles, and sharks coexisting in the same
waters—an extraordinary sight not found anywhere else in the world.
Pumusa Bushcamp and the False Bay Reserve
Pumusa Bushcamp is adjacent to the False Bay Reserve, the widest section of Lake St Lucia, bordered by two peninsulas. This area is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which encompasses much of South
Africa's swamp forests and is Africa's largest estuarine system. Spanning 280 kilometers of unspoiled coastline and covering 328,000 hectares of pristine natural ecosystems, it is South Africa's third-largest
game park. The park features a 60-kilometer river mouth that forms a vast estuary, Lake St Lucia, which runs parallel to the coast and is separated from the ocean by the world's tallest forested sand dunes.
A Journey Through Time
Sixty million years ago, the land on the western side of Lake St Lucia was submerged under the Indian Ocean. Today, fascinating marine fossils, including those of animals and corals, can still be discovered
scattered throughout the area. There are incredible walking trails within this reserve, offering visitors a chance to explore the wild side while searching for various antelope, the Small Five, and numerous
species of rare birds endemic to the region, such as the Crowned Hornbill, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crested Guineafowl, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Livingstone Turaco, and the Narina Trogon. The remaining colonies of
pink-backed pelicans can also be found here.
While walking, one can navigate through sand forests, thornveld, and open savannah. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant for more dangerous wildlife; Nile crocodiles and hippos are known to roam the area
from dusk until dawn. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is home to an estimated 800 hippos and 1,200 Nile crocodiles. Swimming in the lake is prohibited, but boating and fishing are highly recommended.
Nearby Attractions
Just 26 kilometers from Pumusa Bushcamp lies the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Big Five Game Reserve, renowned for its memorial entry gate. This KZN Ezemvelo Reserve is one of the few places globally where you can
see black and white rhinos that have not been de-horned. Both reserves are the oldest in South Africa, established in 1898, and played a crucial role in saving the white rhino from extinction. A late evening
game drive from Pumusa Bushcamp significantly boosts your chances of spotting elusive predator species, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the relatively common African wild dog.
Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Mkhuze Game Reserve, just 45 minutes away, and the renowned diving destination of Sodwana Bay, 90km from Pumusa Bushcamp. Sodwana Bay is famous for its biodiversity,
featuring pristine coastlines and southernmost coral reefs, home to over 1,200 fish species, including the Coelacanth. The area also offers sightings of various marine life like sharks and turtles. Additionally,
Saint Lucia is a popular tourist spot, offering boat cruises on the St Lucia Estuary for close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and other game in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Cape Vidal, located within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is a popular tourist spot 30km north of St Lucia, providing access to diverse wildlife including elephants, rhinos, and hippos.
The beach is part of the St Lucia Marine Reserve, hosting seasonal visitors like Humpback Whales and loggerhead sea turtles.
It features excellent game viewing, bird watching, and snorkeling opportunities in its sheltered bay.
Pumusa Bushcamp serves as a convenient stopover for travelers to Mozambique, situated 230km from Durban's airport and 160km from the Kosi Bay border.
The road to Maputo is now accessible without a 4x4. Nearby villages like Ponta do Ouro offer local culinary delights. Kosi Bay is also great for game viewing, fishing, and boating.
The camp is rich in wildlife, including various antelope, mongoose species, and nocturnal animals like bushbabies and leopards.
Summer increases reptile and arachnid sightings. Pumusa Bushcamp is environmentally friendly, prohibits hunting, and focuses on wildlife preservation in the Elephant Coast region.
ACCOMMODATION
Rustic Cabin
Rustic Bush cabins under tall evergreen trees with lush gardens outside. En-suite Bathrooms with toilet, basin and shower. Ceiling fan and mosquito nets.
Coffee station in the room. Double bed (2 single beds on request) Free Wi-Fi available in Rooms.
Garden Cottage
Spacious Garden Cottage, en-suite with Bathroom, double wash basin, bath, toilet and shower.
Large Queen Size bed, Bar Fridge, ceiling fan and mosquito nets Coffee and tea station in the room. Free Wi-Fi is available in this room and at the main camp.
Madalas Chalet
Private, self-catering Family Chalet 200m away from main camp. En-Suite bathroom with shower, own private kitchen and garden with one Main bedroom and a lounge/living area.
Double bed in the Main room & 2 single pull out beds in the living area.
Family Cottage
Private self-catering Family Loft Thatched House, En-Suite bathroom with a shower, fridge, sink, ceiling fans, mosquito nets. There is a coffee station in the room.
The main room has a King size bed with 3 single beds in the loft. Braai facility provided. Free Wi-Fi.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
There are a wealth of activities/attractions in the area:
Big 5 game viewing, birding, boat cruises, hiking, snorkeling, horse trails, mountain biking, boating on river lake or sea, paddling, deep-sea fishing, Tiger fishing, scuba diving and more.
Pumusa Bushcamp is ideally located:
- 25km from the Big 5 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
- 5km from False Bay Park iSimangaliso Wetland Park (World Heritage Site)
- 90km to the world famous diving site Sodwana Bay
- Under 1 hour drive to St Lucia Estuary & Town and Cape Vidal
- 40min drive to Kosi Bay and Mozambique border
- 114km to Jozini Dam for Tiger Fishing
Zulu Croc Reptile Park
Zulu Croc offers an hour and a half, hands-on crocodile and snake experience, join is in the Adventure Show being presented daily at 10H00 or 14H00 (Monday to Saturday)
Emdoneni Cheetah Project
Learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species – be mesmerized by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval,
Astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat.
DumaZulu Cultural Village
Watch as locals make spears, shields, baskets and clay pots. Peek into the world of the sangoma and have a one on one reading.
Experience the rhythmic drumbeat and dance of Africa. Taste Zulu beer. Watch the throwing of the bones.
Contact us to book your stay at Pumusa Bushcamp.
We look forward to welcoming you to our little slice of paradise.
