Gorah Elephant Camp

One of the very best experiences of our lives, so relaxing, you can feel your blood pressure go down ☺️ The hotel/main lodge was unbelievable, lit by candlelight at night and a watering hole just in front where we watched zebras and elephants while we sat enjoying a G&T. Service was excellent from everybody we met. We were even given personalised water bottles from the member of staff on the main gate. The food was the best we had in South Africa and we had some great food but this was a step up. And the same goes for the wine. We were never hungry! Small things like our names being on our menus was amazing and its small touches like this that really makes the experience more memorable. The two Game Drives each day were incredible and we saw every animal we hoped to see. Nice things like blankets & hot water bottles on the jeep when it was chilly were very welcome and on the morning game drive our guide would set up hot drinks and snacks, this was only bettered by the afternoon game drives refreshments being a G&T and more snacks. 🍸 The room (one of 11 Luxury Thatched Tents) was so lovely with a huge attention to detail and amazing service all day, especially the 'turn down' service that often included the little heater being put on for us and a hot water bottle in the bed on the cooler nights. There was a full drinks cabinet in the room with the ice being replenished regularly. With the canvas sides you felt like you were living outside some times. Special mentions go to Kevin who was the most supreme of guides and great bar tender in the afternoon 😀 and his wife Simone, front of house. What a team! And thanks also to Donald. We had the very best time ever thanks to everyone we met at Gorah and we would highly recommend this experience.

We have been visiting Gorah since 2006 and this was our 5th celebrating a special birthday. Everyone at Gorah makes this the perfect place to visit and relax at. With only 11 exceptional tents it’s always very intimate and the evenings are spent enjoying high quality food in the lodge with a roaring fire and candle light. During the day the game drives are always great and sunset drinks never disappoint. We will be returning to Gorah but not waiting another 5 years to do so. We have also stayed at Tsala which is part of the Hunter Collection and again we plan to revisit as unfortunately we could only spend 2 nights on a previous trip. If you want special then Gorah is the place. Thank you to everyone at Gorah you made our trip so special. Nigel & Cathy

This was one of the best places we have ever stayed in. From the moment we arrived until we left we had the most fantastic and amazing time. The people who work here are very friendly and efficient, they could not have been any more helpful. Our guide Werner was first class, he really made our stay. He is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we learnt so much and saw so many animals and birds. The watering hole in front of the main residence is a highlight and you can sit here for hours watching the ever changing animal scenery. Every meal we had was delicious, thanks to the chef. The “tents” are very spacious and comfortable with a lovely outdoor seating area for more animal spotting. Nothing is too much trouble for those who work here and we are already thinking about a return visit. Diolch yn fawr iawn. Thank you very much to everyone at Gorah.

Simone Coetzee was a fantastic host at Gorah and Werner LeRoux was a fabulous guide. This was our 2nd visit to Gorah and the facility, accommodation and overall Safari experience was incredible. All inclusive with meals with great food, a morning and late afternoon drive and the opportunity to see animals up close as they come to the watering hole located behind the main lodge. Sleeping in the luxury tents and hearing the sounds of the night were also a highlight. Thanks so much to Simone, Werner and the lodge staff in making our 2nd visit as incredible as the first. This is a great safari experience.

Our expectations were truly exceeded at Gorrah. We had an amazing three night stay and the staff were absolutely fantastic - shout out to Justin, Elizabeth, Donald, Siya and Cheryl (and everyone else). Nothing was too much for them and they accommodated our every request. The food was absolutely delicious and the team kindly worked around all our dietary requirements. The lodge is situated around a watering hole in the middle of the bush and you truly experience the beauty of nature - stumbling across zebras walking to the tent to watching elephants whilst eating breakfast. Justin, our ranger was a fountain of knowledge, patiently explaining everything we were seeing and ensuring that we got the best from the experience. A huge thank you to the whole team for giving us memories of a lifetime. The Dwek family.

Our second stay at Gorah and it was just as memorable as the first. What sets Gorah apart from the majority of safari lodges we've been lucky enough to visit is the quality of sightings between game drives !! The proximity of the water hole directly in front of the lodge pretty much guarantees sightings of elephant, zebra, warthog, red hartebeest, black rhino, buffalo, vervet monkeys etc throughout the day & night. The game drives are terrific too. Gorah enjoys a strong team of guides, all with excellent knowledge of the Addo mammals, birds & plants which they share with enthusiasm and humour. The two drives per day explore both the Gorah concession and the broader Addo National Park in search of the best sightings. The modern vehicles are equipped with blankets, ponchos, hot water bottles etc as well as the obligatory camp table & portable bar for sundowners. The tented suites are fantastic, equipped with everything you would expect in a 5 star luxury hotel (including a free mini bar). Each suite has a deck overlooking the beautiful savannah which is a helpful reminder that there are no fences between you & the animals you encounter on your game drives !! The Manor House is an elegant throwback to the filmset of Out of Africa. Breakfast, lunch, dinner & afternoon tea are all served in the Manor House and were excellent quality. It's worth noting that all drinks (other than a few premium brands) are included at Gorah which is not always the case, so it's good value compared to other safari options, Gorah is lucky to have a fantastic team who go out of their way to make your stay a special experience. All of them were brilliant but for us Sia, Travis, Mavis, & Simoné were the absolute stars. Finally, if you self-drive from Port Elizabeth, make sure you follow the directions along the N2 to the Mathyolweni Entrance of Addo Elephant National Park and DO NOT take the shorter R335 through Motherwell, it's not safe...... We look forward to our third stay.....