While visiting South Africa, we decided to visit a wild game park, so we head for Gorah Elephant Camp, a private reserve within the Addo Elephant National Park, that offers authentic tent accommodations... efficient plumbing but no electricity.  Why not be a little adventurous! 

First, we are greeted at the main gate by a smiling ranger who ask that we avoid running over any dung piles as there could be a flightless dung beetle at work, which are found exclusively in this region.

Armed with our instructions, we drive along the red clay, gravel road to the main camp, which is about a total of 10 kilometers.  Our eyes are fully dilated looking for piles of dung and wild elephants on a charge.  Never thought that the dung piles would be more of a problem than elephants... we expertly and successfully swerved around every pile even if it meant scraping up against the brush along the road.

When we arrive at main camp, we discovered that we had claw marks all along the side of our rental car.  Embarrassed about the car damage, we proudly remarked upon our arrival… "We did not harm a single dung beetle!"  The staff told us that these thorny barbed bushes are called the “African Thorn Acacias”, known to make an impression in the wild. "No problem" our staff informs us, apparently this happens frequently...and they can buff out these fierce marks from our vehicle.

A ranger guides us to our assigned tent, elevated on a wooden platform and connected to the main house by a series of boardwalks.   We learn that this is necessary to avoid their infamous Puff Adders (snakes)!  That certainly puts new meaning to the phrase... `Watch your step!'

Our tent is quite large and comfortable with a neat bathroom behind the wall of our bedroom / sitting room area.  With no electricity, we use candles and lamps for light and our water is heated by gas.  We have all the comforts of home except hairdryers and the ability to charge our camera batteries.  Who needs those things when we can hear the roar of a lion near our tent during the night, or.... catch a glimpse of elephants, lions, zebras, hartebeest, and a family of warthogs drinking from the water-hole off the verandah of the Camp's main house!

On our first morning, we encountered wildlife within out tent.  A crafty little Vervet monkey helps himself to our coffee's sugar bowl but quickly darts through the tent flap opening, leaving a trail of sugar in his wake.  One of the warnings we're given is to keep your flaps closed and locked when not in the tent as the resident monkeys love to reek havoc with guests' belongings looking for sweets.  What about while you are inside?  We found the sneaky buggers up in nearby trees, always keeping watch for a tent-raiding opportunity.

We are taken on two game drives a day with one of the rangers. The late afternoon drive, after tea and refreshments, allows us to see various species foraging for their meals.  When darkness sets in, the nocturnal favorites begin their rounds. 

A female elephant and her 3 year-old feed and play at sunset.  Watching and listening to these wild animals makes us realize how privileged we are that they allow us to be apart of their day.

    
Upon our departure from this fantastic Game Camp, we take care to avoid those thorns while not squashing a dung pile.  To our pleasant surprise, we encounter male lions walking up the road toward us.  With us now experienced with animal encounters, we know that they will ignore us and wander off the road to let us by. 

What a nice farewell treat from the Gorah Elephant Camp.

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