About us

About Pumbaa Wildlife Park

Pumbaa Wildlife Park and Accommodation is a premier wildlife park located in Nelspruit, dedicated to providing a safe and educational haven for large predators and other wildlife animals.

Our mission is to raise awareness about the dangers of keeping these animals as pets and to offer them a spacious, open environment to thrive.

In addition to our wildlife conservation efforts, we also provide on-site accommodation and cater for functions and special events, creating a unique and immersive experience for our visitors.

We have a restaurant on-site, and this allows our guest to experience the natural scenery while enjoying delicious meals.

Our Story

Melanie Maritz: Fulfilling a Childhood Dream at Pumbaa Wildlife Park.

From a young age, Melanie Maritz held a deep-seated dream of making a difference in the lives of animals in need. On November 12, 2017, her dream began to take shape when a friend introduced her to an abandoned warthog, left to fend for himself after being separated from his mother.

This tiny warthog was teetering on the brink of survival, with only a slim chance of making it. Melanie and her dedicated husband, Hennie, provided round-the-clock care and patiently nursed him back to health. It was this experience that sparked a life-changing idea.

Recognizing the necessity of providing a secure and nurturing environment for the young warthog, Melanie and Hennie made a significant decision – they acquired a piece of land. Their choice was guided by the understanding that this young warthog would struggle to thrive in the wild on his own.

This marked the inception of Pumbaa Wildlife Park, an establishment that began with the heartwarming journey of a single little piggy.

Today, Pumbaa is not only living a life of contentment and happiness at the park but is also surrounded by a loving warthog family, including Dolores, Timone, and Nala, each with their own remarkable stories.

At Pumbaa Wildlife Park, the dream of providing assistance to animals has evolved into a haven where numerous animals receive love, care, and an opportunity for a brighter future. Melanie Maritz’s vision has become an inspiring reality, making a profound impact on the lives of these remarkable creatures.

Our Mission

Preserve, protect, and celebrate the diversity of our planet’s wildlife and ecosystems.

Through education, conservation, and responsible care, we aim to inspire a profound connection between people and the natural world, fostering a collective commitment to safeguarding our environment for current and future generations.

Our unwavering dedication to the well-being of animals and the promotion of sustainable practices ensures that our park serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the world of wildlife and environmental conservation.

Wildlife Encounters:

At Pumbaa, we offer unique wildlife experiences for all ages. Encounter these majestic creatures up close, guided by our expert team of naturalists.

Our Core Values

As a wildlife park, our core values reflect our unwavering commitment to conservation, education, and the well-being of our natural world.