Experience the adventure and romantic mystique of the authentic African safari of centuries past. Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxurious tented camp, with a gracious manor house overlooking a waterhole teaming with game in the heart of the Addo National Park.
LOCATION
The 5 000 hectare private concession is located deep in the heart of the Addo Elephant National Park, 70km north-east of the Eastern Cape coastal city of Port Elizabeth, the nearest centre with a major airport. With sweeping views, indigenous fauna and the densest population of elephants in the world, Gorah epitomises the safari experience, steeped in history, tradition and opulence.
HISTORY: A PLACE OF INTIMATE SECRETS AND MYSTERY
For over 250 000 years ago, people had been visiting this place for different reasons. All have been enchanted, enthralled and captivated by the beauty and energy that permeates from the land that is Gorah. Early Stone Age transcended into Middle and then to Later Stone Age.
The indigenous tribes relied on the water which became known as ‘de Goras’ or the natural spring, and created a sense of place, mystery and spiritual presence to the area.
Colonial settlers moved in, changing the landscape, and the history, while the characters played out the drama of the typical Eastern Cape bushveld or “fynbos veld”. There was love, sorrow, and tragedy here, but above all, the peace and guardianship lived on, and never changed.
The Anglo-Boer war brought change. After that war, the farm was handed down, and Gorah was left to ruin to great sadness. A few people got together to rise above the rubble and have the old farm incorporated into the expanding Addo Elephant National Park.
Gorah was saved again by those men who saw its true potential – and from the ruins rose one of the most beautiful camps ever created in South Africa.
The gracious Gorah Manor House, a National Monument built in 1856, immaculately restored and period furnished, recalls the opulence and romance of the noble safari.
Lazy colonial verandas spill out onto the African plains overlooking the waterhole, and eleven luxury-tented suites with thatched canopies, comfortable king size beds and private terraces, all en-suite, perch over the panoramic landscape. Personalised, warm and unobtrusive service with meticulous attention to detail – hallmarks of Hunter’s properties – is of the highest standard.
Sheltered under thatched canopies, Gorah’s 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious, recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s.
Each is enhanced with the fine comforts and excellence associated with Hunter Hotels.Each lavish tent has its own private deck offering a panoramic view of the endless savannah plains. The plush interior of the tent is enhanced through the simplicity and the authenticity of solar power lighting and ceiling fans.
The en suite bathroom with bespoke vanities and shower is discreetly situated to allow for complete privacy.
To complete the experience the tented suite invites you to completely relax and unwind with a book on the comfy couch, or take an afternoon nap on the king size bed, with 300 count cotton sheets enveloping you and sending you to dreamland.
Sheltered under thatched canopies, Gorah’s 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious, recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s. Each is enhanced with the fine comforts and excellence associated with Hunter Hotels.
Each lavish tent has its own private deck offering a panoramic view of the endless savannah plains.
The plush interior of the tent is enhanced through the simplicity and the authenticity of solar power lighting and ceiling fans.
Dinner is a real occasion at Gorah. As you enter Gorah House with its historic magnificence, the magic surrounds you. Candle lit ‘secret’ corners with warm fires and paraffin lanterns put a soft layer of romance on the entire house in winter.
Chefs are committed to serve freshly prepared dishes and will deliciously satisfy any dietary requirements.
During summer the open veranda doors invitingly coax in the evening breeze, while the mood is set for a sumptuous meal.
Estate wines carefully chosen to elevate the meal, and a good selection of international beverages, enhance the dining experience.
The veranda at the front of the colonial Gorah House overlooks the watering hole and the plains behind it. An idyllic setting to enjoy ‘el fresco’ dining, deliciously prepared daily by Gorah chefs with passion and creativity.
The outdoor Boma is another gathering place for dinner under the vast African sky. Open fires light up the night, exuding warmth as you relax to the time honoured art of cooking on wood and coal.
The Gorah chefs have perfected the art of an extravagant outdoor gourmet barbeque, with an array of dishes reflecting different aspects of African cuisine. Share stories, indulge in the fare and take in the sounds of the night as you dine.
During the colonial era, the vast expanses of land, wild animals and fascinating encounters with rural tribes, led to legendary tales of Africa that have shaped history and drawn more and more visitors to this magical and mystical place. To experience Gorah is to get a taste of this history.
Discover its captivating rhythm that calls for adventure and fills your soul with an intense passion for the ever changing landscape, the majestic animals and the cultural diversity.
Children staying at Gorah go on an exciting journey through time to discover the enchantment of this distinctive camp and the incredible Addo National Park.
Hosting a conference at Gorah creates a rare opportunity to share, explore and grow your business in an exceptional environment.
A Deep Sea Fishing adventure with operators is a day in good company and fresh air.
With the romantic mystique of an authentic African safari of centuries past as the creative backdrop to your ideas and concepts, is it guaranteed to be a success.
Addo National Park is home to the densest population of elephants on earth, African’s largest land mammal. Guests are able to get up close to, taking in their incredible stature and grace.
The charm of the small cathedral city of Grahamstown owes much to history.
An “Out of Africa” honeymoon is the quintessence of romance and luxury, it is what honeymoon dreams are made of. Gorah delivers on that dream from the moment you arrive, until you leave, relaxed, happy and in love.
This 2-day trail takes you along the scenic Sundays River, and starts and ends in a little hamlet called Cannonville – situated just 30 minutes’ drive north of Port Elizabeth.
Every July the National Arts Festival transforms the tranquil city of Grahamstown into a boisterous, bubbling platform for the performing and visual arts.
To celebrate a wedding at Gorah is a dream.
Raggy Charters is the only licensed boat-based whale and dolphin watching permit holder in the Port Elizabeth area.
The heritage of Gorah is bestowed in its history, its animals and the landscape. Children staying at Gorah go on an exciting journey through time to discover the enchantment of this distinctive camp and the incredible Addo National Park. At Gorah we create a fun environment for children. They experience what it was like to walk in the shoes of the forefathers who lived at Gorah.
The guides take special care to spend time with the children on game drives or back at the camp, teaching and guiding them through the wonders of history, nature and the African bush.
Children 10+ can go on game drives.
GORAH ELEPHANT CAMP
P.O Box 239, Addo, 6105, South AfricaGorah Elephant CampAddo Heights RoadAddo National Park, 6105Eastern CapeSouth Africa