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Gorah Elephant Camp
Gorah Elephant Camp
Gorah Elephant Camp
Gorah Elephant Camp
Gorah Elephant Camp

Gorah Elephant Camp


33°30’31.9"S 25°48’3.1"E

About Gorah Elephant Camp

When it opened in December 2000, Gorah Elephant Camp was the first private concession in a national park ...

... in South Africa. This luxurious camp in Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape offers high standards of accommodation and service. Due to its location directly at a waterhole, even Gorah’s veranda is excellent for watching herds of elephants, which pass by or come for a drink.

Even to a casual visitor, Gorah is clearly a good lodge run to high standards. At its heart, its central manor house is very historic, like a small stately home in the middle of the national park. Some will find this history intimidating; others will love it! Gorah’s tents are large, luxurious and about as formal as you can make a tent feel – but somehow they still feel incongruous next to the manor. If you can get over that, then it’s a lovely place to stay.

Our view

Even to a casual visitor, Gorah is clearly a good lodge run to high standards. At its heart, its central manor house is very historic, like a small stately home in the middle of the national park. Some will find this history intimidating; others will love it! Gorah’s tents are large, luxurious and about as formal as you can make a tent feel – but somehow they still feel incongruous next to the manor. If you can get over that, then it’s a lovely place to stay.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

11 tented suites

Children

Not recommended for children.

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Gorah Elephant Camp

4 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
4 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
4
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ms M fromIsleworth

Arrived 30 Oct 2019, 2 nights

"Gorah Elephant Camp review"

"..sit by the waterhole and watch all the animals at close quarters was wonderful …" Read Ms M ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr JfromHants

Arrived 29 Oct 2018, 2 nights

"Woken by lion roaring outside tent"

"Woken on the second morning by a lion roaring as it wandered around the camp. …" Read Mr J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms S & Mr PfromSuffolk

Arrived 23 Oct 2009, 2 nights

"Gorah Elephant Camp review"

"We had a wonderful stay. Our tent was in a superb location with a view over …" Read Ms S & Mr P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms S & Mr PfromSuffolk

Arrived 1 Nov 2008, 2 nights

"Gorah"

"Another great place. It would be even better if they had a no smoking policy …" Read Ms S & Mr P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Gorah Elephant Camp reviews

Gorah Elephant Camp: Our full report

When it opened in December 2000, Gorah Elephant Camp was the first private concession in a national park ...

... in South Africa. This luxurious camp in Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape offers high standards of accommodation and service. Due to its location directly at a waterhole, even Gorah’s veranda is excellent for watching herds of elephants, which pass by or come for a drink.

Built in 1856, Gorah Elephant Camp is a National Monument which has been carefully restored and refurbished. With its polished silver, crystal, white linen and G&Ts in the afternoon, it gives a feeling of sedate elegance and nostalgia – with more than a touch of formality.

Gorah Elephant Camp consists of 11 tented suites beneath thatched canopies, all spacious and highly comfortable – and in many ways very different in character to the manor house. Each of the palatial tents has got a double bed or two singles, ceiling fans, a sitting area, an en-suite bathroom, which comes with a hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers and Charlotte Rhys body products, and a private deck. All rooms offer complimentary sherry and the possibility of in-house communication.

The communal areas of Gorah Elephant Camp centre around the historic manor house and contain a library of books donated by guests, a small curio shop, a lounge, dining areas, a veranda overlooking the waterhole and the plains and a swimming pool.

Relax with a book from Gorah Elephant Camp’s library by the large lounge’s fireplace or enjoy a tea on the veranda while watching elephants gather at the waterhole in front of the main house.

You can dine in the candle-lit dining room, which offers panoramic views over the Addo plains, or by the crackling log fire in the al-fresco dining area.

Other facilities at Gorah Elephant Camp include a spacious swimming pool with pool loungers on the surrounding sun decks and a luxury waiting room where you can wait while checking in.

Activities from Gorah Elephant Camp focus on game drives - usually two per day - in landcruisers, which are accompanied by qualified rangers and guides. These safaris can be booked as private game drives if travellers wish to. For keen photographers it’s also possible to hire an expert photography guide. Guided bush walks, horseback rides, mountain biking and bird watching are also available.

See our general page on Addo Elephant Park for more information about the flora and fauna, accommodation options and wildlife safaris there.

Geographics

Location
Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
Directions
Flights can be chartered from most major cities, e.g Plettenberg Bay, to a landing strip 20 minutes from the lodge. Or take a scheduled flight into Port Elizabeth and have yourself transferred to the lodge from there.



Self-drive: From Port Elizabeth Airport, travel east on the N2, then take the N10 north towards Patterson and then follow the signs directing you to Gorah Elephant Camp. This 70km-drive will probably take you about three hours.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
The cooking at Gorah Elephant Camp is mainly characterised by formal meals incorporating traditional African flavours.

Lunch is served between noon and 2pm Gorah Elephant Camp; high tea at 4pm, half an hour before the afternoon game drive leaves. Dinner starts around 7:30pm or 8pm, perhaps after some pre-dinner drinks on the lodge’s veranda.

For dinner, Gorah Elephant Camp usually offers a choice between a soup and a starter, and a choice between a red meat, white meat, fish or vegetarian dish. Dessert or cheese platters are also available, all complimented by carefully chosen South African wines.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is not usual at Gorah Elephant Camp, but can be delivered on request. Travellers can choose to dine inside in the dining room overlooking the Addo plains or outside, either in the secluded boma area or on a deep veranda overlooking a waterhole and rolling plains.
Drinks included
While all soft drinks are included, alcoholic beverages have to be paid for extra at Gorah Elephant Camp.

Special interests

Wildlife safaris
The luxurious tented Gorah Camp in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is ideally located for watching elephants: directly opposite a waterhole. In the adjacent Addo National Park you can go on guided 4WD wildlife safaris or self-drive through the wildlife area.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
Children aged 8 or older are allowed to stay at Gorah Elephant Camp.
Property’s age restrictions
Minimum age 8 years
Equipment
At Gorah Elephant Camp, there is no additional equipment for children, and no child-minding available.
Generally recommended for children
Gorah really has a very adult atmosphere and isn’t a good choice for families with children – unless the children are old enough to be very comfortable, and well-behaved, in a fairly sedate adult atmosphere. We would only recommend Gorah Elephant Camp to families with older children.
Notes
Children should be kept under parental supervision due to game risks, especially when joining activities.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Gorah Elephant Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Gorah Elephant Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Brown Hyena

100% success

Buffalo

100% success

Eland

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Lion

100% success

Oryx

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Giraffe

0% success

Hippo

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Meerkat

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Communications

Communications
On our last visit to Gorah Elephant Camp in May 2013 we got cell phone reception in the tents. Satellite connection for accessing the Internet is provided. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout Gorah Elephant Camp, though speeds are limited and the connection can be intermittent.

Sustainability

Gorah Elephant Camp sustainability

Conservation of the Addo National Park

Established in 2000, Gorah Elephant Camp is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, offering exclusive and luxurious African safari experiences.

The lodge was honoured with the SANParks Kudu Award for their contribution to conservation, and was furthermore awarded business partner of the year – a testament to the partnership with an organisation that values sustainability and abides by a ‘minimum interference’ philosophy.

Consistent efforts towards the conservation of the Addo National Park contributed to the re-introduction of elephants in the nearby areas, leading to an increase in numbers from 11 to 450 great grey giants. Daily game drives are led by local experts and guests are offered a spectacular display of the Big 5 including Cape buffalo, lion, black rhino, a variety of antelope and the flightless dung beetle, unique to the area. Moreover, the Garden Route in the Addo National Park – a popular day trip offered at Gorah Elephant Camp – is one of the exclusive destinations in South Africa with more than 25% of visitors exploring the area as part of their trip to South Africa.

At the end of the night, guests are welcomed back with intimate candle-lit dinners prepared by passionate local chefs who are committed to using fresh ingredients purchased from nearby markets or farmers.

Furthermore, the lodge’s work and additional donations from guests support the local Langbos Squatter Community Crèche which aims to provide education to underprivileged children in the community as well as raising awareness about the risks of HIV. Funds raised also helped with the construction of a vegetable garden and a soup kitchen for the entire community to use.

See more great sustainability projects in South Africa

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There is a doctor in Addo Town, about a 30-minute drive from Gorah Elephant Camp. The closest serious hospital can be found in Port Elizabeth.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Guests at Gorah Elephant Camp are escorted by an armed guard during the night.
Fire safety

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Laundry service is available at an extra cost. The washing will be done within 24 hours outside the camp, as there are no laundry facilities at Gorah Elephant Camp itself.
Money
Each tented suite at Gorah Elephant Camp has a safe.
Accepted payment on location
Gorah Elephant Camp accepts Visa, Mastercard and Amex cards.

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Gorah Elephant Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Gorah Elephant Camp.


Other lodges in Addo Elephant National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Elephant House

Elephant House

Elephant House is a welcoming, owner-run base for those wishing to explore the Addo Elephant National Park and the surrounding area.


78% (8 reviews)
River Bend Lodge

River Bend Lodge

Located on a private concession within the Addo Elephant National Park Riverbend Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to discover Addo.


92% (5 reviews)
Addo Main Camp

Addo Main Camp

Addo Rest Camp offers a variety of self-catering accommodation types to suit all tastes. Overlooking a floodlit waterhole, the camp allows guests to get a closer view of the elephants in the park.


95% (4 reviews)
Camp Fig Tree

Camp Fig Tree

Camp Fig Tree is a luxurious lodge located just outside Addo Elephant Park. It is well situated for visits to the park itself.


100% (2 reviews)
Camp Matyholweni

Camp Matyholweni

An easily accessible safari camp in Addo Elephant Park, Matyholweni offers self-catering family cottages, as well as access to the nearby town of Colchester.


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When to go to Addo Elephant National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Gorah Elephant Camp in Addo Elephant National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

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