|
Gorah
Elephant Camp, the incomparable thrill of quietly observing a
passing herd of elephant while being served tea on the verandah of a
stately Colonial manor house is the stuff of dreams and legends - at
Gorah it’s an everyday occurrence. This exclusive safari lodge
recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic African safari of
centuries past - the awesome natural world of Africa merged with
colonial nostalgia and modern sophistication to deliver an unforgettably
unique 5 star adventure.
Located
in the heart of the Big 5 Addo Elephant Park in the malaria-free Eastern
Cape, Gorah was the first private concession ever awarded in a South
African National Park. Near the Zuurberg mountain range in the dense,
indigenous bushveld of the Sunday’s River Valley, the 14000 hectare
fenced park was proclaimed in 1931 to preserve the last remaining
survivors of the once large herds of elephant that roamed the Eastern
Cape. Hunted almost to extinction, these herds have gradually flourished
and Addo now boasts the highest density of elephant on earth.
It is also home to other big game such as lion, rhino, buffalo and
leopard, as well as numerous species of antelope and small game. For
birding enthusiasts, Addo has 320 recorded bird species.
Facilities
Originally built in 1856, the Gorah House is a National Monument, fully
restored to reflect the grace and glory of those times with elegant
period furnishings instilling an ambience of comfort and opulence.
Ensconced in armchairs around the original fireplaces of welcoming,
comfy lounges, stories of the day’s adventures unfold. For those
wishing to discover more about the region, there is a small library with
a selection of reference books available.
The comings and goings of wildlife around the waterhole situated in
front of the main verandah are a constant source of fascination. The
natural rock swimming pool is the perfect place to beat the African
heat, otherwise simply relax on the sun decks or in the shade of Gorah
House’s porches and patios.
Delicious and lavish gourmet cuisine is served either in the elegant,
softly lit dining rooms of the Main House or on the old-style verandah
overlooking the waterhole or, weather permitting, under the stars in the
open boma surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
Accommodation
After the exhilaration of a game drive or walk, retreat into a romantic
tented suite - a private bushveld sanctuary. Sheltered beneath thatched
canopies, Gorah’s 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious,
recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s, enhanced with the
fine comfort and excellence associated with Hunter establishments. Each
luxury tent has an en-suite bathroom with shower, an interior relaxation
area and a private deck offering panoramic views across the endless
savannah plains. Other facilities include solar-powered lights, ceiling
fans and in-house communication between the tents and the Main House.
Activities
The recommended check-in time at Gorah is around mid-day. Our sumptuous
buffet lunch is served between 12h30 and 14h00, giving guests plenty of
time to settle into their luxurious tented suites and familiarise
themselves with Gorah’s gracious amenities before High Tea at 16h00. A
Game Drive or Walk with an experienced guide is scheduled for 16h30.
Before sitting down to dinner between seven-thirty and eight, enjoy a
quiet pre-dinner drink on the verandah of Gorah House while soaking in
the sights, smells and sounds of the African bush at twilight. You’re
on African time and there is no rush.
Seize the day! Guests receive a discreet wake-up call at 07h00 and
breakfast is served between 07h30 and 08h45, followed by the morning
game drive or walk at 09h00. Day excursions to Addo Elephant Back
Safaris for a walk with the elephants can be arranged.
Climate
The region’s climate is pleasantly temperate with an annual rainfall
of 450mm occurring throughout the year. Winters are chilly and summers
are warm to hot. Days of sunshine are plentiful at Gorah. Although the
weather is generally moderate, it is advisable to have a warm jacket,
especially for game drives in open vehicles. Although charging
facilities can be made available at Gorah, it is advisable to bring
fully charged video camera batteries, shaver batteries.
|