In the know

Our favourite rooms: Each of the 11 tented lodges in Ian Hunter’s hotel is identical, with huge canopied double beds, jaw-dropping views and attention paid to every luxurious detail. The enormous showers have double-heads, offering sun-heated rainwater and a solar-powered jet spray. None of the rooms has any electrical appliances – the hotel is strictly an electrics-free zone.
Packing tips: A camera and camcorder are necessary additions to the kitbag to capture the postcard-perfect panoramas and abundant wildlife. Lions, leopard, buffalo, ostrich and antelope – not forgetting the elephants that make Addo famous – all roam nearby.
Also: There are walking trails around the camp, and, for an extra charge, horse-riding or mountain biking are an option for those who don’t want to get too relaxed.

Current offers

Smith card offer: Complimentary bottle of wine from their cellar and romantic evening turn-down service

Gorah Elephant Camp

Addo, South Africa[view map]

Style: Bastion of imperial glamour
Setting: Stunning South African savannah

SAFARI COLLECTION Embraced by the enchanting wilderness of Addo National Park, this luxury safari lodge merges Victorian colonial style with modern creature comforts, offering a harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure. With opulence at every turn, and nature around every corner, Gorah Elephant Camp is the most pampering campsite in South Africa.

Need to know

Rooms: 11.
Rates: R2,590–R4,995, including meals, game drives and 14 per cent VAT.
Check-out: Midday.
Facilities: Valet parking, room service, library, outdoor swimming pool, barbecue, gardens, Charlotte Rhys toiletries.
Also: Non-smoking tents can be arranged if required.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: The candlelit dining room is an elegant snapshot of Victorian yesteryear. The varied three-course set menu boasts a variety of cuisines but all food is locally sourced and prepared on site. Attentive silver-service adds to the aristocratic ambience.
Dress code: Shorts and sunhats are of course permitted, but the period grandeur of the dining room would seem to require something a little snazzier.
Top table: For a more authentic African experience, take a seat on the verandah and dine overlooking the waterhole. Listen to the soothing sounds of the bush and watch elephants quenching their thirst while you sip champagne.
Last orders: Dinner is served 7.30–9pm, with other meals provided throughout the day. Food and drink can be provided for guests at any time.
Hotel bar: Tents come complete with crystal decanters of sherry and staff deliver creamy Amarula liqueurs as nightcaps, but a wide range of drinks are also available in all parts of the hotel, from brandy in the library to fresh lemonade by the pool.

Other facilities

Children: This hotel is better suited to couples - leave the children at home!
Weddings: This hotel is suitable for weddings. More info…

Smith card offer

Complimentary bottle of wine from their cellar and romantic evening turn-down service

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member

Smith concierge

If you’d prefer to talk to someone, or you’re having trouble booking online, ring our travel team on 0845 034 0700 (+44 20 8987 4312 from outside the UK). We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.