Glamping with Gray Giants – Gorah Elephant Camp

Gorah Elephant Camp recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic safaris of centuries past. Gorah is steeped in history, tradition, and opulence. This exclusive safari tent experience brings you into the breathtaking natural world of Africa. Many adventurers before you have rated Gorah as an unforgettable five-star adventure. Glamping is new word for what safaris had already perfected.

“My discovery of this incredible place began in July 2002. Through my journey with her, I discovered that Gorah is the link between the enigmatic spiritual world that abounds in the wild; and the ancient song in our hearts that we silently ache for every day we are away from it.” – Nicola Schwim, South African game ranger and writer of the History of the Gorah.

Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxury tent camp, with an elegant manor house overlooking a waterhole teeming with wildlife. Sheltered under thatched canopies, Gorah’s 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious, recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s. Each tent has a private deck offering a panoramic view of the endless Savannah plains. The posh interior of the tent is simple and authentic. Solar power lights the tent and turns the ceiling fans. The en-suite bathroom with vanity and shower is discreetly situated providing for complete privacy. Relax and unwind with a book on the comfy couch, or take an afternoon nap on the king-size bed.

Gorah Elephant Camp Tent Suite InsidePhoto: Gorah website

The Gorah House retains its historic magnificence and imparts a magical dining experience. Great attention to detail was given in creating Gorah’s dining experience. Warm fires and paraffin lanterns set the mood for a delicious meal while the open veranda invites the evening breeze. Wines are carefully chosen to enhance and elevate the meal and, to top it off, there is a grand selection of decadent desserts.

The 5,000 hectare private concession of the camp is located deep in the heart of the Addo Elephant National Park. Addo is home to the densest population of elephants on earth. Today these gentle gray giants are safe to roam in peace. Here, you can experience the thrill of quietly watching a herd stroll by. Gorah is also home to the Big Five Game that is touted about in all safari experiences. In case you’re not already in the know, the “Big 5” are the lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Addo is an incredible ecosystem from the large to the small. Watch your feet, you’ll probably see a dung beetle rolling by with its prize.

People have been living and visiting the land of Gorah for an estimated 250,000 years. The indigenous tribes relied on the water known as ‘de Goras’ or natural spring, and created a sense of place and spiritual presence to the area. Colonial settlers moved in, changing the landscape and the history, while the characters played out the drama. There was love, sorrow, and tragedy here, but above all, the peace and guardianship lived on and never changed. The gracious Gorah Manor House, a National Monument built in 1856, is now immaculately restored and period furnished. Gorah Elephant Camp has actively dedicated itself to the conservation of the Addo National Park.

Gorah Elephant Camp Manor HousePhoto: Gorah website

Gorah is a year-round destination. During the summer months from September to April the weather is warm to hot with wonderful balmy evenings. Temperatures can fluctuate from 25ºC – 35ºC in the daytime and there is a chance of rain. The winter is chilly at night and early in the mornings but the daytime temperatures can be pleasantly warm. Every now and then a cold front does pass over the lodge at which time daytime temperatures can be slightly cooler.  Games drives at Gorah are expertly led by passionate and professional guides and are a testament to the noble safaris of old. They intrepidly search the vast terrain for animals; this is the essence of the experience. Excitement lingers long after arriving back at camp from seeing elephant, rhino, and lion in their natural habitat.

See more of what Gorah has to offer by visiting the Gorah Elephant Camp website.

Glamping in Cabins and Tents in Hotel Rooms

In June 2013, The Baltimore Sun Travel discussed glamping and highlighted locations in Maryland. Title image Savage River Lodge.

“For those who want the outdoor experience without sacrificing the comforts of high-end living, there is glamorous camping, or ‘glamping.'” Read the full article.

Glamping is a trend that is not likely to fade as our lives become more fast-paced and connected through technology. The glamping ideology tells us to get away from stress but not sacrifice comfort.

The Sun highlights two glamping experiences. The first is Savage River Lodge with comfortable cabins and tents. Savage River Lodge is located within Western Maryland’s Savage River State Forest, and is a tranquil getaway from a hectic world. And because of high demand, Savage River Lodge will be adding eight yurts to its 18 luxury cabins. The glamping yurts, permanent tent-like structures, are 30 feet in diameter, can sleep two adults and are outfitted with a bathroom, deck, wet bar, and fireplace. “We have been so busy the past few years we decided we needed more units,” said Emily Newman-Edwards, Marketing Manager and Operations Director for Savage River Lodge.

The second is the Four Seasons Hotel with an in-room tent experience for younger guests. “During the summer especially, we welcome a lot of families to the hotel, and we wanted to offer children a unique and memorable experience during their stay,” said Audrey Slade, Four Seasons Baltimore’s Director of Public Relations. “It’s definitely a ‘wow’ when they walk into the room and see the camp amenity.”

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Photo: Four Seasons Baltimore

It’s interesting to note that bigger hotels are taking notice of the glamping trend. If in-room camping works out well for this one, you can bet you will start seeing it at more and more hotels. Ultimately the hotels are only responding to what its guests want. It may not be so surprising if hotels start offering in-room camping for adults too, just a thought.

The two cited glamping examples are just the tip of the iceberg; there are ample glamping destinations worldwide. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go on safari in Africa (although you could) to experience glamping, there is likely to be a place close to where you live already.

People who glamp can step out of their tent, yurt, tree house, or hobbit hole and experience the raw and relaxing simplicity of nature. Not everyone wants to sleep on the hard ground. Besides, what is so authentic and great about sleeping with a rock in your back?  You can enjoy the outdoors without ditching the king-size bed. And isn’t that the point–enjoying nature?

Spotlight: Centara Grand Maldives Island Resort & Spa

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives delivers an exclusive five-star resort experience. Centara represents the apex of barefoot luxury and adventure travel. The stunning blue ocean water and exotic islands of the South Ari Atoll in the republic of Maldives set the backdrop for this amazing resort. Centara will unquestionably be a glamping experience you talk about for the rest of your life.

The resort provides a premium all-inclusive vacation experience, along with a perfect white sand beach and crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean. The resort features 112 suites and villas that are beach front or over water. Guest rooms are complete with a furnished living room area, bathroom with bathtub, or personal Jacuzzi Spa and heavenly rain shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, comfortably furnished terrace, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Whitewashed timber villas with thatched roofs are perched in the lagoon and linked to the island by wooden walkways, evoking the image of a tropical island community. Water Villas are set above the reef in the lagoon with a private stairway leading down to the water. Beach suites are tucked into the fragrant gardens. A white-sand beach rings the island. A suite can comfortably accommodate up to three adults or two adults and two children.

Under the resort’s Ultimate All-Inclusive Plan, this is an paradise island where cash is not required. Guests enjoy champagne breakfasts, superb cuisines for lunch and dinner, an open bar all day up to midnight, mini bar replenished daily, a sundowner cocktail party every evening, generous daily spa credits at Spa Cenvaree, snorkeling water sports and off-island excursions.

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Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives offers more than simply daytime sun, sea and sand. The resort features a variety of dining options, pools, recreation activities, fitness facilities, bars and lounges with nightly entertainment, Spa Cenvaree, and a kids club.

For the discerning leisure travelers, be sure to check out the Island Club. Guests who have booked Island Club Villas enjoy exclusive use of the Island Clubhouse, swimming pool, with a more expansive choice of beverages and popular spirits. Additionally, the club pool features cold towel service, tropical fruits, and refreshing sorbets served in the afternoon and a sun bed concierge service.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is located on South Ari Atoll (Alifu Atoll) in the republic of Maldives and relatively close to Male’ International Airport (MIA). Maldives is an island nation, a compulsory purchase of seaplane transfer service from/to Male’ International Airport is necessary and required for all reservations. Seaplane air transfer time is only 25 minutes to the island.

centara-3A visit to Maldives is incomplete without experiencing the wonders of the underwater world. If you thought the aerial view was breathtaking, exchange your sunglasses for a mask and take a glimpse underwater. This is where the real treasure of the Maldives is hidden. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will feel right at home with the house reef complete with sunken shipwreck. Other top dive spots in Maldives are within an easily reachable distance from the resort as well. Maldives is one of the best diving destinations in the world and offers ample opportunities for the beginner as well as for more experienced divers. You don’t have to be an experienced diver to enjoy the fascinating underwater world of the Maldives. A snorkel, mask and fin is your passport to enrich your holiday experience and to encounter many species of playful fish, turtles and other curious sea-creatures that may be residing in the house reef.

Centara Grand is a divine destination perfect for couples, honeymooners, families, groups, and adventurous travelers. Visit the website for more information and to book your next vacation.