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Gorah
Elephant Camp
In Early Dec. 2003 we arrived in the
Addo National park after an extensive tour of Cape Town and the
magnificent east coast of South Africa. Everyday and every mile offered
new experiences and instilled our cameras with endless opportunities.
It was to be a journey never to be forgotten. Leaving the Picturesque city of Port Elizabeth we piled our bags in our small rental car and headed off seeking to explore even more of this phenomenal land. The Addo Elephant Park was only an hour drive and was to be our first stop. Entering the park we drove slowly down the small bush road and immediately witnessed numerous wild animals and several huge elephants. This was the beginning of a fascinating three days. Our adrenaline was flowing as we continued toward the lodge. As you can see from our posted photos, the animals are free to roam and enjoy extended stays near the authentic African lodge. After checking in we were escorted to our large, well equipped safari tents. I have ventured to the ends of this incredible planet and have stayed in many tents, but nothing like these. My assigned tent was huge and was totally accommodating with full bathroom, shower, iron claw bathtub and a real porcelain and bronze sink. The tent had solar powered lights and even a ceiling fan. In the center was a large comfortable bed and when the safari tent was zipped, it offered security against mosquitoes and small animals. It was the ultimate comfort in the ultimate atmosphere and sleeping in the presence of wild animals added immensely to the entire experience. The next morning after an excellent buffet breakfast we went on the first of what was to be many eye-opening game drives. I have never seen so many wild elephants in one place as we approached the animals watering hole. I, personally snapped 400 digital photos and an hour of video. The entire crew was busy filming and making subtle gasps as we drove closer and closer to the large herd. The ranger parked the open topped game truck within 150 feet of the elephants and we watched their every moment with aspiration and unsaddled excitement. There were giant bulls, females with calves, a large range of varying sized and aged elephants and they all shared the life giving water at this small lake. And as with any and all animals there were a few tense standoffs and even a few short lived fights between the dominant bulls, but the day was just too warm for an extended display of their massive power. The splendid Gorah house has been completely restored
and furnished to its 19th century heritage. It reflects a noble opulence
and gives rebirth to the time elegance of the era. With comfort and
style it revitalizes its original hunter lodge atmosphere. It is the first
private concession in any South Africa National park and the premier
lodge sets in the heart of the 5,000 hectare malaria-free Addo Elephant
Park, home to the world's densest elephant population. GORAH ELEPHANT CAMP - ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CAPE Embark on a noble safari to an outpost of tented romance at the Gorah Elephant Camp and experience Elephant encounters at matchlessly close range. The game drive allows prime wildlife and native landscape viewing and adds immensely to your adventure. Member - L.I.H.S.A. Conde Nast Traveller 2002 Hot List. The camp can accommodate families, groups, couples or
individuals in their 10 luxury tented suites built under fully thatched
roofs. The suites offer:
The romantic atmosphere of the ten spacious and luxurious tented suites recalls the golden era of safari in the early 1900's while providing the comfort and excellence associated with Africa's finest game lodges. The lodge facilities:
Guests can relax in the boma area with it's beautiful rock swimming pool and sun-drenched decks. The Boma is also perfect for experiencing the African tradition of cooking and eating under the stars. Dining is by candle-light in the elegant dining room, or on its lazy verandas overlooking the waterhole. The sounds of the bush create a magical air of peace and tranquility, broken only by the splashing of water as the animals arrive to drink under the cover of darkness.
Activities: With arguably the best elephant viewing in South Africa,
Addo is also the domain of the Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, numerous
antelope species and a host of bird life. Explore the bush with
experienced rangers in open vehicles, on foot or on horseback. Gorah is
close to the coast and the many other attractions of the Eastern Cape.
The Addo Elephant National Park is situated 65km north of Port Elizabeth near the Zuurberg Range in the dense, indigenous bush area of the Sunday's River Valley. The Park was proclaimed in 1931 to preserve the last survivors of once numerous herds of elephant in the Eastern Cape that were hunted almost to extinction. The park is 14,000 ha of gently undulating valley and is fenced. Some of the game found in the Addo Elephant National Park
includes: South Africa is truly an amazing country and is full of unforgettable adventures and is most definitely the birth-place of Mother Nature and of Mankind. A country that everyone must experience! This business is an honored member of Travelers Digest and we are proud to list them in our South African Preferred Businesses directory and give them our highest recommendations. Click here for Rates, Reservations, or just Inquiries! Review written by the touring editor; Mike Smith. This editorial in its entirety is the sole property of Travelers Digest and may not be distributed, sold or copied without prior written permission of Travelers Digest and/or its licensed representatives.
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