Uncertain of what to do once you arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport?

How about a cup of tea, then? This is no ordinary cup of tea, but one with elephants, which is best had at The Gorah House.

You will find Gorah House roughly 75 km from Port Elizabeth airport. The Addo Elephant Park and Gorah House is a must to visit. The official website offers detailed directions and a timetable for opening times. You will not find another, more stunning tribute to “Out of Africa” than this place. While waiting for your order to arrive, an amazing assortment of animals will casually make their way down to the watering hole.

The combination of this beautifully restored colonial manor, the wild animals and period piece furniture make the afternoon surreal. It would seem perfectly normal if Meryl Streep, dressed in Khaki and wide brimmed hat, walked out one of the doors.

After a game viewing day you can, have a dip in their organic rock pool. Then go and enjoy a sumptuous meal out on the veranda, with candlelit tables and the full moon illuminating the waterhole. You could hear hyenas insanely giggling as they gnaw at bones or even the far away feline growls of a lion pack.

The guides and staff at the Addo Elephant Park are friendly and informative of the wildlife in the region. These outdoor folk have fascinating anecdotes about the bush and of course the elephants.

The highlight of your holiday would be to book the “walk with the elephant’s” excursion. To be up close and personal with these gentle, wrinkled giants is memorable. Their rheumy eyes have long eye lashes that are somewhat out of place on such a large grizzled animal.

Depending on the time of your visit, you can see the incredibly cute little infants.

Should you prefer to get a little closer to the African bush, then the new Tented Camp at Spekboom Hide is just the thing. They have created an area where you can safely sleep under the African stars in nothing but a tent. The tents are erected on wooden platforms and each tent can sleep two people comfortably; you are reminded to bring your own battery lamps and torches as there is no electricity running to the actual Hide. They want to try keeping it as natural as possible. You can make enquiries with SAN Parks central reservations.

You can make enquiries with SAN Parks central reservations:

• Central Reservations (Pretoria):
  Tel: +27 (0)12 428 9111 or
  mobile: +27(0)82-233-9111

  Call Centre Office Hours (GMT+2)
  Monday to Friday - 07:30 - 17:00
  Saturday - 08:00 - 13:00

• Addo Elephant Park:
  Gorah Elephant Camp,
  Addo Elephant Park,
  Addo,
  6600,
  Eastern Cape,
  South Africa

  Gate opening and closing times:
  The entrance gate is open from 07:00 to 19:00 but is staffed by a security guard between 19:00 and 07:00.

  Contact: Debbie Goosen,
  Tel: +27 (0)21 782-9754,
  Fax: +27 (0)86 511-6122